Wastewater Technician

Position Focus:

 

The Yale Carbon Containment lab is hiring a Wastewater Field Technician to take part in a new research effort studying how wastewater can be utilized to capture atmospheric carbon. Based on-site at one or more wastewater treatment facilities in Connecticut, the Wastewater Field Technician will lead the deployment and operation of mobile wastewater treatment reactors that are custom-built for experimentation.

Reporting to the Project Manager, the Wastewater Field Technician is responsible for work on mobile wastewater treatment reactors which involves equipment operation; inspecting and servicing parts and equipment; completing preventative maintenance measures; collecting samples and conducting chemical analyses; analyzing and presenting results to project team, funders, and potential partners; and developing procedures and protocols for future implementation of the reactors. You will utilize knowledge and skills in mechanical, electrical, instrumentation and laboratory work to perform assigned duties as part of ongoing research effort.

The role of the Wastewater Field Technician involves the following duties:

 

• Independently managing on-site installation, repair, maintenance and testing of custom-built wastewater reactors. Monitoring, recording, and analyzing information from motors, flow recorders, pressure/vacuum gauges and any other equipment. Diagnosing errors or technical problems in real time and determining proper solutions. Maintaining clear documentation of problems, interventions, and results. Operating vehicles and large machinery in a safe manner. Developing procedures and protocols for proper use of reactor regarding safety, efficiency, and sampling methodology. Actively work with on-site technical teams and project staff to ensure safe operation of reactors and schedule maintenance as needed. Regularly collecting wastewater samples for chemical analysis. Leading a team of undergraduate students to conduct surveys of surrounding ecological systems. Conducting chemical analyses in the laboratory setting. Independently compiling, analyzing, and presenting interim results to project teams, funders, and potential site partners as needed. Scheduling site visits for project partners in collaboration with onsite facilities staff. Ensuring health and safety protocols on site are followed. Performing other related duties as required.

Essential Duties

 

1. Recommends the design and implementation of procedures and protocols under the direction of a higher-level authority. 2. Investigates, analyzes, and reaches preliminary scientific conclusions related to research planning 3. Ensures data results are compiled, analyzed, and presented properly. 4. Analyzes, develops and interprets scientific results. Maintains clear documentation of results. Prepares scientific reports and papers for research proposals and published reports. 5. Performs independent research and laboratory techniques and participates in experimental research planning. 6. Interacts with internal contacts including the PI, research assistants, graduate students, Radiation Safety and Biological Safety officers, and Animal Care personnel to discuss and evaluate research results and to ensure the smooth and safe operation of the laboratory. 7. Interacts with external contacts such as researchers at other institutions, staff at biotechnology and reagents companies to consult on research methods and to keep abreast of product information and developments. 8. May perform other duties as assigned.

 

Required Education and Experience

 

Master’s Degree in a scientific discipline and one year experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

 

Required Skill/Ability 1:

 

Ability to install, repair, and maintain machinery, such as small batch reactors in a wastewater setting.

 

Required Skill/Ability 2:

 

Experience collecting samples, conducting chemical analyses, and analyzing results.

 

Required Skill/Ability 3:

 

Attention to detail and good communication skills.

 

Required Skill/Ability 4:

 

Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work well both independently and in a team environment. Ability to work flexible shifts and to adapt to changing work schedules.

 

Required Skill/Ability 5:

 

Proven abilities lifting, carrying objects weighing up to 50 lbs., walking, standing, bending, carrying for extended periods of time, using common hand–tools for routine maintenance & repair for extended periods of time, working outside in all weather conditions, exposure to noxious odors, raw and/or treated sewage, and dirty conditions.

 

Preferred Education, Experience and Skills:

 

Valid EOCP Wastewater Treatment Certificate, Class I. Minimum of 2-3 years of experience in related Field Technician role.

University Job Title

 

Research Associate 1, MS

 

Bargaining Unit

 

None - Not included in the union (Yale Union Group)

 

Time Type

 

Full time

 

Duration Type

 

Fixed

 

If Fixed Duration, Period

 

1 year from date of hire

 

If Fixed Duration, is continuation possible?

 

Yes

 

Other Fixed Duration Date

 

10-Oct-2022

 

Compensation Grade

 

Clinical & Research

 

Compensation Grade Profile

 

Research Associate 1 MS (22)

 

Wage Ranges

 

Click here to see our Wage Ranges

 

Worksite Address

 

195 Prospect Street
New Haven, CT 06511

 

Work Week

 

Standard (M-F equal number of hours per day)

 

Total # of hours to be worked:

 

37.5

 

Drug Screen

 

No

 

Health Screening

 

No

 

Background Check Requirements

 

All candidates for employment will be subject to pre-employment background screening for this position, which may include motor vehicle, DOT certification, drug testing and credit checks based on the position description and job requirements. All offers are contingent upon the successful completion of the background check. Please visit www.yale.edu/hronline/careers/screening/faqs.html for additional information on the background check requirements and process.

 

COVID-19 Vaccine Requirement

 

Please note that the university has a COVID-19 vaccination requirement; visit for details. For up-to-date information visit the COVID-19 website

Posting Disclaimer

 

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the essential functions that will be required of the position and should not be construed as a declaration of specific duties and responsibilities of the particular position. Employees will be assigned specific job-related duties through their hiring departments.

 

Affirmative Action Statement:

 

Yale University considers applicants for employment without regard to, and does not discriminate on the basis of, an individual’s sex, race, color, religion, age, disability, status as a veteran, or national or ethnic origin; nor does Yale discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity or expression. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 protects people from sex discrimination in educational programs and activities at institutions that receive federal financial assistance. Questions regarding Title IX may be referred to the University’s Title IX Coordinator, at TitleIX@yale.edu, or to the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, 8th Floor, Five Post Office Square, Boston MA 02109-3921. Telephone: 617.289.0111, Fax: 617.289.0150, TDD: 800.877.8339, or Email: ocr.boston@ed.gov.

 

Note

 

Yale University is a tobacco-free campus