Lab Associate

The NYC Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) enriches the environment and protects public health for all New Yorkers by providing 1.1 billion gallons of high quality drinking water, managing wastewater and stormwater, and reducing air, noise, and hazardous materials pollution. DEP is the largest combined municipal water and wastewater utility in the country, with nearly 6,000 employees. DEP's water supply system is comprised of 19 reservoirs and 3 controlled lakes throughout the system’s 2,000 square mile watershed that extends 125 miles north and west of the City.

The Bureau of Water Supply seeks to hire a Laboratory Associate Level II for a position in Distribution Water Quality Operations’ Distribution Laboratory located in Queens, New York. Under supervision, of the Laboratory Support Section Supervisor, the Laboratory Associate’s will support the Distribution Laboratory in continuing to operate 365 days per year and ensure compliance with New York State Environmental Laboratory Approval Program (ELAP) and other applicable regulatory requirements. They will provide essential laboratory support for sample processing and analysis. Specific duties include:

- Assisting in the Distribution Laboratory’s chemistry washroom and microbiology media preparation room.

- Assisting in tasks including washing laboratory glassware by machine and by hand.

- Sterilizing of biological waste and sampling processing materials using autoclaves.

- Cleaning of tables and other working surfaces.

- Performing sample delivery for analysis.

- Maintaining laboratory equipment, including autoclaves, washers, and distilled water systems.

- Assisting in basic laboratory support tasks, such as measuring sample pH, preparing sample processing materials, collecting materials from lab sections, data entry, records management, labeling, filing, storing and distributing laboratory supplies and equipment.


(This is a brief description of what you might do in this position and does not include all the duties of this position.)


Some of the physical activities performed by Laboratory Associates and environmental conditions experienced may be exposure to infectious materials such as blood, body fluids and tissue, and exposure to hazardous chemicals. Laboratory Associates may be required to wear protective gear including gloves, aprons, goggles, face shields and/or respirators.
Special Working Conditions: Laboratory Associates may be required to work shifts including nights, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays.


Preferred Skills:

- Basic computer skills preferred with the ability to perform simple tasks such as: data entry, responding to and writing emails, tracking material inventory electronically

- Strong communication skills are desirable

- Ability to clean and prepare sample processing materials and work surfaces and maintain instruments

- Good reading and writing skills are required

- Ability to follow instructions according to standard operating procedures

- Ability to multitask

- Attention to detail

- Interpersonal skills

- Time management

LABORATORY ASSOCIATE - 21512

High school diploma or its equivalent and:
1. One year of appropriate full-time experience or training in a biological, chemical, or clinical laboratory; or

2. Eight credits, including laboratory coursework, in biology, chemistry, or medical technology, from an accredited college or university; or

3. A satisfactory equivalent combination of (1) and (2) above. However all candidates must have a high school diploma or its equivalent.

The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.