Westchester County Department of Environmental Services Division
LABORATORY TECHNICIAN (ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE)
DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS: Under the supervision of professional laboratory personnel, an incumbent in this position performs important chemical, physical and bacteriological tests of environmental samples and other products, which involve the accurate completion of a variety of standardized tests and procedures in the discipline of Environmental Science. Responsibility includes preparing sample digestates, sample extracts, solutions and standards, as well as maintaining equipment in accordance with established procedures. Incumbents are expected to assist higher-level laboratory personnel in complex analyses.
EXAMPLES OF WORK:
- Performs standardized bacteriological and/or chemical analyses of water, wastewater, estuarine samples, wipes and swabs, leachates, soils, and other products including total and fecal coliform, standard plate count, turbidity, conductivity, alkalinity, chemical oxygen demand, gravimetric methods, detergents, nutrients, solids, hexavalent chromium, nitrites, UV-254, etc.
- Prepares buffers, reagents and standards utilizing quality control procedures.
- Performs sample digestions, separations, extractions and purification for sample preparation by higher-level personnel.
- Maintains upkeep of laboratory instruments and equipment, before and after usage, as well as the general cleanliness and safety conditions in the laboratory.
- Records results and makes reports of findings, ensuring adherence to quality control standards.
- Uses computer applications or other automated systems such as spreadsheets, word processing, calendar, e-mail and database software in performing work assignments.
- May perform other incidental tasks, as needed.
MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:
- Satisfactory completion of at least 2 courses in one of the chemical, biological, physical, or environmental sciences classes, which may have also included at least one lab practical course and/or training in lab techniques.
Additional Eligibility Criteria:
- GPA: 2.5 or better, student in good standing
- 24 hours of earned credits at time of internship
- Approval of Curriculum Char or other Faculty in Major
- Ability to work 8 hours a week/120 hours over the semester in the internship
- Must be enrolled at SUNY WCC in a credit bearing industry related degree program at time of internship.
Other Important Details:
Hiring Manager: Robert Hilbrandt – Chief of Environmental Lab Services
Pay: WCC College Interns will be paid by the college at minimum wage for up to 120 hours. Must be enrolled in credit bearing course at WCC during time on internship to be paid.
Duration & Hours: FALL 2026: 15-week Fall semester would equate to 8 hours/week. Schedule determined by department and student.
How to Apply: Click this link to apply: Fall 2026 Westchester County Internship Application – Fill out form