Environmental Laboratory Auditor - Inorganic Chemistry (Chemist 3) (2 positions)

State of Washington•Kitsap County – Manchester, WA

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Department of Ecology is hiring two Environmental Laboratory Auditor - Inorganic Chemistry (Chemist 3) positions within the Environmental Assessment Program. These positions will help protect Washington’s environment and public health by accrediting environmental laboratories. In this role, you will perform laboratory assessments for inorganic chemistry testing procedures, with a primary focus on wastewater laboratories at wastewater treatment plant facilities. This position offers meaningful scientific work with opportunities to broaden your technical expertise, support statewide environmental initiatives, and play an important role in maintaining the integrity of Washington’s laboratory accreditation program.

Requirements

Eight (8) years of experience and/or education related to the duties of the position, which must include all the following:
Scientific Method Application (Inorganic Chemistry) – Demonstrated ability to evaluate laboratory procedures, QA/QC, SOPs, and analytical data for inorganic chemistry, to ensure published methods are correctly and consistently used. Follows established protocols and applies discipline-specific knowledge to support laboratory accreditation standards.
Collaborative Communication – Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively with colleagues, partners, and customers while communicating clearly and respectfully in writing and verbally. Shares information openly, documents work effectively, and builds strong, trusting relationships to support shared goals and successful outcomes.
Attention to Detail – Ability to review documents, data, and procedures carefully to ensure accuracy and traceability.
Problem Solving – Ability to identify issues, analyze information, and recommend practical solutions to improve work processes and outcomes.
Technical Assistance – Ability to explain processes, answer questions, and provide guidance to help environmental laboratories understand and meet accreditation standards.
Education involving a major study in chemistry, environmental science, microbiology, or a related scientific field with a minimum of 30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours of college-level chemistry.
Examples of how to qualify:
8 years of experience.
7 years of experience AND 30-59 semester or 45-89 quarter college credits.
6 years of experience AND 60-89 semester or 90-134 quarter college credits (Associate’s degree).
5 years of experience AND 90-119 semester or 135-179 quarter college credits.
4 years of experience AND a Bachelor’s degree.
2 years of experience AND a Master’s degree.
1 year of experience AND a PhD.
Must be able to obtain and maintain a federal EPASS for the Manchester Lab facility.

Nice To Haves

Professional Judgment – Ability to evaluate information and apply guidelines appropriately to make fair, well-supported recommendations.
Adaptability – Ability to adjust to changes in procedures, priorities, or technology to stay effective in the role.
Regulatory Understanding – Ability to apply established standards and requirements to ensure work is completed in compliance with applicable rules.
Audit and Review – Ability to assess work practices and documentation to identify strengths, deficiencies, and needed improvements.
Record Management – Ability to organize and maintain accurate records and documentation to support transparency and accountability.
Technology and Software Use – Ability to use databases, spreadsheets, and standard software tools to document work, analyze information, and communicate effectively.

Responsibilities

Processes applications for laboratory accreditation.
Review quality assurance manuals, standard operating procedures, analytical data, and performance testing results submitted in support of applications for accreditation.
Make recommendations to the Laboratory Accreditation Unit supervisor on whether laboratories can produce accurate and defensible analytical data.
Prepare correspondence informing laboratories of their accreditation status.
Conduct mostly on-site and occasional virtual audits of laboratories, either independently or in collaboration with a microbiology auditor.
Prepare reports of audit findings and recommend corrective actions to improve laboratory procedures.
Track compliance with audit findings.
Provide technical support to wastewater treatment plant laboratories at municipal and industrial facilities.