Process Laboratory Specialist I

King County•Seattle, WA

7d•Onsite

About The Position

This is a transfer opportunity, and first consideration is given to qualified transfer-eligible employees in the same classification at King County. If no qualified transfer-eligible candidate is selected, external applicants will be considered. As a socially responsible clean water agency, the Wastewater Treatment Division protects public health and the environment by recovering and reusing valuable resources to benefit the communities where we live and work. WTD treats billions of gallons of wastewater each year and generates reclaimed water, renewable energy, and valuable biosolids. Within the WTD, the West Point Process laboratory monitors plant and Offsite facilities discharge into Puget Sound, and monitors plant operations through physical, chemical and microbiological testing. The lab and the data produce is an essential part of ensuring regulatory compliance and protecting the environment. The are opportunities for job progression within the Process Lab Specialist classification with clear modules and expectations for successful completion. As for technical development, the successful candidate will work with the operations and process teams to improve and expand knowledge. We value creative thinking that drives us to continuously improve public service. Tap into your desire to serve the public, protect the environment, and discover new and better ways to make a meaningful impact. The Process Lab Specialist will be responsible for ensuring all permit-required testing and monitoring testing for the plant’s processes/combined sewer overflow (CSO) facilities are completed correctly and in a timely fashion in a dynamic environment. They will notify process and/or operations staff of unusual test results/sample conditions and will respond to combined sewer overflow events, unusual occurrence and other emergent and non-routine work. They will make recommendations on sample scheduling and staffing schedules and participate in team meetings. The laboratory culture is supportive, and collaborative and Process Laboratory staff bring diverse backgrounds and experiences to the work environment. The expectation is that incoming staff cross-train on all laboratory instrumentation and seamlessly fill-in for other staff when needed. King County is a values-based organization with an empowering work environment, a supportive work-life balance and development opportunities for ongoing learning. We work hard to make sure our benefits reflect our values to support you, your family and community in a variety of ways. As a critical component of a dynamic wastewater treatment environment, the process lab must respond to changes throughout the seasons including rainfall events to deliver timely and accurate results for plant process control and regulatory compliance. To address these challenges, daily prioritization of workload is needed, with permit required samples and samples with shortest time having the highest priority. High attention to detail and a low error rate is essential component of a production-style lab. Commitment to Equity, Racial and Social Justice: King County, named after Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., is a diverse and vibrant community that represents cultures from around the world. Our True North is to create a welcoming community where everyone can thrive. We prioritize equity, racial and social justice, making it a foundational and daily expectation for all employees. As a Process Laboratory Specialist I, you will actively apply these principles in all aspects of your work. Learn more about our commitment at http://www.kingcounty.gov/equity . Apply now for a rewarding career at the Wastewater Treatment Division of King County Department of Natural Resources & Parks (DNRP). Join our talented workforce in protecting and restoring the natural environment and promoting more resilient, sustainable, and equitable communities. Enjoy training, comprehensive benefits, and growth opportunities.

Requirements

Knowledge of field and laboratory techniques and sampling methods typically obtained in an associate of science degree or two years of college-level science course work, including at least one year of chemistry, or two years of equivalent experience applicable to a wastewater treatment laboratory.
Working knowledge of the application and use of test equipment and instruments.
Ability to troubleshoot instrumentation and methodological problems.
Knowledge of scientific theories, principles, and relevant mathematics.
Basic knowledge and skills in laboratory quality assurance/quality control.
Basic skill in using computer and associated software for spreadsheets, databases and word processing.
Skill in working with detailed information.
Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with a diverse group of individuals in varying occupations.
Skill in team consensus building techniques and principles and working in a team environment.
A valid Washington State Driver's License

Nice To Haves

Prior experience in a production lab and/or wastewater lab is desired.
Ability to achieve a Washington State Wastewater Operator Group I certification level.

Responsibilities

Perform a variety of chemical, biochemical, or physical analyses following standard laboratory procedures.
Follow established laboratory procedures for spill response, laboratory safety, and cleaning and maintaining the laboratory.
Prepare samples for analysis and preserve/store them according to standard procedures.
Maintain the physical and quantitative integrity of each sample and maintain associated records.
Prepare necessary reagents and standards and follow established disposal procedures.
Monitor control charts and quality control samples (blanks, check standards and duplicates) to maintain test integrity.
Collect samples and operate a motorized vehicle to travel to remote work locations or locations with no public transportation services.
Clean, maintain and perform some routine servicing of specific field equipment.
Assist with the calibration of on-line instruments.
Other duties as assigned.