INTERNAL ONLY: Senior Laboratory Specialist

Clean Water Services•Hillsboro, OR

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Laboratory Services program is seeking a Senior Laboratory Specialist. This position performs sampling and specialized chemical, physical, and biological testing on industrial, ambient, municipal wastewater, biosolids, and soil samples. Works independently and coordinates technical and procedural decisions within the lab. Schedules, coordinates, and assigns work involved in daily processes. Serves as a liaison to provide input during projects or daily work functions. Provides specialized laboratory support, including equipment oversight, repair and maintenance, and ordering laboratory supplies and equipment. Maintains safety standards for laboratory. Note: The following opportunity is open only to regular, probationary, and temporary employees who are currently employed by Clean Water Services. Candidates who are selected to move forward in the recruitment process will be invited to self-schedule their interview. Please be sure to check your email for status updates.

Requirements

Operating parameters of complex laboratory equipment and online analyzers
Laboratory procedures, methods, and techniques used in standardized sampling, examination, testing, and analysis of water and wastewater samples
Laboratory safety procedures including management of chemical and biological hazards
Mathematics and statistical analysis
Standard procedures, methods, and techniques used in the sampling, examination, and testing of water, wastewater, environmental and industrial samples
Quality assurance and quality control principles and practices
Laboratory equipment, operation, and capabilities
Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, regulations, standards, and requirements
Operation of complex analytical laboratory and field-deployed instrumentation
Performing complex and precise physical, chemical, and biological analytical procedures
Interpreting and explaining laboratory methods, processes, and procedures
Use of computers and software for word processing, spreadsheets, data collection, and database management
Analyzing problems, projecting consequences, and recommending courses of action
Understanding and interpreting regulatory requirements
Identifying opportunities for efficiency and implementing process improvements
Recognize deviations from normal sampling and analysis conditions
Understand, apply and interpret pertinent policies, procedures, laws, and regulations pertaining to the program area
Develop new laboratory techniques and procedures
Diagnose and correct problems with laboratory equipment and procedures
Research environmental and analytical problems
Take initiative and respond to out-of-character/anomalous events or observations
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work including a variety of CWS staff and other government officials, community groups, and the general public
Operate effectively in a team environment
Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
6 months experience as a lead worker, project leader or team leader
3 years of experience in a Clean Water Services regulatory laboratory or environmental setting in areas such as microbiology, biology, and chemistry
College-level coursework in chemistry, biology, microbiology, or a closely related science.

Responsibilities

Works directly with the Laboratory Supervisor to coordinate goals, objectives, facility performance, and appearance.
Enhances efficiencies with the collection, preservation, and analysis of samples from industrial, wastewater treatment plants, ambient, storm water, biosolids, and soil locations.
Analyzes samples for a variety of physical, chemical, and biological constituents and compliance with laboratory standards; assures data meets QA/QC standards.
Plans, prioritizes, and coordinates multiple work activities, acting as liaison between the Laboratory and other CWS programs.
Assists with managing department projects and coordinating and scheduling work.
Establishes workflow schedules to meet daily analytical and sampling needs, adjusts schedule in response to events to accomplish assigned tasks.
Analyzes data and reports using recognized statistical methods; makes recommendations and assists the Laboratory Supervisor in implementing process changes.
Communicates regularly with laboratory and CWS staff throughout the shift and provides input on unit process optimization, housekeeping, laboratory facility area operations, and safety.
Provides feedback to the Laboratory Supervisor from staff with concerns and suggestions.
Operates and controls Laboratory, equipment, and processes.
Plans, organizes, develops, and provides mentoring and training on laboratory processes, sampling, and data review.
Provides technical guidance to laboratory staff and coordinates training of laboratory technicians and specialists.
Prepares reagents and standards, maintains and calibrates instrumentation for sampling and analysis.
Plans, organizes, and develops Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs); investigates the need for SOPs, and the methods used in carrying out SOPs; conducts Job Safety Analysis (JSA) for tasks and procedures related to SOPs; maintains and develops revisions.
Drives a CWS or personal vehicle for work-related purposes.