Environmental Lab Scientist I

Full Job Description

Looking for an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on your community and safeguard our region's precious environmental resources? Look no further than the King County Environmental Laboratory (KCEL) - a leading, full-service regional laboratory housing six environmental analytical disciplines!

We are seeking a talented Environmental Laboratory Scientist I to join our well-respected scientific team.

As a member of our team, you will have the chance to produce high-quality data sets that support critical functions such as long-term water quality trend analysis, pollution control, and public health.

With access to advanced instrumentation and cutting-edge analytical methods, you'll work under the guidance of seasoned experts who are committed to helping you develop your skills and advance your career.

Challenges for new Conventionals employees in the Environmental Lab Scientist I position include learning several new analyses from their co-workers while acclimating to working for KCEL and King County.

Learning King County processes includes Peoplesoft which encompasses timesheets, training, and benefits.

At KCEL, we foster a supportive and collaborative work environment that welcomes new staff with open arms.

Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out in your career, we believe that everyone has something valuable to contribute. So why wait?

Join our team today and become part of a dynamic community dedicated to protecting our environment for generations to come!

About the Role:

This is an entry-level classification for conducting environmental laboratory analyses using a variety of complex analytical methods and advanced instrumentation to characterize environmental samples in the Conventionals Unit.

Under supervision, this position performs and interprets a variety of environmental laboratory analyses using accepted Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) methods.

Environmental Laboratory Scientist I incumbents develop their skills and perform a variety of analyses with training and progressively decreasing oversight.

KCEL’s supportive, collaborative environment is very welcoming to new staff. We expect to learn new things from each other, no matter how seasoned or new we are as employees and humans.

Once onboarding activities have taken place, including safety and ethics training, the candidate will train with other Environmental Lab Scientists in the Conventionals unit to learn several of the analytical procedures so they can begin contributing to the team in the lab as soon as possible.

Over time, the candidate will have the opportunity to learn additional Conventionals analytical procedures and other functions within the unit.

About the Team:

The Conventionals unit is one of six environmental analytical disciplines within KCEL.

Conventionals consists of 13 highly qualified technical professionals who analyze nearly 40 inorganic parameters that are indicators of water quality.

Many of our tests are based on hands-on, wet-bench analytical methods that were developed decades ago.

We utilize state-of-the-art instrumentation and computer software that automates many of these analyses.

Our automation has greatly increased our productivity, efficiency, and the quality of the data we produce.

Challenges for the Conventionals unit include maintaining flexibility in handling many different analyses that have vastly different holding times, ranging from 15 minutes to six months.

On average, Conventionals performs about 45,000 analyses on about 7,500 samples per year.

Effective communication and coordination among team members and other lab staff is very important to help us to consistently generate and report high quality data in an efficient and timely manner for our customers.

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.

Asan Environmental Lab Scientist 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 Water and Land Resources 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

What You Will Be Doing:

1. Prepare reagents, standard solutions, laboratory equipment, and environmental samples for all types of Conventionals analyses (nutrients, chlorophyll, BOD, COD, TOC, ion chromatography, cyanide, pH, conductivity, alkalinity, turbidity, solids, sulfide, particle size distribution, and several others).

Using standardized procedures, perform a variety of moderately complex Conventionals analyses using technical analytical instrumentation (autoanalyzers, autotitrators, Ion Chromatograph, TOC analyzers, UV-visible spectrophotometers, fluorometer, and a variety of manual procedures) and following standard operating procedures.

Monitor analysis for instrument or analytical problems. Perform instrument calibration, maintenance, and troubleshooting on laboratory equipment.

2. Utilize computer software to prioritize work, track samples, acquire data, and perform calculations on results of laboratory tests. Transfer data into computerized databases to track data and sample analysis progress.
3. Perform QA/QC activities to ensure that tests are in control and that quality of data meets project needs. Evaluate quality control results, identify deficiencies, and take appropriate corrective actions.

Participate actively as a member of the Conventionals team. Keep co-workers informed on project status, problems with samples, instrumentation, etc.

Constructively participate in group problem solving and decision making. Represent the Conventionals team on committees such as the safety and LIMS committees.

Qualifications

Qualifications You Bring:

• A bachelor’s degree in chemistry or an equivalent combination of experience and education is required.
• A minimum of one year of inorganic environmental lab chemistry experience.
• Knowledge and understanding of EPA, Standard Methods, and other approved conventional (physical/wet chemistry) and analytical protocols.
• Skill in operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting general lab equipment (motorized micro pipettes, balances, ovens, incubators, sonicators, and homogenization equipment) and moderately complex automated instrumentation (autoanalyzers, TOC analyzers, chromatography systems, spectrophotometers).
• Knowledge and understanding of principles of inorganic, organic, and analytical chemistry, and relevant mathematics and statistics; working knowledge of computer applications including LIMS, Word, Excel, and vendor specialized software.
• Demonstrated ability to promote mutual respect and acceptance of all workers in a diverse work group. Proven effective communication skills (verbal and written, including professional report writing and standard operating procedures).
• Demonstrated ability to participate in team and committee efforts of problem solving and decision making; demonstrated ability to work successfully under supervision and independently within a team environment.

Skill in prioritizing work and managing own time and in coordinating with others to facilitate teamwork.

Ability to perform multiple tasks simultaneously under tight deadlines and be very detail oriented; proven ability in applying principles of effective customer service and continuous quality improvement.

Physical Requirements:

Requires precision in operating and using delicate laboratory equipment and glassware with accuracy.

Ability to stand/position oneself at laboratory fume hoods and countertops for prolonged periods of time, occasional lifting of up to 40 pounds, and occasionally moving and manipulating/positioning large and bulky materials.

This position requires the ability to repetitively prepare and mix samples, which involves shaking and pouring samples, using repetitive hand and wrist motion and some kneeling and stooping.

Workplace Exposures:

Sample preparation and analysis is performed in a laboratory environment where potentially dangerous chemicals, biohazards, gases, and electrical equipment are utilized.

Mitigation of risks and exposures is minimized by strict adherence to the proper use of fume hoods and personal protective equipment such as safety glasses, lab coats, and chemical resistant gloves.

Adherence to appropriate laboratory safety practices is very important for oneself and others in the laboratory.

Each staff person has a cubicle in an office area outside the laboratory to perform non-laboratory work functions.

Competencies You Bring:

• Action Oriented: Taking on new opportunities and tough challenges with a sense of urgency, high energy, and enthusiasm.
• Collaborates: Building partnerships and working collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives.
• Instills Trust: Gaining the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity.
• Demonstrates Self-Awareness: Using a combination of feedback and reflection to gain productive insight into personal strengths and weaknesses.
• Self-Development: Actively seeking new ways to grow and be challenged using both formal and informal development channels.

It Would Be Great if You Also Bring:

• Direct and recent experience in environmental conventional chemistry analyses.
• Direct and recent experience with computer software applications including data acquisition and data processing programs, Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), Word, Excel, Teams, and Outlook.
• Direct and recent experience with physical and electronic sample login.
  

Additional Information

Working Conditions:

• Work Location: King County Environmental Laboratory – 322 W Ewing Street, Seattle, WA 98119
• Work Schedule: This full-time position works a 40-hour work week, Monday through Friday, 8:00 am – 4:30 pm. This position is covered under the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and is overtime eligible.
• Union Representation: This position is not represented by a union.

Application and Selection Process:

We welcome applications from all qualified applicants. We value diversity, diverse perspectives and life experience and encourage people of all backgrounds to apply.

Application materials will be screened for clarity, completeness and alignment with the experience, qualifications, knowledge, and skills essential for this role to determine which candidates may be invited to participate in one or more panel interviews.

To apply, submit a:

• Complete Application
• Resume
• Cover Letter

Note: Additional documents won't be considered during minimum qualification screening.

Who to Contact: For more information regarding this recruitment, please contact Morgan Knight Hermann at 206-477-9092 or mhermann@kingcounty.gov.

Discover More About the Water and Land Resources Division: Visit our website.

Discover More About DNRP: Visit our website, explore an interactive map of our recent accomplishments and check us out at Facebook,X (formerly Twitter),LinkedIn,TikTok,Instagram,YouTube and Keeping King County Green News.

Sign up for Job Alerts to be notified of additional career opportunities with King County. Select the Natural Resources category for DNRP opportunities and explore other categories of interest.

Forbes named King County as one of Washington State's best employers.

Together, with leadership and our employees, we're changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. Are you ready to make a difference? Come join the team dedicated to serving one of the nation's best places to live, work and play.

Guided by our "True North", we are making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. We value diversity, inclusion and belonging in our workplace and workforce.

To reach this goal we are committed to workforce equity.

Equitable recruiting, support, and retention is how we will obtain the highest quality workforce in our region; a workforce that shares and will help advance our guiding principles - we are one team; we solve problems; we focus on the customer; we drive for results; we are racially just; we respect all people; we lead the way; and we are responsible stewards.

We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply, including Native American and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people living with disabilities, and veterans.

King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer

No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class.

Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation.

To Apply

If you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully.

If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process or if you have questions, please contact the recruiter listed on this job announcement.