Water Quality Analyst, Assistant

Full Job Description

An online application must be fully completed for consideration. Please DO NOT attach resumes and cover letters, as they will not be considered in the review of candidate's qualifications.

Seattle Public Utilities' (SPU) Water Quality Lab Division is seeking Water Quality Analyst to help ensure compliance with the WA Dept of Health with regulatory monitoring with drinking water sample analysis.

You will be responsible for ensuring compliance with regulatory rules such as the Total Coliform Rule and the Surface Water Treatment Rule.

The successful candidate will be responsible for conducting testing on various water sources to ensure water quality. This position reports to the Microbiology Supervisor.

If you feel this may be the perfect job for you, please continue reading …and APPLY!

About Seattle Public Utilities (SPU): SPU is a community-centered utility working to make Seattle the best place to live for everyone.

We deliver high quality, vital services, across four major lines of business: providing water, solid waste, drainage and wastewater services for Seattle residents and businesses.

In addition, SPU provides drinking water for 1.5 million regional customers in Seattle and other municipalities.

Our customers depend on us to deliver high-quality, reliable, and cost-conscious utility services and to achieve the greatest benefits possible for every investment we make.

For more information about Seattle Public Utilities (SPU), check out the:

• SPU Website
• SPU Workplace Expectations (Download PDF reader)
• Strategic Business Plan

SPU commits to Our City Values and Race and Social Justice as core principles that guide our work. We actively take steps to dismantle systemic racism and increase service equity.

We value diverse life experiences and strive to create a workplace that is welcoming to all. We take steps to be inclusive and equitable in our recruiting, hiring and promotional opportunities.

Why Join Our Team? We know work isn’t only about what you do it’s also about who you work for and with! SPU provides a fun and family-friendly work environment that supports a work life balance, including:

• Family-friendly and multicultural work environment
• Generous benefits package
• Free Orca Pass
• City pension plan with employer/employee contributions
• Growth potential and advancement opportunities

Requirements

• Performs routine bacteriological analysis of drinking water samples following standard procedures and methods.
• Operates, maintains, troubleshoots, and calibrates laboratory instrumentation and field equipment.
• Collects water samples from watershed, treatment plants, transmission and distribution mains, reservoirs, tanks, standpipes, and customer locations'
• Using LIMS and handheld scanners for data management and collection.
• Perform field tests including chlorine residual and temperature measurements.
• Evaluate test results for compliance with State and Federal drinking water standards.
• Train Water Laboratory Technicians.
• Support weekend and holiday rotation schedule.
• Troubleshoot quality control failures.
• Recommend corrective actions.
• Maintain Department of Health laboratory certification.
• Participate in performance evaluation programs.

Qualifications

Experience: Six months’ experience as Water Lab Technician including some computer experience, and either of the following educational requirements:

• For Chemistry, 36 quarter hours or 24 semester hours of college level classes.
• For Microbiology, 30 quarter hours or 20 semester hours of college level classes.

Education/Experience: Other combinations of education, training and experience will be evaluated on an individual basis for comparability.

Work Environment/Physical Demands: Will be required to work evenings, weekends and/or holidays. May be exposed to fumes and heat during sterilizations of lab ware.

When in the field, may be exposed to all types of weather conditions and hazardous traffic situations. Field work may include water quality monitoring activities on boats and around bodies of water.

• Handling and analysis of water samples and potentially hazardous substances
• Standing for extended periods during analytical procedures
• Adherence to strict safety protocols and use of personal protective equipment (PPE)

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds of equipment.
• Good physical stamina for field work and laboratory tasks.
• Comfortable working on boats and near water bodies.

License, Certification and Other Requirements: Washington State driver's license or evidence of equivalent mobility.

Desired Qualifications:

• Proficiency in microbiological testing techniques and water sampling methods.
• An Associates or Batchelor’s degree in Microbiology, Biology, Environmental Science, or related field.
• Experience with Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) and field data collection tools.
• Knowledge of state and federal drinking water standards and regulations.
• Ability to interpret test results and troubleshoot quality control issues.
• Physical capability to work in laboratory and field environments, including on watercraft.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively in a diverse team.
• Flexibility to work rotating schedules, including weekends and holidays.
• Commitment to safety protocols and quality assurance practices in a laboratory setting.
• Alignment with SPU Workplace Expectations and values: Safety, Respect, Diversity.

Additional Information

How to Apply: Please fully complete an online application. Please DO NOT attach resumes and cover letters, as they will not be considered in the review of the candidate’s qualifications.

Transcript Requirement: If selected for an interview, you will need to submit unofficial transcripts to verify your completion of the required microbiology coursework

Workplace Environment:

• On-site, full-time position at our Water Quality Lab in Seattle, WA (no remote work option).
• Dynamic split schedule: 50% laboratory work, 50% field work.
• Individual schedules arranged in collaboration with supervisor.
• Weekend and holiday rotation required to ensure continuous monitoring.
• Employees will be required to come into the office five days a week.

The full salary range for this position is $42.78 - $49.74 per hour.

Pre-Employment/Pre-Placement Requirements:

This hiring process involves a background check of conviction and arrest records incompliance with Seattle’s Fair Chance Employment Ordinance, SME 14.17.

Applicants will be provided with an opportunity to explain or correct background information.

SPU’s safety program requires a pre-employment medical assessment as a condition of employment in this position.

Benefits: The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holidays, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents.

More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at: https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits/employees-and-covered-family-members/most-employees-plans

Who may apply: The City of Seattle encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experience.

This position is open to all qualified candidates that meet the minimum qualifications. The City of Seattle values diverse perspectives and life experiences.

Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

If you have any questions, please contact Charles Gilmore at charles.gilmore2@seattle.gov

Learn more about Seattle Public Utilities at our web page www.seattle.gov/util/.