Environmental Scientist II Trace Organics
- Summary
King County's Environmental Laboratory (KCEL) Trace Organics Unit within in the Department of Natural Resources and Parks (DNRP), Water and Land Resources Division (WLRD) is currently seeking highly qualified candidates for the position of Environmental Laboratory Scientist II. Samples analyzed by the Trace Organics Unit support DNRP's NPDES wastewater and storm water permits, Bio-solids program, Industrial Water pretreatment program, Freshwater and Marine Monitoring Programs, Water Reuse, Solid Waste, and WTD capital construction projects. Initially this position will analyze samples using GC/MS and/or LC/MS/MS techniques and review GC/MS and/or LC/MS/MS data.
We are looking for a resourceful, technically-skilled, team player who can support the Trace Organics Unit. The ideal candidate is someone who can independently conduct environmental laboratory analysis and method development using a variety of complex analytical methods and /or advanced instrumentation to characterize environmental samples; review GC, GC/MS, and LC/MS/MS data (quantitative, chromatographic and mass spectral interpretation). The ideal candidate will be able to consult with laboratory customers to assist them in project planning and data interpretation and provide training to less experienced staff. For more information about the Trace Organics Unit, please visit our website at http://www.kingcounty.gov/environment/data-and-trends/environmental-lab.aspx for more details.
WHO MAY APPLY: This position is open to the general public.
King County values diverse perspectives, life experiences and differences. The Water and Land Resources Division encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, men, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, and veterans. We are committed to being equitable and fair in providing equal access to opportunities for all.
WORK LOCATION: Environmental Lab, 322 West Ewing, Seattle, WA 98119.
REQUIRED MATERIALS TO APPLY: Applications without the following required materials may not be considered for this position.- King County application
- Resume
- Cover Letter detailing your background and describing how your education and experience meets the qualifications and has prepared you to perform the essential functions of the job (please limit to no more than two pages)
- Job Duties
- Prepare lab equipment, reagents, surrogates, spiking solutions, turning and calibration solutions for the analyses of compounds detected using high pressure liquid chromatography (LC) and triple quadruple detection (MS/MS).
- Perform associated QA/QC procedures, assess the results of QC activities, and recommend, perform and document appropriate corrective actions.
- Troubleshoot and perform preventative and routine maintenance on an LC/MS/MS. Monitor analysis for instrument or analytical problems.
- Utilize computer software to prioritize work, track samples, acquire data, perform calculations and statistical analysis, and transfer data to the LIMS database.
- Prepare, update and review written standard operating procedures, correction actions documentation, sampling and analysis plans, case narratives and customer reports.
- Conduct comprehensive data and project review of Trace Organics' analytical data including: checks for completeness, calculation accuracy, data interpretation, appropriate corrective actions and data quality objective adherence.
- Effectively cross-train coworkers on analytical methods, including sample preparation and instrument operation, maintenance and troubleshooting techniques, and data interpretation.
- Perform method development and the bench and instrumentation in order to bring new methods on-line and to improve the quality and efficiencies of existing methods.
- Consult with the Laboratory Project Managers, WLRD Science and Monitoring Project Managers and Field Services unit staff to coordinate appropriate analytical tests and Field QC requirements to meet project data quality objectives.
- Represent the Trace Organics team on committees as appropriate.
- Participate actively as a member of the Trace Organics team. Keep co-workers informed of project statuses, analytical problems, etc.
- Constructively participate in group problem solving and decision making.
- Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills
- Bachelor's degree in chemistry, or a combination of education and experience that demonstrates the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the duties described in this job announcement.
- At least four years of increasingly responsible experience performing Trace Organics sample preparation, cleanups, analyzing, interpretation and reporting of solid and liquid sample matrices for LC compounds using HPLC/MS/MS instrumentation.
- Experience and skills using Agilent 1290 HPLC and Agilent 6460 QQQ(or equivalent instrumentation).
- Experience preparing and analyzing samples via HPLC MS/MS for chemicals such as pharmaceuticals, personal care products and PFAS; using EPA Method(s) 1694 or 542 or equivalent methods.
- Experience and proven proficiency with a variety of computer software packages such as Mass Hunter and Target for instrument acquisition and data handling purposes.
- Demonstrated proficiency in separation and chromatography theory as it relates to Trace Organics extraction and instrumentation.
- Relevant principles of analytical chemistry, mathematics and statistics.
- Laboratory safety procedures.
- EPA and other accepted methodology for environmental Trace Organics analyses, quality assurance and control principles and practices.
- Liquid chromatography and mass spectral interpretation.
- Performing routine maintenance, troubleshooting instrument and analytical problems, and in taking corrective actions to fix instrument and analytical problems.
- Writing clearly and explaining complex technical issues to others verbally and in narrative reports.
- Demonstrated ability to promote mutual respect and acceptance of all workers in a diverse work group.
- Working effectively with computer software including applications such as LIMS, Excel, databases and Microsoft Word.
- Being very detail oriented, work independently and as a team member.
- Participating constructively and consistently in group problem solving and decision making.
- Skill in handling non-routine situations and as a lead analyst.
- Experience using solid phase extraction techniques for extractions and cleanups.
- Experience using Trace Organic prep and analytical techniques to lower detection limits in a wide variety of sample matrices.
- Experience and skill in method development efforts.
- Experience and skill using MassHunter acquisition and data reduction software.
- Supplemental Information
Physical Requirements: Requires precision in operating and using delicate laboratory equipment and glassware with accuracy. Ability to stand/position oneself at laboratory hoods and countertops for prolonged periods of time, occasional to frequent lifting up to 40 pounds, raising and holding heavy bottles above the head, and moving, manipulating/positioning large and bulky materials such as gas cylinders. 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.
WORK ENVIRONMENT: Heavy workloads, deadline pressure and interruptions due to changing priorities are not uncommon. Work is performed in a laboratory environment, with exposure to noxious fumes, harmful chemicals, biohazards, and high-volume or high frequency noise, and risk of exposure to high voltage electricity, harmful chemicals, very hot or cold materials, potential explosives, pressurized gas and sharp objects. Exposure and risk of exposure are minimized by adherence to appropriate laboratory safety practices.
SELECTION PROCESS: Application materials will be screened for clarity, completeness, and responsiveness to the list of qualifications, skills, and abilities. The most competitive candidates may be invited to participate in one or more panel interviews. Reference checks will be conducted before the final offer of employment.
Supplemental Questions: A Supplemental Questionnaire must be completed and submitted with this application. The following questions address important elements of this position and the information you provide will help to determine your eligibility for further consideration. You will be evaluated on the clarity and completeness of your responses and the level and extent of your knowledge. Please limit your responses to questions 2 through 5 to no more than 4 pages total.
UNION MEMBERSHIP: This position is not represented.
For more information regarding this recruitment, please contact:
Calvin Rivers
Human Resources Senior Analyst
Email: crivers@kingcounty.gov
Phone: 206-263-1986
Note: Online applications are preferred. However, if you cannot apply online, go to www.kingcounty.gov/jobs for other options.
If you need an accommodation in the recruitment process or an alternate format of this announcement, please inquire directly with the contact listed on the job announcement or the department's Human Resources Service Delivery Manager.
King County offers a highly-competitive compensation and benefits package designed to meet the diverse needs of our employees and support our employees' health and well-being. Eligible positions receive the following benefits and have access to the following programs:
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage: King County pays 100% of the premiums for eligible employees and family members
- Life and disability insurance: employees are provided basic coverage and given the opportunity to purchase additional insurance for both the employee and eligible dependents
- Retirement: King County employees are eligible to participate in a pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems and a 457(b) deferred-compensation plan
- Transportation program and ORCA transit pass
- 10 paid holidays each year (plus 2 personal holidays)
- Generous vacation and paid sick leave
- Paid parental leave, family and medical leaves, and volunteer leave
- Flexible Spending Account
- Wellness programs
- Onsite gyms and activity centers
- Employee giving program
- Employee assistance programs
- Flexible schedules and telecommuting options, depending on position
- Training and career development programs
This is a general description of the benefits offered to eligible King County employees, and every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy. If any information on this document conflicts with the provisions of a collective bargaining agreement (CBA), the CBA prevails. Also, in the event of any incorrect information in this document, applicable laws, policies, rules, CBAs, or official plan documents will prevail.
NOTE: Benefits for Term Limited Temporary (TLT) or Short Term Temporary (STT) positions, including leave eligibility and/or participation in the pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems, will vary based upon the terms and details of the position. Short Term Temporary positions are not eligible for an ORCA transit pass.
For inquiries about the specifics of this position, please contact the recruiter identified on this job posting.
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01Please list all EPA (and other) methods and instrumentation that you have used for Trace Organic sample preparation, sample clean-up and analyses. List the years of experience you have performing each. Also, list all sample matrices you have analyzed. This question may be answered in a table or chart format.02Describe how your experience and qualifications make you a competitive candidate for this position. Please focus on specific experiences you have had performing Trace Organic HPLC/MS/MS analyses and data review. Include analytical EPA methodology, analytical modes, maintenance, quality control, instrumentation used and troubleshooting experience.03If you do not specifically have a Bachelor's degree in chemistry, please explain how your combination of education and experience substitutes for this as it relates to this position.
Required Question