Process Laboratory Specialist I (South Plant)
- Summary
King County is a values-based organization with an empowering work environment, a supportive work-life balance and development opportunities so you never stop learning. We work hard to make sure our benefits reflect our values to support you and your family in a variety of ways.
We value creative thinking that drives us to continuously improve public service. Tap into your desire to serve the public and discover new and better ways to make a meaningful impact.
As a socially responsible clean water agency, we protect public health and the environment by recovering and reusing valuable resources to benefit the communities where we live and work. Wastewater Treatment Division treats billions of gallons of wastewater each year and generates reclaimed water, renewable energy, and valuable biosolids.
The Process Laboratory Specialist will be responsible for ensuring all permit-required testing is completed correctly and in a timely fashion. They will notify process and operations staff of unusual test results/sample conditions. They will respond to CSO events, unusual occurrence, loss of disinfection and other emergent and non-routine work. They will make recommendations on sample scheduling and staffing schedules and participate in team meetings.
The position has job progression available in the Process Laboratory 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. A budget for formal leadership and/or technical training is available.
The work associated with this position will primarily be performed onsite; this is not a telework position. Employees must reside in WA state and within a reasonable distance to their King County worksite to respond to workplace reporting requirements. Please note that when an employee conducts work that is likely to bring them in contact with another individual, safety precautions are required by the department in alignment with the Public Health Directive from the Seattle & King County Public Health Officer. The individual selected for this opportunity will be joining an innovative and progressive team. King County is doing its part to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and remains committed to reducing our carbon footprint.
Who is eligible to apply: This position is open to all qualified candidates.- Job Duties
- Perform a variety of physical, chemical and biochemical analyses following established 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 and perform some routine servicing of automatic samplers and specific field equipment. Assist with the calibration of on-line instruments.
- Other duties as assigned.
Working Conditions- Work Location: South Treatment Plant - 1200 Monster Road SW, Renton, WA 98057
- Work Schedule: This position is covered under the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and is overtime eligible. This full-time position works a 40-hour work week.
- Union Representation: This position is represented by S.E.I.U. 925 (Wastewater Treatment Division).
- Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills
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 equivalent experience applicable to a wastewater treatment laboratory.
Working knowledge of the application and use of test equipment and instruments.
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.
Skill in oral and written communication techniques and principles and ability to read, write, present and follow oral and written instructions.
LICENSING / CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS- A valid Washington State Driver's License
ADDITIONAL CERTIFICATION- Ability to achieve a Washington State Wastewater Operator Group I certification (within one to two years of hire)
OTHER REQUIREMENTS- Positions assigned to this classification are required to report to work during adverse and inclement weather conditions.
- Incumbents perform field work at a wastewater treatment plant and associated facilities, and are required to lift and carry equipment weighing up to 50 pounds, work in confined spaces, climb in and out of tanks using ladders, and work around noxious odors and high noise levels.
Competencies Required- Communicates Effectively - Is effective in a variety of communication settings: one-on-one, small and large groups, or among diverse styles and position levels; Attentively listens to others; Provides timely and helpful information to others across the organization
- Situational Adaptability - Picks up on situational cues and adjusts in the moment; Readily adapts personal, interpersonal, and leadership behavior; Understands that different situations may call for different approaches; Can act differently depending on the circumstances
- Manages Complexity - Asks the right questions to accurately analyze situations; Uncovers root causes to difficult problems; Evaluates pros and cons, risks and benefits of different solution options
- Plans and Aligns - Sets objectives to align with broader organizational goals; Breaks down objectives into appropriate initiatives and actions; Anticipates and adjusts effective contingency plan
Application and Selection Process: Application materials will be screened for clarity, completeness including online application, cover letter and resume, 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. Applications without the following required materials may not be considered for this position.- King County Application
- Cover Letter
- Resume
- Responses to supplemental questions
UNION MEMBERSHIP: This position is represented by S.E.I.U. 925 (Wastewater Treatment Division).
For more information regarding this recruitment, please contact:
Rodney O. Dungo
Human Resource Analyst
rdungo@kingcounty.gov- Supplemental Information
Forbes recently 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.
COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement
King County Executive Branch employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. If you are the successful candidate for the position you applied for, the County will send you a conditional offer letter.
As a condition of employment, prior to a final offer of employment, you will be required to:- submit proof of vaccination, or
- have an approved request for medical or religious exemption and an approved accommodation. Philosophical, political, scientific, or sociological objections to vaccination will not be considered for an exemption or accommodation.
People are considered fully vaccinated against COVID-19 two weeks after receiving the final dose of a vaccination approved by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The Executive Branch includes employees in the Executive branch, the Assessor's Office, Elections, the King County Sheriff's Office, and the Executive Office.
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.
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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01Are you applying to this position as an eligible current or previous King County Employee Priority Placement Program Participant? Is this position the same or lower percentage of full-time when compared to the position held at the point of the notification of layoff? Do you possess the skills and abilities to qualify for this position?
- Yes, I was given a layoff notice from my role at King County and I am within two years of the effective date of my layoff. Additionally, the position I was laid off from was the same or a higher percentage of FT status when compared to this one.
- No.
02If you answered yes to the question above and you are applying for this position as a Priority Placement Participant, to be considered, you must provide the following three pieces of information in the space provided: 1. The title you held when you received your layoff notice 2. The department you worked in 3. The effective date of your layoff03Are you a current SEIU 925 Wastewater Treatment Division member?- Yes
- No
Required Question