Environmental Laboratory Scientist I
- Summary
JOB DESCRIPTION: The King County Environmental Lab is a full service environmental laboratory supporting a range of King County wastewater treatment and environmental programs. (See http://www.kingcounty.gov/environment/data-and-trends/environmental-lab.aspx for more details.) 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 Trace Organics Unit. Under supervision, this position performs and interprets a variety of environmental laboratory sample extractions, cleanups and analyses using accepted Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) methods. Environmental Laboratory Scientist I incumbents develop their skills and perform a variety of extractions and analyses with training and progressively decreasing oversight.
WHO MAY APPLY: This is open to the general public. In addition to filling this vacancy, this recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies.
FORMS AND MATERIALS REQUIRED:
• King County Application Form (applying online satisfies this requirement)
• Resume
• Letter of interest that demonstrates your ability to meet or exceed the qualification requirements
• Response to the attached supplemental questions
You must complete and submit all required materials; failure to submit all required forms and materials will prohibit further consideration.
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, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, and veterans. We are committed to being equitable and fair in providing equal access to opportunities for all.
SELECTION PROCESS: Applicants who meet the required qualifications will be screened based on the clarity, completeness and content of their application materials. After initial screening, the most competitive applicants may proceed to an interview and potential testing.
WORK SCHEDULE: This full-time position is not exempt from the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act and is overtime eligible. This position is based on a 40-hour workweek, typically 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday - Friday. Periodic extended hours and occasional weekend work is required and should be expected.- Job Duties
• Using standardized EPA procedures, extract a variety of environmental sample matrices for fuels, pesticides, herbicides, PCBs, PAHs and other Trace Organic constituents.
• Using standardized EPA procedures, cleanup a variety of environmental sample extracts including: gel permeation chromatography (GPC), alumina, Tetrabutylammonium (TBA) sulfite and sulfuric acid.
• Prepare reagents, standard solutions and laboratory equipment for all types of Trace Organics analyses.
• 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
• 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 corrective actions.
• Write or update and review standard operating procedures in order to maintain laboratory certification and keep up with changing regulatory requirements.
• Proactively and constructively participate in group problem solving and decision making. Keep co-workers informed on project status, problems with samples, instrumentation, etc.
• Maintain an inventory and order routine laboratory supplies. Receive supplies and document appropriate paperwork.
• Follow laboratory protocols for the documentation, treatment and disposal of Hazardous Wastes.
• Follow laboratory safety requirements and guidelines. Recognize and proactively correct potential safety hazards.- Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills
A Bachelor's Degree in chemistry or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Skill in:
- Operating, maintaining and troubleshooting lab equipment such as balances, ovens, water baths, sonicators, liquid-liquid extractors and homogenization equipment.
- Prioritizing work, managing own time and coordinating with others to facilitate teamwork.
- Handling non-routine situations independently.
- Relevant principles of inorganic, organic, stoichiometry, qualitative and quantitative analytical chemistry.
- Relevant mathematics and statistics including principles of standard deviation, relative percent difference, calibration models and standard/reagent preparation.
- Applications including Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel and/or their equivalents.
- EPA methods for Trace Organics extraction and cleanup protocols.
- Laboratory safety protocols and procedures in working with solvents, corrosives and analytical standards.
- Promote mutual respect and acceptance of all workers in a diverse work force.
- Successfully perform multiple tasks simultaneously under tight deadlines.
- Proven ability in applying principles of customer service and continuous quality improvement.
- Perform all of the primary job functions.
Demonstrated ability to:- Work successfully under supervision and independently within a team environment.
- Effectively communicate both orally and in writing scientific results and concepts.
- Be very detail oriented.
- Supplemental Information
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
· Direct and recent experience in Environmental Trace Organics sample preparation.
· Direct and recent experience in Environmental Trace Organics sample analyses.
· Skill in operating moderately complex automated instrumentation such as gel permeation chromatography and gas chromatograph instruments.
· Direct and recent experience with computer software applications including: data acquisition and data processing programs, LIMS, spreadsheets, databases, email, and word processing packages.
· GC-FID and GC-ECD experience.
· HPLC MS/MS sample preparation and analysis experience.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Requires precision and coordination of hands and limbs to operate and use delicate laboratory equipment and glassware with accuracy. There is frequent prolonged standing, occasional to regular lifting of up to 40 pounds, raising and holding heavy bottles above the head, and manipulation of large, bulky materials. This position requires repetitive motion of hands and wrists and may require some kneeling and stooping at times.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Heavy workload, deadline pressure and interruptions due to changing priorities and malfunctioning equipment 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.
Contact: michelle.kobuki@kingcounty.gov or (206) 477-4740 for questions regarding this announcement.
SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONS:
Answers to the following questions must be completed and submitted with the 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 of your response and the level and extent of knowledge. Please limit your response to each question to no more than one page.
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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01Describe how your experience, qualifications or education make you a competitive candidate for this position. Focus on specific experiences you have had performing environmental Trace Organic extractions, cleanups and analysis, including EPA methodology, maintenance, quality control, instrumentation used and troubleshooting experience.02Please define the terms positive and negative control samples and explain the importance of including these types of samples when extracting and cleaning up Trace Organic samples for analysis. What would these positive and negative control samples be called if you were following EPA method SW-846 8081?03Describe an analytical or technical situation that required you to solve a problem. Give us the details of the problem, what troubleshooting skills you used, and how the problem was resolved.04Describe a work situation where you were in conflict a peer or boss. What steps did you take to resolve the issue? What did you learn from the experience?
Required Question