Process Laboratory Specialist I - West Point

About the Department This is a competitive posting, and the position is open to all qualified candidates. Bargaining unit employees who have been members of the bargaining unit for less than five years within the employee's facility (i.e. plant location) may be eligible for this position. The five-year rule has been waived within the West Point Treatment Plant section at this time (per SEIU L925 MOU Section 8.3.B). As a socially responsible clean water agency, the Wastewater Treatment Division protects public health and the environment by recovering and reusing valuable resources to benefit the communities where we live and work. WTD treats billions of gallons of wastewater each year and generates reclaimed water, renewable energy, and valuable biosolids. Within the WTD, the West Point Process laboratory monitors plant and Offsite facilities discharge into Puget Sound, and monitors plant operations through physical, chemical and microbiological testing. The lab and the data produce, is an essential part of ensuring regulatory compliance and the protecting the environment. The are opportunities for job progression within the Process Lab 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. We value creative thinking that drives us to continuously improve public service. Tap into your desire to serve the public, protect the environment, and discover new and better ways to make a meaningful impact. About The Role: The Process Lab Specialist will be responsible for ensuring all permit-required testing is completed correctly and in a timely fashion in a dynamic environment. They will notify process and operations staff of unusual test results/sample conditions and will respond to combined sewer overflow 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 laboratory culture is supportive, and collaborative and the Process Laboratory staff bring diverse backgrounds and experiences to the work environment. The expectation is that incoming staff cross-train on all laboratory instrumentation and seamlessly fill-in for other staff when needed. The successful candidate will collect samples for external stakeholders for research studies and participate in internal studies for WTD planning purposes from time-to-time. About The Team: King County is a values-based organization with an empowering work environment, a supportive work-life balance and development opportunities for ongoing learning. We work hard to make sure our benefits reflect our values to support you, your family and community in a variety of ways. As a critical component of a dynamic wastewater treatment environment, the process lab must respond to changes throughout the seasons including rainfall events to deliver timely and accurate results for plant process control and regulatory compliance. To address these challenges, daily prioritization of workload is needed, with permit required samples and samples with shortest hold times having the highest priority. High attention to detail and a low error rate is essential component of a production-style lab. Join our team dedicated to ensuring clean water for generations to come! With over 1,000 employees engaged in planning, designing, building, and operating treatment facilities, our agency is at the forefront of environmental stewardship. Success for us means upholding our legacy while promising future generations a pristine environment. We enforce regulations to reduce harmful waste discharge and actively educate the public and businesses on water quality protection. We prioritize accountability to our ratepayers and operate a well-managed agency that services over 2.3 million King County residents. Our regional wastewater treatment system not only sustains a healthy environment but also fuels economic development, fostering prosperity in our region. If you're passionate about making a difference and thrive in a collaborative environment, join us in our mission to safeguard our precious water resources. 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. As an Process Laboratory Specialist I, you will actively apply these principles in all aspects of your work. Learn more about our commitment at . Apply now for a rewarding career at the 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, , and growth opportunities. Position Duties What You Will Be Doing: • Perform a variety of chemical, biochemical, or physical analyses following standard 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 locations with no public transportation services. • Clean, maintain and perform some routine servicing of automatic samplers and specific field equipment. Assist with the calibration of on-line instruments. • Other duties as assigned. Minimum Qualifications Qualifications You Bring: • 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 of equivalent experience applicable to a wastewater treatment laboratory • Working knowledge of the application and use of test equipment and instruments. Ability to troubleshoot instrumentation and methodological problems • 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. Competencies You Bring: • Action Oriented: Taking on new opportunities and tough challenges with a sense of urgency, high energy, and enthusiasm. • Optimizes Work Processes: Knowing the most effective and efficient processes to get things done, with a focus on continuous improvement. • Values Differences: Recognizing the value that different perspectives and cultures bring to an organization. • Communicates Effectively: Developing and delivering multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences. • Organizational Savvy: Maneuvering comfortably through complex policy, process, and people-related organizational dynamics. It Would Be Great If You Also Bring: • Prior experience in a production lab and/or wastewater lab is desired. • Ability to achieve a Washington State Wastewater Operator Group I certification level. Physical Requirements: • The ability to lift 30 lbs. Workplace Exposures: • Exposed to wastewater and acid fumes. Other Qualifications Working Conditions: • Work Location: West Point Treatment Plant - 1400 Discovery Park Blvd. Seattle, WA 98199 • Work Schedule: This full-time position works a 40-hour work week. This position is covered under the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and is overtime eligible. • The treatment plants are operated 24/7. This position is currently assigned to working a 5x8 schedule, with a rotating weekend schedule. Applicants must be available to work any and all assigned shift schedules, including standby schedules/rotations. • Union Representation: This position is represented by S.E.I.U. 925 (Wastewater Treatment Division). 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 a technical assessment and one or more panel interviews. • Candidates who pass the initial screening will be invited for an in-person assessment at the West Point Plant facility. To apply, submit a: • Complete Application • Resume • Cover Letter Note: Additional documents will not be considered during minimum qualification screening. Who to Contact: For more information regarding this recruitment, please contact: Rodney O. Dungo HR Analyst [email protected] Discover More About the Wastewater Treatment Division: Visit our and check us out at , , , and our . Discover More About DNRP: Visit our , explore an of our recent accomplishments and check us out at , , , , , and . Sign up for 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? dedicated to serving one of the nation's best places to live, work and play. Guided by our , 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 re About the Department This is a competitive posting, and the position is open to all qualified candidates. Bargaining unit employees who have been members of the bargaining unit for less than five years within the employee's facility (i.e. plant location) may be eligible for this position. The five-year rule has been waived within the West Point Treatment Plant section at this time (per SEIU L925 MOU Section 8.3.B). As a socially responsible clean water agency, the Wastewater Treatment Division protects public health and the environment by recovering and reusing valuable resources to benefit the communities where we live and work. WTD treats billions of gallons of wastewater each year and generates reclaimed water, renewable energy, and valuable biosolids. Within the WTD, the West Point Process laboratory monitors plant and Offsite facilities discharge into Puget Sound, and monitors plant operations through physical, chemical and microbiological testing. The lab and the data produce, is an essential part of ensuring regulatory compliance and the protecting the environment. The are opportunities for job progression within the Process Lab 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. We value creative thinking that drives us to continuously improve public service. Tap into your desire to serve the public, protect the environment, and discover new and better ways to make a meaningful impact. About The Role: The Process Lab Specialist will be responsible for ensuring all permit-required testing is completed correctly and in a timely fashion in a dynamic environment. They will notify process and operations staff of unusual test results/sample conditions and will respond to combined sewer overflow 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 laboratory culture is supportive, and collaborative and the Process Laboratory staff bring diverse backgrounds and experiences to the work environment. The expectation is that incoming staff cross-train on all laboratory instrumentation and seamlessly fill-in for other staff when needed. The successful candidate will collect samples for external stakeholders for research studies and participate in internal studies for WTD planning purposes from time-to-time. About The Team: King County is a values-based organization with an empowering work environment, a supportive work-life balance and development opportunities for ongoing learning. We work hard to make sure our benefits reflect our values to support you, your family and community in a variety of ways. As a critical component of a dynamic wastewater treatment environment, the process lab must respond to changes throughout the seasons including rainfall events to deliver timely and accurate results for plant process control and regulatory compliance. To address these challenges, daily prioritization of workload is needed, with permit required samples and samples with shortest hold times having the highest priority. High attention to detail and a low error rate is essential component of a production-style lab. Join our team dedicated to ensuring clean water for generations to come! With over 1,000 employees engaged in planning, designing, building, and operating treatment facilities, our agency is at the forefront of environmental stewardship. Success for us means upholding our legacy while promising future generations a pristine environment. We enforce regulations to reduce harmful waste discharge and actively educate the public and businesses on water quality protection. We prioritize accountability to our ratepayers and operate a well-managed agency that services over 2.3 million King County residents. Our regional wastewater treatment system not only sustains a healthy environment but also fuels economic development, fostering prosperity in our region. If you're passionate about making a difference and thrive in a collaborative environment, join us in our mission to safeguard our precious water resources. 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. As an Process Laboratory Specialist I, you will actively apply these principles in all aspects of your work. Learn more about our commitment at . Apply now for a rewarding career at the 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, , and growth opportunities. Position Duties What You Will Be Doing: • Perform a variety of chemical, biochemical, or physical analyses following standard 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 locations with no public transportation services. • Clean, maintain and perform some routine servicing of automatic samplers and specific field equipment. Assist with the calibration of on-line instruments. • Other duties as assigned. Minimum Qualifications Qualifications You Bring: • 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 of equivalent experience applicable to a wastewater treatment laboratory • Working knowledge of the application and use of test equipment and instruments. Ability to troubleshoot instrumentation and methodological problems • 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. Competencies You Bring: • Action Oriented: Taking on new opportunities and tough challenges with a sense of urgency, high energy, and enthusiasm. • Optimizes Work Processes: Knowing the most effective and efficient processes to get things done, with a focus on continuous improvement. • Values Differences: Recognizing the value that different perspectives and cultures bring to an organization. • Communicates Effectively: Developing and delivering multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences. • Organizational Savvy: Maneuvering comfortably through complex policy, process, and people-related organizational dynamics. It Would Be Great If You Also Bring: • Prior experience in a production lab and/or wastewater lab is desired. • Ability to achieve a Washington State Wastewater Operator Group I certification level. Physical Requirements: • The ability to lift 30 lbs. Workplace Exposures: • Exposed to wastewater and acid fumes. Other Qualifications Working Conditions: • Work Location: West Point Treatment Plant - 1400 Discovery Park Blvd. Seattle, WA 98199 • Work Schedule: This full-time position works a 40-hour work week. This position is covered under the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and is overtime eligible. • The treatment plants are operated 24/7. This position is currently assigned to working a 5x8 schedule, with a rotating weekend schedule. Applicants must be available to work any and all assigned shift schedules, including standby schedules/rotations. • Union Representation: This position is represented by S.E.I.U. 925 (Wastewater Treatment Division). 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 a technical assessment and one or more panel interviews. • Candidates who pass the initial screening will be invited for an in-person assessment at the West Point Plant facility. To apply, submit a: • Complete Application • Resume • Cover Letter Note: Additional documents will not be considered during minimum qualification screening. Who to Contact: For more information regarding this recruitment, please contact: Rodney O. Dungo HR Analyst [email protected] Discover More About the Wastewater Treatment Division: Visit our and check us out at , , , and our . Discover More About DNRP: Visit our , explore an of our recent accomplishments and check us out at , , , , , and . Sign up for 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? dedicated to serving one of the nation's best places to live, work and play. Guided by our , 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 re Apply tot his job