Environmental Lab Scientist I

Position Description

The Environmental Services Department is recruiting for the position of Environmental Lab Scientist I. This is the first level of a series of three, responsible for conducting environmental laboratory work; sample preparation, analyses, and reporting. This is the first level of the series performing preparatory work, basic testing and analysis utilizing standard methodologies and procedures under close supervision.

Why work for the Environmental Services Laboratory?

As a member of the Science and Engineering Division within the Environmental Services Department you will be working in a state-of-the-art LEED facility conducting laboratory work essential to making informed decisions. Your work will benefit current and future generations and is necessary to support healthy neighborhoods and a thriving Puget Sound, leaving a better Tacoma for all.

Learn more about our award-winning, waterfront facility and the important work we and our partners do for the environment at https://www.urbanwaters.org/

OUR IDEAL CANDIDATE IS:

• Someone who is energetic and enthusiastic about environmental laboratory work.
• Someone who works well on a team and contributes to a work culture where differences are valued, and service is a strong demonstrated value.
• Someone who performs quality lab work in a timely fashion.
• Someone able to effectively convey ideas and information orally and in writing using language that is appropriate to both the complexity of the topic and the knowledge and understanding of the recipient.
• Someone who is committed to helping clients, partners, and coworkers succeed, while creating positive and respectful relationships with them.
• A teammate who genuinely values our mission, healthy neighborhoods, a thriving Puget Sound, and the role of sound science to inform decisions.
• Someone who is accountable for their work products, resourceful, and tech savvy.
• A person who can balance the urgent with the necessary, who is flexible, agile and able to handle a broad scope of duties.
• A coworker who embraces continuous improvement, takes initiative, ensures accuracy, and attention to details.

If this sounds like you, please apply!

The Principles that Guide Us:
Tacoma, the City of Destiny , has a workforce of dedicated, talented and open-minded employees with unique skills and perspectives. We embrace innovation and strive for excellence and community engagement in all that we do. The Principles that Guide Us, Integrity, Service, Excellence and Equity, speak to the values that we embody as City of Tacoma employees, and represent the core of our work in public service.

The duties listed below cover a broad range of activities performed by persons in the Environmental Laboratory Scientist II job classification throughout the various City of Tacoma laboratories.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Perform laboratory sample preparatory work for advanced instrumental analyses, including Cold-Vapor Mercury Analyzer Flow Injection Analyzer, Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectroscopy (GC/MS), Inductively Coupled Plasma Spectroscopy (ICP), Inductively Coupled Plasma Spectroscopy/Mass Spectroscopy (ICP-MS) following Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other methodologies and perform laboratory analysis employ various standard analytical techniques including spectrophotometery, gravimetric, colorimetric, and other bench chemistry and/or other basic analyses as appropriate. Select appropriate procedures, depending on project needs; evaluate data and provide interpretive or narrative reports.
• Sample preparatory work and analyses: sample extraction, digestion, toxicity characteristic leaching procedure (TCLP) extraction, mercury analyses, gravimetric tests.
• Follow Quality Control/Quality Assurance (QC/QA) requirements including compliance with EPA regulations. Perform assigned sample preparatory work, and analyses according to established QC/QA requirements, including all documentation as required for compliance with appropriate regulations promulgated by EPA, state agencies, and other regulatory bodies; ensure the quality of data meets project needs.
• Evaluate quality control results, identify deficiencies and take corrective action; participate in proficiency studies to demonstrate analytical competency.
• Write and review standard operating procedures.
• Maintain, troubleshoot and perform minor repairs on laboratory instruments.
• Assist Environmental Laboratory Scientist II and III in the performance of their duties.
• Enter data into the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) and/or logbooks.
• Perform related duties as assigned

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORKING CONDITIONS
Most work is performed indoors in an Environmental Laboratory with moderate chemical exposure risk. Risks include acidic and caustic solutions, neurotoxins, and carcinogenic substances. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is required within the work environment. Primary PPE consists of safety glasses or goggles, lab coat, appropriate protective gloves. Due to potential chemical exposure, no bare legs are allowed in the laboratory closed toed shoes are required in the laboratory work areas.

Able to work in a laboratory environment for long periods at a time.

Position may require repetitive handling of samples including pouring, mixing, dilution and/or filtering.

Bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, moderate lifting and bending, standing for extended periods of time, and occasional unassisted lifting of up to 25 lbs. associated with job duties.

Incumbents may be subject to emergency calls during off-duty hours and may be required to work weekends and holidays.

WHY WORK FOR THE CITY?

The City of Tacoma offers a generous program of employee benefits:

• Outstanding working conditions and an exceptional quality-of-life environment.
• Medical coverage for eligible employees, spouses and dependents, including children up to age 26.
• Vision care with VSP for employees and eligible dependents enrolled in the Regence PPO medical plan with vision benefits.
• Dental coverage for eligible employees and their elected dependents, including dependent children up to the age of 26.
• Deferred compensation allowing tax-deferred savings as authorized under Section 457 of the IRS Code.
• Personal time off.
• Paid holidays.
• A great pension plan.

Qualifications

An equivalent* combination of education and experience of a High School Diploma or equivalent.

AND

Four (4) years of work experience in an environmental laboratory.

*Equivalency: 1 year of experience = 1 year of education

Knowledge & Skills

• Safety precautions followed in chemical and bacteriological laboratories.
• Organic and inorganic quantitative and qualitative analysis using instrumentation such as ICP, IR, GC, GC/MS, flow injection analysis, and automated ion chromatography.
• Conventional analysis techniques.
• Operate a personal computer and related software.
• Perform quantitative and qualitative tests accurately and precisely.
• Record data accurately.
• Interpret test results in terms of reasonableness of findings and meeting project objectives and key performance criteria.
• Communicate clearly orally and in writing.
• Establish good working relationships with internal and external customers from all backgrounds.
• Maintain, troubleshoot and make minor repairs on laboratory equipment.

Selection Process & Supplemental Information

City of Tacoma Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
Tacoma's diversity is its greatest asset. Tacoma embraces its multi-cultural and multi-ethnic character. Communities of color and immigrant communities are fundamental to Tacoma's entrepreneurial spirit, workforce, and long-term success. In Tacoma, equity and empowerment are top priorities, meaning that all Tacoma residents must have equitable opportunities to reach their full potential and share in the benefits of community progress. One of our goals is for the City of Tacoma workforce to reflect the community it serves. We actively work to eliminate racial and other disparities and welcome candidates with diverse backgrounds and/or multicultural skill sets and experiences. Our goal is for Tacoma to be an inclusive and equitable place to live, work, and play.
Our Community
Tacoma is a mid-sized urban port city that sits along the Puget Sound with a population of nearly 210,000. The third largest city in the state of Washington, it is a diverse, progressive international gateway to the Pacific Rim. Propelled by significant development such as the University of Washington Tacoma, the Tacoma Link light rail system, the restored urban waterfront of the Thea Foss Waterway, the expansions of both the MultiCare and Franciscan health systems, and a significant influx of foreign direct investment in its downtown core, Tacoma has evolved considerably since the 1990s.
Tacoma boasts the state's highest density of art and history museums and is home to a flourishing creative community of writers, artists, musicians, photographers, filmmakers, chefs, entrepreneurs, and small business owners who each add their unique flair to the city's vibrant commercial landscape. The iconic Tacoma Dome has endured as a high-demand venue for some of the largest names in the entertainment industry.

Our City:
With a population over 200,000, Tacoma is the second largest city in the Puget Sound region, gracing the shores of Commencement Bay. We are a diverse, progressive, international city that serves as a gateway to the Pacific Rim and the rest of the world. Named one of the most livable areas in the country by Livability.com, Tacoma and the surrounding area is a playground for outdoor and maritime enthusiasts. Our businesses are vibrant, our parks are beautiful, and our schools are exceptional.

Tacoma's natural beauty and proximity to the Puget Sound and Mount Rainier draws hikers, runners, bicyclists, and maritime enthusiasts to the area. Its lively social scene is infused with energy from thousands of students attending the University of Washington Tacoma, the University of Puget Sound, the Evergreen State College Tacoma campus, and Tacoma Community College, as well as a number of local trade and technical colleges. Its prime location - about 30 minutes south of the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, 30 miles north of the state capital in Olympia, and within 10 miles of the U.S. Department of Defense's premier military installation on the West Coast - only adds to Tacoma's desirability. To see a few of the great things Tacoma has to offer, view this YouTube Video!

When you work for the City of Tacoma, you'll enjoy a healthy work/life balance, the potential for flexible schedules with some job classifications, continuing education programs, leadership pathways, wellness incentives and a total rewards benefits program. We welcome you to take a look at our website and discover how the City of Tacoma can make your next career move part of our combined destiny:

http://www.cityoftacoma.org/
http://www.traveltacoma.com/

The City of Tacoma believes that each employee makes a significant contribution to our success. This job description is designed to outline primary duties, qualifications and job scope. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

Interested individuals must complete the online application and attach a detailed resume and cover letter that includes major responsibilities and accomplishments related to this position.

This is a competitive selection process. Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will have their job application and responses to Supplemental Questions #5-9 reviewed and evaluated by a committee of subject matter experts, as the Experience and Training Test for this position. It is the responsibility of the applicants to adequately describe all pertinent experience and training. Applicants whose qualifications most closely correspond to the City's needs will be eligible for further consideration.

Per City of Tacoma Personnel Management Policy #170, the City of Tacoma is a drug-free work environment. Appointment is subject to passing a pre-employment background and references check.

Candidates who are eligible for Veteran's Preference scoring criteria must attach a copy of their DD-214 member copy 4, (proof of military discharge form) at time of application , to be eligible for review for Veteran's Preference, with redacted birth date and social security numbers.

This position is covered by a Labor Agreement between the City of Tacoma and Local 17. New employees must successfully complete a nine-month probationary period prior to obtaining permanent status in this classification.

Communication from the City of Tacoma:
We primarily communicate via email during the application process. Emails from cityoftacoma.org and/or governmentjobs.com must be placed on your safe domain list to ensure that you receive notifications in a timely manner. As a precaution, you may also want to check your junk email folders.

The online application system requires you to enter a substantial amount of information. Be prepared to spend at least an hour entering information. In order for your application materials to be considered, all information must be submitted by the closing date and time listed on this job announcement.

For assistance with the NEOGOV application process, or questions regarding this job announcement, please call Human Resources at (253) 591.5400 before 4:00 pm of the closing date of the job announcement.

Agency
City of Tacoma

Address
Human Resources Department
747 Market Street
Tacoma, Washington, 98402-3764

Phone
253-591-5400

Website
http://www.cityoftacoma.org

The City of Tacoma provides excellent medical, dental and vision plans for the whole family; paid holidays and paid leave; participation in the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System (alternate plan for Police/Fire); continuing education and advancement opportunities and a growing variety of City-sponsored health and wellness opportunities and incentives.

Medical Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age26 or younger.

Dental Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age26 or younger.

Vision Coverage: For eligible employees and their eligible dependents.

Paid Leave: City employees are entitled to received paid holidays, sick/vacation leave or personal time off (PTO), depending upon union affiliation and appointment type.

Insurance Plans: Employees are covered by a long-term disability plan. Short-term and expanded long-term disability insurance plans are also available to employees. The State Industrial Insurance Act also covers employees.

Deferred Compensation: Income can be set aside on a pretax basis and invested for supplementation of normal retirement income.

Retirement: All employees of the City, except members of the Police and Fire services, Tacoma Rail and certain project employees, are included in the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System. Information on the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System can be found at www.cityoftacoma.org or by calling (253) 502-8200.

Other Employment Information

Direct Deposit: Employees are paid on a bi-weekly schedule by direct deposit.

Salary Increases: Based on satisfactory job performance, the City provides for a regular progression of salary increases for most classifications according to the salary schedule.

Union Affiliation: Many job classifications are covered by union security provisions which require union membership, dues, or payment of equivalent service fees.

Note: The provisions of this job announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained herein may be modified and/or revoked without notice.

Closing Date/Time: 7/9/2024 5:00 PM Pacific

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