Process Lab Specialist I - South Plant

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 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:
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.

The laboratory culture is supportive and collaborative and 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 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. 

Join our team dedicated to ensuring clean water for generations to come! With over 700 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:

• 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. 

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.
• Skill in oral and written communication techniques and ability to read, write, present, and follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to lift and move items weighing up to 30 pounds in a safe manner.
• Ability to communicate clearly both written and orally.

• 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

• Washington State Driver’s License and the ability to provide transportation to remote work locations with limited or no public transportation is required.

• Prior experience in a production lab and/or wastewater lab is desired.
• Ability to achieve a Washington State Wastewater Operator Group I certification level

Working Conditions

• Work Location: South Treatment Plant - 1200 Monster Rd SW, Renton, WA 98057, and other locations across King County.  
• 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 
• Union Representation: This position is represented by SEIU Local 925.
• Additional Information: Work schedule is typically 6 am - 2:30 pm. Weekend work may be required. This position is also mission critical during inclement weather or unforeseen events.

• Complete Application
• Resume Required 
• Cover Letter Required (detailing your background and how you fit the qualifications for the role.)

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? 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.

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.

Salary : $37 - $46