Environmental Lab Scientist III

Position Description

The Environmental Services Department is recruiting for the position of Environmental Lab Scientist III. This is the third and top level of the series performing lead duties and reviewing the work of Environmental Laboratory Scientist I, Environmental Laboratory Scientist II and Lab Assistants. A person in this position will exercise independent judgment, interpret complex data, ensure quality, prepare final reports, and demonstrate proficiency across more than one section of the laboratory. This position is also responsible for consulting and advising lab customers in planning projects and interpreting data.

Responsibilities of this classification include providing technical leadership and advanced scientific expertise in the environmental laboratory, providing training, coaching and technical direction to a work group.

The Environmental Services Department strives to provide sustainable and cost-effective management services to protect the environment, recover value from Tacoma's waste streams, and enhance the quality of life for the citizens and ratepayers.
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 Platinum facility leading a group conducting laboratory work essential for healthy neighborhoods and a thriving Puget Sound.

https://www.urbanwaters.org/

OUR IDEAL CANDIDATE is someone who is:

• Has the ability to work through complex and difficult decisions and situations and take ownership for their actions.
• Is a leader; a teammate with strong critical thinking skills who is intrinsically motivated and harnesses their curiosity to seek understanding, gain insight and apply this trait to make improvements.
• Effectively conveys 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 audience
• Someone who will consistently help clients, partners, and coworkers achieve desired outcomes, gaining their trust and respect.
• Genuinely values our mission, values healthy neighborhoods, a thriving Puget Sound, and the role of sound science to inform decisions.
• Can make sense of complex, sometimes contradictory information to effectively solve problems.
• We need someone who embraces continuous improvement, fosters innovation, ensures accuracy, manages details, takes initiative, and strives for excellence.

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.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Functions as a lead over Environmental Laboratory Scientist I, Environmental Laboratory Scientist II and Lab Assistants personnel, provide work direction and guidance, assigns and reviews work of others.
• Review laboratory sampling and analytical results.
• Provide training and troubleshooting services to analytical areas.
• Assure proper methodology, quality control and safety procedures are followed.
• Write and review final analytical reports and Standard Operating Procedures.
• Maintain, troubleshoot and repair complex instruments.
• Perform complex analysis and data interpretation.
• Administer the Laboratory Quality Assurance Program for the Environmental Services Laboratory, Central Treatment Plant I Laboratory, and North End Treatment Plant Laboratory to include maintaining accreditation documentation.
• Coordinate and prepare annual Discharge Monitoring Report-Quality Assurance (DMRQA) and WP Proficiency Testing documentation for Environmental Services Laboratory, Central Treatment Plant I Laboratory, and North End Treatment Plant Laboratory.
• Attend assigned training to keep current on lab techniques and industry best practices.
• 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 of 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 associated with job duties

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.

Qualifications

An equivalent* combination of education and experience of a bachelor's degree in chemistry, biology or related sciences and five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in an environmental laboratory.

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

Knowledge & Skills

• Laboratory terminology, testing and analysis procedures.
• Applicable laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures; Environmental Protection Agency, State Department of Ecology, and Local municipal codes, regulations, and requirements governing environmental laboratory work. Methods, equipment and materials used in a modern analytical laboratory.
• Proper methods of storing equipment, materials and supplies.
• Health and safety regulations followed in chemical and bacteriological laboratories.
• Principles and practices of supervision and training.
• Chemicals used in environmental laboratory work.
• Record-keeping techniques.
• Operation of a personal computer.
• Plan, organize and direct the work of others.
• Organize schedules and workloads so that work is completed efficiently and on schedule.
• Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action.
• Train the laboratory personnel in the use an operation of laboratory equipment, hygienic and safety procedures.
• Meet schedules and timelines.
• Perform quantitative and qualitative tests accurately and precisely.
• Record data accurately.
• Interpret test results in terms of reasonableness of findings.
• Read, interpret and apply laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures.
• Work independently with little direction.
• Research and implement new laboratory methods.
• Assign, review and evaluate the work of others.
• Communicate clearly orally and in writing.
• Establish good working relationships with internal and external customers.
• Make minor repairs to laboratory equipment.

Selection Process & Supplemental Information

To be considered for this opportunity:
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.

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.

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 points, with redacted birth date and social security numbers.

Examination Process:
his is a competitive selection process. Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will have their responses to Supplemental Questions # 6-11 reviewed and scored by a committee of subject matter experts, as the Experience and Training Test . It is the responsibility of the applicants to adequately describe all pertinent experience and training. Please make sure you read the questions and provide complete informative answers. DO NOT respond with "see resume" in lieu of answering these questions; this will result in a failing score.

Applicants who pass the test will be placed on an eligible list for potential interview and hiring consideration. The eligible list established for this position will be used to fill vacancies and provide set-ups for one year.

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.

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.


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.

The City of Tacoma is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in its workplace. Applicants are considered for positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, marital or veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, and local laws.

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 and their families, including domestic partners and dependent 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.

Our City:
With a population over 210,000, 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.

When you work for the City of Tacoma, you'll have the opportunity to enjoy a healthy work/life balance, the potential for flexible work 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.

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. 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, call the Human Resources office 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: 12/2/2024 5:00 PM Pacific

• 

• City of Tacoma

• 253-591-5400

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