Position Description

Protecting and restoring natural resources, keeping our city clean, safe and livable is what we do in the Environmental Services Department.   We are national leaders that operate fiscally sound utilities, reducing our environmental footprint for the benefit of our community and future generations. We provide sustainable and cost-effective services to protect the environment, recover value from Tacoma’s waste streams, and enhance the quality of life for the citizens and rate payers.  We value integrity, service, excellence and equity.  The Environmental Services Laboratory is seeking qualified individuals who live these values, foster teamwork, bring curiosity, and embrace ownership.   As an Environmental Laboratory Scientist I you will be working in a state of the art LEED platinum certified office/laboratory environment with others who share our mission, our vision, and our values.   An Environmental laboratory Scientist I performs sample preparatory work, conducts basic testing and analysis utilizing standard methodologies and procedures under close supervision.

Distinguishing Characteristics:

The Environmental Lab Scientist is a three level series for conducting environmental laboratory work; sample preparation, analyses, and reporting following standard methodologies and procedures.  Responsibilities of this position include environmental laboratory sample preparatory work of raw water, finished water, ground water, wastewater, stormwater, soil, sludge and sediments, following mandated federal and state regulations and guidelines for the purpose of assessing, monitoring and protecting the environment and public health.   This position requires careful attention to detail, the ability to measure and perform work that is precise and accurate.  It requires knowledge of environmental laboratory procedures and methods, and the skill to communicate clearly, document carefully, and work with others while balancing deadlines with other competing priorities.  Good problem solving skills, thinking agility, tenacity and persistence are key to producing successful outcomes.

Physical Requirements and 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 may require occasional unassisted lifting of up to 50 lbs. associated with job duties.
• Incumbents may be subject to emergency calls during off-duty hours and may be required to work occasional evenings, weekends and/or holidays.QualificationsKnowledge & Skills

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: Graduation from high school or equivalent (GED) and a two-year degree in chemistry, biology, or environmental sciences, and two years of work experience in an environmental laboratory. OR Graduation from high school or equivalent (GED) and four years of work experience in an environmental laboratory. College level courses in chemistry, biology, or environmental sciences can be substituted year for year for laboratory experience. DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS: A minimum of two years of experience working in an accredited environmental laboratory preparing samples, reagents and chemicals, and performing organic extractions and/or acid digestions using approved environmental methods.

• City of Tacoma Recruitment Information: One of the primary goals of the City of Tacoma Equity and Empowerment Initiative is that the City of Tacoma workforce reflects the community it serves. We actively work to eliminate racial and other disparities and we welcome candidates with diverse and/or multicultural skill sets and personal experiences. Our goal is for Tacoma to be an inclusive and equitable place to live, work and play.

• 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 or not meeting key performance criteria
• Communicate clearly orally and in writing
• Establish good working relationships with internal and external customers
• Make minor repairs to laboratory equipmentSelection Process & Supplemental Informationhttp://www.cityoftacoma.org/    http://www.traveltacoma.com/  http://www.cityoftacoma.org/newhires  AgencyAddressPhoneWebsite

http://www.cityoftacoma.org

253-591-5400

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

City of Tacoma

• 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 apply online and meet the minimum qualifications to progress in the examination process. Applicants who are separated or retired and are eligible for veterans scoring criteria (Veterans Preference) 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. Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will have their responses to Supplemental Questions #8 – #12 scored by an evaluation committee as the Experience and Training Test to establish the Eligible List for this position. These questions will be scored on the basis of information provided; therefore it is the responsibility of the applicant to carefully list all pertinent experience and training in their essay test question responses. Applicants must obtain a passing score of 70% or higher on the Experience and Training Test to be placed on the eligible list for potential interview and hiring consideration. This position is covered by a Labor Agreement between the City and Local 17 Professional & Technical Employees. New employees must join the union within 30 days of hire.  Per City of Tacoma Personnel Management Policy #170, the City of Tacoma is a drug-free work environment.  Appointment is subject to successful completion of a background check and a pre-employment medical exam and drug screen.  Candidates must successfully complete a 9 month probationary period in order to attain permanent status in this position.      We primarily communicate via e-mail during the application process. E-mails from the cityoftacoma.org and/or governmentjobs.com must be placed on your safe domain list to ensure that you receive notifications in a timely manner. Questions regarding this announcement may be directed to the Human Resources office at 253.591.5400.

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, our schools are exceptional and our housing is affordable.  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:

Technical Knowledge:

Modern laboratory methods for organic and/or inorganic quantitative and qualitative analysis for use with instrumentation such as ICP, ICP-MS, GC, GC/MS, and flow injection analysis. Able to interpret test results in terms of reasonableness of findings and meeting or not meeting key performance criteria. Safety: Thorough knowledge of safety and health codes for handling biological materials, organic and inorganic chemicals, proper use of personal protection gear, knowledge of safety precautions in laboratory environment. Communication Effectiveness: Clearly and effectively communicate both orally and in writing with individuals and groups within the organization. Present ideas effectively.