Calibration & Repair Specialist (Environmental Specialist 4) (In-Training)

Calibration & Repair Specialist (Environmental Specialist 4) (In-Training)

Salary
$49,020.00 – $64,296.00 Annually
Location
Thurston County – Lacey, WA
Job Type
Full Time – Permanent
Department
Dept. of Ecology
Job Number
2017-AQ0844-10027
Closing
Continuous
Description
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Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen
Protecting Washington State’s environment for current and future generations is what we do every day at Ecology. We have a culture that is invested in making a difference. If you want to join a team that is highly effective, collaborative, with leadership that embraces the value of people, Ecology is a great fit.

The Air Quality Program (AQP) is looking to fill a Calibration & Repair Specialist (Environmental Specialist 4) (In-Training) position. This position is located in our Headquarters Office (HQ) in Lacey, WA.

The Calibration & Repair Specialist position serves as a senior section specialist in the procurement, repair, and calibration of highly complex air monitoring instrumentation. This position will support the Washington State Ambient Air Monitoring Network and assist in carrying out important monitoring activities to help us better understand air pollution and ensure healthy air for everyone. The goal class for this position is an Environmental Specialist 4. At the goal class, this position will serve as the senior section specialist in the calibration, maintenance, and repair of continuous and filter-based PM2.5 monitoring, nephelometry, and meteorological instrumentation. This position also uses advanced scientific knowledge of ambient air monitoring methodology to provide the highest level of technical assistance to professional Ecology headquarters and regional staff, local agency staff, federal and tribal nation staff on the operation, repair, calibration, and maintenance of these instruments.

We are looking for a highly motivated, self-starter, with a thorough understanding of electronic circuitry and pneumatics, great problem solving abilities, knowledge of environmental science, and a top-notch customer service ethic. If you possess these qualities and also have a strong belief in environmental protection and public service, please consider joining our team.

As an agency, our mission is to protect, preserve and enhance Washington’s environment for current and future generations. We invest in our employees to create and sustain a working environment that encourages creative leadership, effective resource management, teamwork, professionalism and accountability. Maybe you’ve seen some of our recent stories on TwitterFacebookInstagram or our blog.

To learn more about our agency, please visit our website at www.ecy.wa.gov.

Local efforts… Diverse people… Statewide impacts

Duties

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The Air Quality Program‘s (AQP) mission is to enhance and protect air quality in Washington State.

The Air Quality Program and its partners use the data collected within the Washington State Ambient Air Monitoring Network to:

  • Determine if air quality is meeting federal standards.
  • Provide near-real-time air quality information for the protection of public health.
  • Forecast air quality.
  • Make daily burn decisions and curtailment calls.
  • Evaluate the effectiveness of air pollution control programs.
  • Evaluate the effects of air pollution on public health.
  • Determine air quality trends.
  • Identify and develop responsible and cost-effective pollution control strategies.

Some of the key duties of the Calibration & Repair Specialist position at the Environmental Specialist 4 goal class include using advanced scientific knowledge of air monitoring principles to:

  • Serve as senior environmental section specialist in the procurement, repair, and calibration of air monitoring instrumentation for the statewide ambient air quality monitoring network with a focus on continuous and filter-based PM2.5 monitoring, nephelometry, and meteorological instrumentation.
  • Perform the most complex calibrations, repairs, and diagnoses, in both laboratory and field settings, on computer/microprocessor-controlled instruments deployed in the statewide air monitoring network.
  • Provide mentoring and training of junior staff in these activities.
  • Provide the highest level of detailed, on-site, and over the phone, laboratory technical assistance and training to professional level federal, state, tribal, and local agency air monitoring staff. Independently troubleshoots online real-time air monitoring data to determine equipment performance and diagnose instrument problems.
  • Calibrate and maintain flow, temperature, and pressure device standards that are used within a laboratory and in the field by professional level air monitoring staff throughout the state.
  • Calibrate, operate, and maintain electronic equipment including multi-meters, oscilloscopes, signal generators, frequency oscillators, electronic counters, and flow meters.
  • Evaluate, procure, and test new and emerging technologies and scientific/environmental/industrial air monitoring equipment for which standardized methods have not been developed and prepare reports for management.
  • Write and review instrument maintenance and repair procedures used by federal, state, tribal and local agency air monitoring staff.
  • Assist SWRO & Air Quality Operations Unit in developing budget requests for ambient monitoring instrumentation and equipment.
  • Procure monitoring equipment and tools, as well as research and ensure technical specifications for equipment performance are adequate for intended uses.
  • Develop and deliver training programs for professional level  federal, state, tribal and local agency air monitoring staff.

This recruitment will remain open until filled. The initial screening will be November 14, 2017.  In order to be considered for the initial screening, please submit an application on or before November 13, 2017. The agency reserves the right to make an appointment any time after the initial screening date.

To broaden the candidate pool, we will consider candidates that qualify at the Environmental Specialist 3 and 4 levels. Please read the qualifications section below to learn more about this exciting career growth and in-training opportunity.

Qualifications
Required Qualifications:At the Environmental Specialist 4 Level: Pay Range 55 ($4085 – $5358) Monthly

A Bachelor’s degree involving a major study in environmental, physical, or one of the natural sciences, environmental planning or other allied field and five (5) years of professional-level experience in environmental analysis or control, environmental planning, or conducting problem diagnoses, repair and calibration of complex, electronics and computer-based, air monitoring instrumentation or other, similarly complex, electronics and computer-based, instrumentation and equipment.

Additional qualifying experience will substitute, year for year, for education.

OR 

A Master’s degree in one of the above fields and three (3) years of professional – level experience as required above.

OR 

A Ph.D. in one of the above fields and two (2) years of professional-level experience as required above.

At the Environmental Specialist 3 Level: Pay Range 49 ($3522 – $4623) Monthly

A Bachelor’s degree involving a major study in environmental, physical, or one of the natural sciences, environmental planning or other allied field and two (2) years of professional-level experience in environmental analysis or control, environmental planning, or conducting problem diagnoses, repair and calibration of complex, electronics and computer-based, air monitoring instrumentation or other, similarly complex, electronics and computer-based, instrumentation and equipment.

Additional qualifying experience will substitute, year for year, for education.

A Master’s degree in one of the above fields will substitute for one (1) year of the required experience.

Desired Qualifications:

  • Two years or more of electronics education and hands-on troubleshooting experience with electronic circuitry, pneumatics, and mechanical systems.
  • One or more years of experience in the diagnosis, repair, and calibration of air pollutant and meteorological monitoring systems.
  • Excellent deductive reasoning skills.
  • Experience using Microsoft Office software such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
  • An advanced understanding of the principles involved in calibrating, maintaining, and operating air monitoring equipment.
  • Ability to interpret and explain technical information to non-technical individuals.
  • Ability to communicate clearly, accurately, and in a timely manner; write clearly and appropriately to the audience and situation.
  • Ability to build and maintain internal and external customer satisfaction and regularly take action to solicit feedback.
  • Ability to coordinate and lead groups, creating a cooperative and productive environment in which to resolve problems and develop and implement plans.
  • Service focus: Treat fellow employees, local air and federal staff, and the public as partners who are equally committed to improving air quality.
  • Communication: Skill in allowing others to speak without interrupting; checks and understanding by summarizing or paraphrasing what others have said and devotes full attention as demonstrated through verbal and non-verbal cues.
  • Accountability: Ability to build and maintain internal and external customer satisfaction and regularly take action to solicit feedback.
  • Relationships: Ability to coordinate and lead groups, creating a cooperative and productive environment in which to resolve problems or develop and implement plans.

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

  • Must possess a valid driver’s license.
Supplemental Information
Application Instructions:
In order to be considered, applicants MUST include the following documents as an attachment to their application:
  • A cover letter describing how your experience, skills and abilities meet the required qualifications of this position.
  • A resume outlining your professional experience.
Please complete the applicant profile when applying for this position. Or, you may paste the text of your resume within the profile’s resume text field.Please read the supplemental questions carefully and answer completely. Incomplete responses, including “please see resume” may disqualify you from further consideration.

Department of Ecology employees, please make sure to answer the agency-wide questions regarding permanent status as a classified employee within the Washington General Service or Washington Management Service. Do not forget to select Department of Ecology as a response to question 2, and type your personnel ID number for question 3. If you are not sure of your status or do not know your personnel ID number, please contact Human Resources at (360) 407-6186.

If you are reading this announcement in print format, please visit www.careers.wa.gov to access the online recruitment system. Click on “Look for Jobs” and select Dept. of Ecology under the “Department” search list. Click “Apply Search.”

Other Information:

If you need assistance applying for this job, please call Human Resources at (360) 407-6186 or e-mail careers@ecy.wa.gov. Please do not call this number or send an email to this address to follow-up the status of your application. You can view the latest status of your application on your profile’s main page.

If you have specific questions about the position, please email Sean Lundblad at: slun461@ecy.wa.gov.  Please do not contact Sean to inquire about the status of your application.

The act of submitting application materials electronically is considered affirmation that the information is complete and truthful. The state may verify this information and any untruthful or misleading answers are cause for rejection of your application or dismissal if employed.

This position is included in the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) union bargaining unit for the Department of Ecology. All employees covered by the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) with the WFSE will, as a condition of employment, either become members of the WFSE and pay membership dues or, as non-members, pay a representation fee as described in the CBA, no later than the 30th day following the effective date of this CBA or the beginning of their employment.

The Washington State Department of Ecology is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, veterans or people with military status, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply. Persons needing accommodation in the application/testing process or this job announcement in an alternative format may call (360) 407-6186. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.

More than Just a Paycheck!

Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career and that your priority is making sure that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That’s why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work. Check with the agency human resource office for specific benefit information.
Insurance Benefits
Employees and families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance.  There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.  Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses.  Employees are also covered by basic life and long term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.  To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website.
Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS).  New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs.  For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems‘ web site.
 
Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP).  This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.
 
Vacation (Annual Leave)

You begin accruing vacation starting your first month of employment. Since we value your loyalty, the amount of vacation you can accrue increases the longer you work with us. Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year. Vacation accrues for full-time employees per WAC 357-31-165.

Holidays

Full-time employees are entitled to eleven* paid holidays:

HOLIDAY
DATE
New Year’s Day
January 1
Martin Luther King, Jr’s birthday
Third Monday in January
Presidents’ Day
Third Monday in February
Memorial Day
Last Monday in May
Independence Day
July 4
Labor Day
First Monday in September
Veterans’ Day
November 11
Thanksgiving Day
Fourth Thursday in November & Friday after
Christmas Day
December 25
Personal Holiday
Employee’s selection each calendar year

*Employees who are members of certain Unions are entitled to an additional personal leave day of their choice. Please refer to specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

 
Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.
Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Paid sick leave may be used for reasons included in WAC 357-31-130.
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information.
01

How did you learn about this job posting?

  • Community Based Organization
  • Community / Technical College
  • Ecology Employee
  • Ecology Recruiter
  • Ecology Jobs Page
  • Facebook
  • Job Board
  • Job Fair
  • LinkedIn
  • Newspaper
  • Other State Agency
  • Other Website
  • Professional Association
  • Twitter
  • Radio
  • University Job Board
  • WorkSource
  • www.careers.wa.gov
02
If you selected Community Based Organization, Community / Technical College, Job Board, Job Fair, LinkedIn Group, Newspaper, Other State Agency, Other Website, Professional Association, Radio, University Job Board or WorkSource location then please share which one.
03

Please select the statement that best describes your level of education in environmental, physical, or one of the natural sciences, environmental planning or other allied field.

  • I have 30-59 semester or 45-89 quarter credits.
  • I have 60-89 semester or 90-134 quarter credits (AA degree).
  • I have 90-119 semester or 135-179 quarter credits.
  • I have a Bachelor’s Degree.
  • I have a Master’s Degree.
  • I have a Ph.D.
  • None of the above statements apply.
04
Please indicate your degree and major.
05

Please select the statement that best describes your professional experience in environmental analysis or control, or environmental planning, or conducting problem diagnoses, repair and calibration of complex electronics and computer-based, air monitoring instrumentation or other similarly complex electronics and computer-based, instrumentation and equipment.

  • I have at least one year of experience.
  • I have at least two years of experience.
  • I have at least three years of experience.
  • I have at least four years of experience.
  • I have at least five years of experience.
  • I have at least six years of experience.
  • I have at least seven years of experience.
  • I have at least eigth years of experience.
  • I have at least nine years of experience.
  • None of the above statements apply.
06
Describe your experience and education working with electronics and troubleshooting electronic circuitry, pneumatics, and mechanical systems.
07
Describe your experience in the diagnosis, repair, and calibration of air pollutant and meteorological monitoring systems.

Required Question

Agency
State of Washington
Address
View Job Posting for Agency InformationView Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504.

Phone
View Posting for Agency Contact