ENVIRONMENTAL LABORATORY SCIENTIST I (Field Science Unit/Aquatic Toxicology)



ENVIRONMENTAL LABORATORY SCIENTIST I (Field Science Unit/Aquatic Toxicology)

Salary

$28.80 - $36.50 Hourly

Location

WA 98119, WA

Job Type

Career Service, Full Time, 40 hrs/week

Job Number

2013MK03605

Department

Department of Natural Resources & Parks - Water and Land Resources Division

Division

DNRP-WLRD

Opening Date

12/20/2013

Closing Date

1/8/2014 5:00 PM Pacific

FLSA

Non-Exempt

Bargaining Unit

Z3 : KC Personnel Guidelines

Summary

WHO MAY APPLY: This is open to the general public.

WHERE TO APPLYhttp://www.kingcounty.gov/jobs.aspx

SELECTION PROCESS:  Applicants who meet the required qualifications will be screened based on clarity, completeness, and content of their application materials.  After initial screening, the most competitive applicants may proceed to an interview.

WORK LOCATION: Environmental Laboratory, 322 W. Ewing, Seattle, WA 98119-1597

WORK SCHEDULE: This full-time position is non-exempt from the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act, and is overtime eligible.  This position is based on a 40-hour workweek.  The typical work schedule is 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday - Thursday.  Periodic extended hours and occasional weekend work is a requirement of this position.

Contact (206) 477-4740 or michelle.kobuki@kingcounty.gov for questions regarding this announcement.

FORMS AND MATERIALS REQUIRED:
• A King County Application Form 
• Resume & Cover Letter
• Answers to the attached supplemental questionnaire

SELECTION PROCESS: Applicants will be screened for qualifications, clarity and completeness of application materials. Competitive applicants will be those with the most recent and relevant demonstrated qualifications. The most competitive applicants will be invited for an interview and an examination.

JOB DESCRIPTION: This position provides scientific expertise in performing a broad variety of environmental laboratory and field-based sampling and analyses.    This is an entry-level classification for conducting environmental laboratory analyses using a variety of complex analytical methods and advanced instrumentation to characterize environmental samples in Field Services and Aquatic Toxicology Units. This position requires field work in all types of weather conditions, operating a motor vehicle or small boat, sample collection at treatment plants, sampling from boats on lakes, rivers and Puget Sound, and collection of environmental samples by operating a variety of scientific field instrumentation.  In addition to field work, this position will process marine phytoplankton samples in the laboratory for identification and quantification (e.g. cell counts), assist with sample preparation and analysis of freshwater and marine algae toxins in water samples, and assist with aquatic toxicology laboratory studies.

PRIMARY JOB FUNCTIONS:
• Conduct field sampling, independently, or with senior staff, and field measurements utilizing a variety of field sampling technologies and equipment. 
• Operate field vehicles and/or small boats.
• Enter data into Laboratory Information Systems (LIMS) database perform appropriate review of data, and data interpretation
• Calibrate field and laboratory instruments (datasondes, pH, DO, etc.)
• Conduct field investigations to assess water quality, identify pollution sources and evaluate environmental conditions. Conduct fieldwork using appropriate equipment and protocols. Install, operate, maintain troubleshoot and repair, and calibrate complex sampling equipment.  Work collaboratively with other government and regulatory agencies or departments within the County to address Environmental Laboratory policies and issues.
• Serve as a technical coordinator on project teams Review SAP's and QAPP's to ensure the laboratory and Field Science Unit's ability to meet project requirements.
• Under guidance of senior laboratory staff, process marine phytoplankton samples for identification and quantification (e.g. cell counts).
• Follow safety requirements and guidelines and recognize and correct potential safety hazards.
•  Assist with the conduct of aquatic toxicology laboratory studies; culture and holding of freshwater and marine test organisms. 
• Write and review standard operating procedures (SOPS) for laboratory and field procedures.
• Assist with sample preparation and analysis for the quantitative determination of freshwater and marine algae toxins in water samples.

Licensing/Certification Requirements
Washington State Driver's License
Some licenses, certifications and other requirements determined to be necessary to meet the business needs of the employing unit may be required.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: 
• Experience dealing with environmental projects, chemistry and other water quality problems, including a  combination of experience performing field sampling collection and analyses, interpreting data, scientific report writing; and troubleshooting of equipment
• Ability to lift equipment up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to work in all types of weather
• Ability to follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOP's)
• Experience working on boats
• Ability to work well with others
• Knowledge of QA/QC principles, data validation and interpretation
• Skill in field and laboratory procedures and operation, troubleshooting and maintenance of complex  scientific field instruments (again good to specify)
• Communications skills (oral and written, including  report writing)
• Demonstrated customer service skills, including an ability to work effectively with 
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with Environmental Lab staff.  Skill in establishing and maintaining working relationships with a diverse group of people
• Knowledge of principles of environmental science related to collection and analysis of environmental field data, including field sampling testing, data-gathering and field investigations
• Knowledge and understanding of potential hazards in the field and lab, and use of appropriate safety precautions
• Knowledge of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and other location determining systems
• Skill in use, maintenance and troubleshooting of broad range of environmental sampling equipment
• Perform other duties as assigned

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
• A Bachelor's Degree in biology, marine science, marine biology, oceanography, chemistry, environmental science, or any equivalent combination of education and experience
• Ability to maintain and repair complex field scientific instruments.
• Able-Bodied Seaman License or equivalent
• Experience and/or education in laboratory procedures for identification and quantification of marine phytoplankton. 
• Ability to consult with customers in planning projects, assigning analytical methods, solving problems and concerns related to the analyses, and serving as a technical resource for customers. Prepare reports summarizing results of laboratory analyses with narrative highlights and data interpretation. 


Supplemental Questionnaire
 

The following questions address important elements of this position. The information you provide will help to determine your eligibility for further consideration. Please use specific examples and limit your responses to no more than one typed page per question. Attach all pages to your application.
 

King County offers a highly-competitive compensation and benefits package designed to meet the diverse needs of our employees and support our employees' health and well-being.  Eligible positions receive the following benefits and have access to the following programs:

  • Medical, dental, and vision coverage: King County pays 100% of the premiums for eligible employees and family members
  • Life and disability insurance: employees are provided basic coverage and given the opportunity to purchase additional insurance for both the employee and eligible dependents
  • Retirement: King County employees are eligible to participate in a pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems and a 457(b) deferred-compensation plan
  • Transportation program and ORCA transit pass
  • 10 paid holidays each year (plus 2 personal holidays)
  • Generous vacation and paid sick leave
  • Paid parental leave, family and medical leaves, and volunteer leave
  • Flexible Spending Account
  • Wellness programs
  • Onsite gyms and activity centers
  • Employee giving program
  • Employee assistance programs
  • Flexible schedules and telecommuting options, depending on position
  • Training and career development programs
For additional information about employee benefits please visit our Benefits, Payroll, and Retirement Page.

This is a general description of the benefits offered to eligible King County employees, and every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy.  If any information on this document conflicts with the provisions of a collective bargaining agreement (CBA), the CBA prevails.  Also, in the event of any incorrect information in this document, applicable laws, policies, rules, CBAs, or official plan documents will prevail.
 
NOTE:  Benefits for Term Limited Temporary (TLT) or Short Term Temporary (STT) positions, including leave eligibility and/or participation in the pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems, will vary based upon the terms and details of the position. Short Term Temporary positions are not eligible for an ORCA transit pass.
 
For inquiries about the specifics of this position, please contact the recruiter identified on this job posting.

01
Please describe your background and experience in conducting environmental field sampling. Include specific information on the type of analysis and instrumentation utilized, as well as how the resulting data were used.
02
Please describe your experience and/or education with laboratory procedures for identification and quantification of marine phytoplankton.
03
Describe a real situation where you were in conflict about the design or equipment set-up for an environmental monitoring project. What was the nature of the conflict? What steps did you take to resolve the issue? Were you satisfied with the outcome? Were the other parties satisfied with the outcome?
04
Were you to be selected for this position, you will be working in a highly collaborative work environment where technical scientists, project managers, QA officer and customers work closely together. Describe your ability to work in this type of environment and any applicable knowledge and skills you possess that will help you be a contributor.

Required Question

Agency
King County
Address
King Street Center
201 South Jackson Street
Seattle, Washington, 98104
Phone
206-477-3404