Nature of Work
Ready to test the waters (literally and figuratively) in a career that serves your community and helps protect public health and the environment? Apply to join the Lab Team with Public Works!
The Laboratory Technician has the primary responsibility of collecting and testing surface water, drinking water and wastewater samples for regulatory compliance, plant process control, and the monitoring of environmental programs as they apply to water and wastewater compliance. Positions in this class are accountable for quality control procedures in the laboratory. Additional duties include assisting in information gathering and initial preparation of compliance reports, in implementation of new laboratory procedures, in the training of new employees in standard laboratory operating procedures, and special project assignments. Positions in this class are accountable for quality control procedures in the laboratory, including analyzing performance evaluation samples to ensure state certification of both laboratories. Additional duties include working with lab and process control instrumentation. Responsible for monitoring, calibrating, maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing PROCESS instruments and lab-related instruments. Maintains an inventory of lab supplies and procures equipment and supplies as needed. Communicates and coordinates with coworkers to ensure proper sequence of events for sampling and analysis. Coordinates with reference laboratory personnel to ensure proper supplies are obtained, sample is properly prepared and delivered, and chain of custody is maintained. Error or negligence in performance may have serious detrimental consequences for the City’s water/wastewater and secondary treatment systems.
This position will start at Step 1 ($30.96/hour). For external candidates, placement within the range is based on qualifications and professional experience in accordance with City policy. For internal candidates, placement within the range is based on City Pay Placement Procedures. Employees receive step increases annually in accordance with the Guild of Pacific Northwest Employees, Local 1937 Collective Bargaining Agreement and City policy. The full 2023 hourly range for this position is $30.96 – $38.10.
City of Bellingham employees receive medical, dental, and vision insurance as well as life insurance and long-term disability. Additional benefits include flexible spending accounts, a medical insurance opt-out program, and access to our employee assistance program. All eligible City employees are enrolled in a Washington State Department of Retirement Systems pension plan. Additionally, employees may elect to participate in the City’s 457 deferred compensation retirement savings plan.
Employees will receive 12 paid holidays in addition to one paid floating holiday each year. Employees accrue 8 hours total of contract and state sick leave per month in accordance with the collective bargaining agreement and Washington State Law. At the time of hire, employees will accrue 7.33 hours of vacation per month. Vacation accruals increase based on years of service. Leave accruals are based on 1.0 FTE, accruals are pro-rated if part-time and require employee to be in paid status at least 120 hours/month.
For additional information regarding benefits and compensation Information please visit the following:
- Labor Agreements, Pay Schedules and E-Team Employee Handbook – City of Bellingham (cob.org)
- Employment Benefits – City of Bellingham (cob.org)
Closing Date/Time: Mon. 01/29/2024 4:30 PM Pacific Time
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
1. Collects samples from various sites for quality control purposes and compliance monitoring using a variety of technical methods and equipment.
2. Prepares reagents and standardized chemical solutions needed to test collected samples.
3. Performs a variety of chemical and microbiological tests for water and wastewater samples including, but not limited to bio-chemical oxygen demand; chemical oxygen demand; solids; pH; chlorine residual; hardness; alkalinity; coliforms; heterotrophic plate count; grease and oil; iron; turbidity.
4. Performs testing required for secondary wastewater treatment including, but not limited to nutrient analyses, microbiological screening and extended solids testing.
5. Performs laboratory quality control testing and procedures and maintains standard reports in compliance with state requirements.
6. Performs algebraic calculations on laboratory raw data, enters results into computer; compiles and maintains computerized records for quality control and compliance purposes.
7. Calibrates, maintains and performs minor repairs on laboratory equipment and laboratory-related plant instrumentation. Coordinate with Maintenance staff on troubleshooting and more involved repairs.
8. Performs sample collection and testing for special project assignments; assists in information gathering for research done by Technical Supervisor and Laboratory Analyst. Included here are such duties as evaluating new instruments and procedures under the advice of the Technical Supervisor or Lab Analyst, for the purpose of making lab procedural or purchase recommendations.
9. Responds to citizen inquiries regarding general health concerns and drinking water. Handles complaints on specific water quality problems such as tastes, odors, etc.; contacts customers regarding test results.
10. Maintains an inventory of routine lab supplies and procures equipment and supplies as needed. Prepares requisitions for warehouse purchase of equipment and supplies.
ADDITIONAL WORK PERFORMED:
1. Assists in the instruction and training of personnel in laboratory related tasks.
2. Performs Plant Operator equipment checks during weekend/holiday duty.
3. Performs related duties as assigned.
WORKING ENVIRONMENT:
The position works a majority of time in a laboratory environment which is designed to optimize safe and efficient working conditions. However, a number of hazards are present when working with chemical agents, biological samples and laboratory testing equipment. Employees must be constantly aware of safety requirements. Some work is conducted out-of-doors in all types of weather and on irregular terrain.
Physical ability necessary to perform job duties:
- visual acuity and color differentiation;
- fine finger dexterity to manipulate laboratory equipment and computer keyboard; adequate hearing for telephone and radio communications;
- standing for long periods of time;
- ability to move over and through rough terrain on a regular basis; frequent lifting up to 25 lbs.
Experience and Training
- BA/BS degree in chemistry, biology, microbiology, environmental science or related field.
- One year of related laboratory work experience required excluding laboratory work performed for academic credit. Internships, assistantships and volunteer experience may be used as work experience.
- Valid Washington State drivers license at time of hire. Must submit a three-year driving record abstract prior to hire.
Necessary Special Requirements
- Work weekends, holidays and swing shift on a rotating basis.
Selection Process
**You are encouraged to print a copy of this job announcement for your reference as the process moves along**
- Please ensure your application is complete and all required information has been provided.
- Standard completeness means all application fields (contact information, personal information, education, work experience, references, and required supplemental questions).
-
Provide as much detail as you believe will fully describe your experience and training.
Application Review Process:
Minimum Qualifications:
- Applicants must provide specific, detailed information so an initial determination can be made regarding your level of qualifications for this position.
- Applicant status will be updated on or around January 30, 2024.
Experience and Training Rating:
- Applicants that meet minimum qualifications will go through an Experience and Training Rating.
- Relevancy of your experience and training, together with composition, grammar, spelling and punctuation will be considered when evaluating responses.
- Applicant status will be updated on or around February 9, 2024.
The top 12 scoring applicants from the Experience and Training Rating will be invited to participate in an Oral Board Interview, tentatively scheduled for the week of February 20th. Candidates must achieve at least 60% passing score on the oral board to be placed on the eligibility list.
Applicants will be notified via email of Final Scores & Ranks. The final ranking of the register will be based on total scores for the following: Experience and Training Review (40%) and Oral Board Interview (60%).
Final candidates will be referred to the department for additional examination, assessment, or test.
This recruitment process will create a Civil Service eligibility register that will be used to fill current and future vacancies as they become available. There is currently 1 full-time vacancy in Public Works Natural Resources. This position is represented by a union.
Please Note: Candidates will receive updates regarding application status via email. Please be sure to check your email frequently, including your spam folders for messages filtered by your email providers.
Equal Opportunity:
Our environment is characterized by respect for cultural backgrounds, belief systems, and ethnic diversity. The City of Bellingham is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in its work force. We do not make decisions on the basis of an individual’s race, religion, creed, color, national origin, sex, marital status, age (40+), disability, retaliation, sexual orientation or gender identity, honorably discharged veteran or military status, status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking, use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, or any other basis prohibited by local, state, or federal law. All are encouraged to apply for employment.
Fair Hiring Practices
- The City provides individuals who have been arrested or convicted of a criminal offense an equal and fair opportunity to obtain employment.
- The City will not inquire about an applicant’s criminal history until after a conditional job offer has been made.
- The City will disregard the prior arrest and conviction record of an otherwise qualified individual unless the offense is directly related to the job position for which the individual has applied.
- The City will notify an otherwise qualified applicant about a potentially disqualifying conviction and give the applicant an opportunity to submit information regarding the accuracy of the criminal records as well as evidence of mitigation or rehabilitation, as appropriate.