Environmental Lab Scientist I

Why This Opportunity May Be Perfect for You: Looking for an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on your community and safeguard our region's precious environmental resources? Look no further than the King County Environmental Laboratory (KCEL) - a leading, full-service regional laboratory housing six environmental analytical disciplines!

We are seeking a talented Environmental Laboratory Scientist I to join our well-respected scientific team. As a member of our team, you will have the chance to produce high-quality data sets that support critical functions such as long-term water quality trend analysis, pollution control, and public health. With access to advanced instrumentation and cutting-edge analytical methods, you'll work under the guidance of seasoned experts who are committed to helping you develop your skills and advance your career.

At KCEL, we foster a supportive and collaborative work environment that welcomes new staff with open arms. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out in your career, we believe that everyone has something valuable to contribute. So why wait? Join our team today and become part of a dynamic community dedicated to protecting our environment for generations to come!

• Prepare reagents, standard solutions, laboratory equipment, and environmental samples for all types of Conventionals analyses (nutrients, chlorophyll, BOD, COD, TOC, ion chromatography, cyanide, pH, conductivity, alkalinity, turbidity, solids, sulfide, particle size distribution, and several others).
• Perform QA/QC activities to ensure that tests are in control and that quality of data meets project needs. Evaluate quality control results, identify deficiencies, and take appropriate corrective actions.
• Participate actively as a member of the Conventionals team. Keep co-workers informed on project status, problems with samples, instrumentation, etc. Constructively participate in group problem solving and decision making. Represent the Conventionals team on committees such as the safety and LIMS committees.
• Using standardized procedures, perform a variety of moderately complex Conventionals analyses using technical analytical instrumentation (autoanalyzers, autotitrators, Ion Chromatograph, TOC analyzers, UV-visible spectrophotometers, fluorometer, and a variety of manual procedures) and following standard operating procedures. Monitor analysis for instrument or analytical problems. Perform instrument calibration, maintenance, and troubleshooting on laboratory equipment.
• Utilize computer software to prioritize work, track samples, acquire data, and perform calculations on results of laboratory tests. Transfer data into computerized databases to track data and sample analysis progress.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Proven effective communications skills (verbal and written, including professional report writing and standard operating procedures).
• Demonstrated ability to promote mutual respect and acceptance of all workers in a diverse work group.
• Knowledge and understanding of EPA, Standard Methods, and other approved conventional (physical / wet chemistry) analytical protocols.
• A Bachelor’s degree in chemistry OR an equivalent combination of experience and education is required.
• Skill in prioritizing work and managing own time and in coordinating with others to facilitate teamwork.
• Skill in operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting general lab equipment (motorized micro pipettes, balances, ovens, incubators, sonicators, and homogenization equipment) and moderately complex automated instrumentation (autoanalyzers, TOC analyzers, chromatography systems, spectrophotometers).
• Demonstrated ability to perform multiple tasks simultaneously under tight deadlines with an attention to detail; proven ability in applying principles of effective customer service and continuous quality improvement.
• Knowledge and understanding of principles of inorganic, organic, and analytical chemistry, and relevant mathematics and statistics; working knowledge of computer applications including LIMS, Word, Excel, and vendor specialized software.
• Demonstrated ability to participate in team and committee efforts of problem solving and decision making; demonstrated ability to work successfully under supervision and independently within a team environment.
• A minimum of one year of inorganic environmental lab chemistry experience.

• Direct and recent experience with computer software applications including data acquisition and data processing programs, LIMS, Word, Excel, Teams, and Outlook.
• Direct and recent experience with physical and electronic sample login.
• Direct and recent experience in conventional chemistry procedures.

• Customer Focus: Building strong customer relationships and delivering customer-centric solutions.
• Functional/Technical Skills: Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills to do the job at a high level of accomplishment.
• Priority Setting: Spends their time and the time of others on what's most important.
• Technical Learning: Picks up on technical things quickly and can easily learn new skills and knowledge.
• Peer Relationships: Can quickly find common ground and solve problems for the good of all, can represent their own interests and yet be fair to other groups, can solve problems with peers with a minimum of noise, is a team player and is cooperative, easily gains trust and support of peers, encourages collaboration, can be candid with peers.

Work Environment: Sample preparation and analysis is performed in a laboratory environment where potentially dangerous chemicals, biohazards, gases, and electrical equipment are utilized. Mitigation of risks and exposures is minimized by strict adherence to the proper use of fume hoods and personal protective equipment such as safety glasses, lab coats, and chemical resistant gloves. Adherence to appropriate laboratory safety practices is very important for oneself and others in the laboratory. Each staff person has a cubicle in an office area outside the laboratory to perform non-laboratory work functions.
Physical Requirements: Requires precision in operating and using delicate laboratory equipment and glassware with accuracy. Ability to stand/position oneself at laboratory fume hoods and countertops for prolonged periods of time, occasional lifting of up to 40 pounds, and occasionally moving and manipulating/positioning large and bulky materials. This position requires the ability to repetitively prepare and mix samples, which involves shaking and pouring samples, using repetitive hand and wrist motion and some kneeling and stooping.
Working Conditions:

• Work Location: King County Environmental Laboratory – 322 W Ewing Street, Seattle, WA 98119
• Work Schedule: This career service full-time position is not exempt from the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act and is overtime eligible. This position is based on a 40-hour workweek, typically 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday - Friday. Periodic extended hours and occasional weekend work is required and should be expected.
• Union Membership: This position is not represented by a union.

• King County application
• Cover Letter detailing your background and what you can bring to this position
• Responses to supplemental questions (limit answers to no more than 4 pages in total)
• Resume