This is a competitive posting, and the position is open to all qualified candidates.

As a socially responsible clean water agency, the Wastewater Treatment Division protects public health and the environment by recovering and reusing valuable resources to benefit the communities where we live and work.  WTD treats billions of gallons of wastewater each year and generates reclaimed water, renewable energy, and valuable biosolids.

Within the WTD, the West Point Process laboratory monitors plant and Offsite facilities discharge into Puget Sound, and monitors plant operations through physical, chemical and microbiological testing. The lab and the data produce, is an essential part of ensuring regulatory compliance and the protecting the environment.

The are opportunities for job progression within the Process Lab Specialist classification with clear modules and expectations for successful completion.  As for technical development, the successful candidate will work with the operations and process teams to improve and expand knowledge. 

King County is a values-based organization with an empowering work environment, a supportive work-life balance and development opportunities for ongoing learning. We work hard to make sure our benefits reflect our values to support you, your family and community in a variety of ways.

Join our team dedicated to ensuring clean water for generations to come! With over 1,000 employees engaged in planning, designing, building, and operating treatment facilities, our agency is at the forefront of environmental stewardship. Success for us means upholding our legacy while promising future generations a pristine environment.

We enforce regulations to reduce harmful waste discharge and actively educate the public and businesses on water quality protection. We prioritize accountability to our ratepayers and operate a well-managed agency that services over 2.3 million King County residents. Our regional wastewater treatment system not only sustains a healthy environment but also fuels economic development, fostering prosperity in our region. If you're passionate about making a difference and thrive in a collaborative environment, join us in our mission to safeguard our precious water resources.

King County, named after Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., is a diverse and vibrant community that represents cultures from around the world. Our True North is to create a welcoming community where everyone can thrive.  We prioritize equity, racial, and social justice, making it a foundational and daily expectation for all employees. As an Process Laboratory Specialist I, you will actively apply these principles in all aspects of your work. Learn more about our commitment at http://www.kingcounty.gov/equity. 

• Perform a variety of chemical, biochemical, or physical analyses following standard laboratory procedures. Follow established laboratory procedures for spill response, laboratory safety, and cleaning and maintaining the laboratory. Prepare samples for analysis and preserve/store them according to standard procedures. Maintain the physical and quantitative integrity of each sample and maintain associated records.

• Prepare necessary reagents and standards and follow established disposal procedures. Monitor control charts and quality control samples (blanks, check standards and duplicates) to maintain test integrity. 

• Collect samples and operate a motorized vehicle to travel to remote work locations or locations with no locations with no public transportation services. 

• Clean, maintain and perform some routine servicing of automatic samplers and specific field equipment. Assist with the calibration of on-line instruments.

• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications You Bring:

• Knowledge of field and laboratory techniques and sampling methods typically obtained in an associate of science degree or two years of college-level science course work, including at least one year of chemistry, or two years of equivalent experience applicable to a wastewater treatment laboratory

• Working knowledge of the application and use of test equipment and instruments. Ability to troubleshoot instrumentation and methodological problems

• Knowledge of scientific theories, principles, and relevant mathematics

• Basic knowledge and skills in laboratory quality assurance/quality control. Basic skill in using computer and associated software for spreadsheets, databases and word processing. Skill in working with detailed information.

• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with a diverse group of individuals in varying occupations. Skill in team consensus building techniques and principles and working in a team environment.

• Action Oriented: Taking on new opportunities and tough challenges with a sense of urgency, high energy, and enthusiasm.
• Optimizes Work Processes: Knowing the most effective and efficient processes to get things done, with a focus on continuous improvement.
• Values Differences: Recognizing the value that different perspectives and cultures bring to an organization.
• Communicates Effectively: Developing and delivering multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences.
• Organizational Savvy: Maneuvering comfortably through complex policy, process, and people-related organizational dynamics.

• Prior experience in a production lab and/or wastewater lab is desired.
• Ability to achieve a Washington State Wastewater Operator Group I certification level.

• The ability to lift 30 lbs.

• Exposed to wastewater and acid fumes.

Working Conditions:

• Work Location: West Point Treatment Plant - 1400 Discovery Park Blvd. Seattle, WA 98199
• Work Schedule: This full-time position works a 40-hour work week. This position is covered under the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and is overtime eligible. 
  • The treatment plants are operated 24/7. This position is currently assigned to working a 5x8 schedule, with a rotating weekend schedule. Applicants must be available to work any and all assigned shift schedules, including standby schedules/rotations.
• Union Representation: This position is represented by S.E.I.U. 925 (Wastewater Treatment Division).

• Candidates who pass the initial screening will be invited for an in-person assessment at the West Point Plant facility.  

• Complete Application
• Resume
• Cover Letter