Environmental Technologist I

$2,500 Signing Bonus*
Would you like to be part of the team that provides environmental laboratory support to wastewater, stormwater, and solid waste for the largest county in Virginia?
Fairfax County Wastewater Planning & Monitoring Division (WPMD) seeks an Environmental Technologist I. As a team member in the Environmental Monitoring Branch (EMB) Laboratory, you will perform environmental analyses involved in water quality programs mandated by the Environmental Protection Agency's National Pollution Discharge Elimination System, Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, and Virginia Department of Consolidated Laboratory Services. WPMD assists and participates in all aspects of system modernization and business process automation initiatives. To accomplish projects' goals, the EMB Laboratory works across county agencies to establish and maintain working relationships.
Fairfax County's DPWES, Wastewater Management Program is a nationally recognized Utility of the Future and its wastewater treatment plant, the 67 million gallon per day Noman M. Cole Pollution Control Plant, is a multiple year NACWA Platinum Award winning facility. If you would like to join a creative, collaborative, innovative team doing meaningful work, then the Wastewater Planning & Monitoring Division's Environmental Monitoring Branch (EMB) Laboratory is the place for you. This position is responsible for the following:

• Follows EPA approved methods and protocols and prepares environmental samples collected from a variety of sample matrices for laboratory analysis in accordance with the laboratory's quality system and VELAP certification.
• Routinely uses sophisticated instrumentation including Flow Injector Analyzers and spectrophotometers to perform analysis specified in 40 CRF Part 136. Additional instrumentation that may be used includes AA, ICP-OES, and/or GCMS.
• Routinely conducts analysis such as alkalinity, BOD, chloride, COD, E.Coli, conductivity, cyanide, nitrogen, oil and grease, pH, phenol, phosphorus, protozoan and bacterial characterizations, and dissolved and suspended solids testing in ash, compost, groundwater, leachate, sludge, surface water and wastewater.
• Reviews, validates and submits completed analytical results into the Laboratory Information Management System.
• As a member of a team-oriented program, contributes and participates on job-related teams as needed.
• Writes reports, develops, and updates standard operation procedures and performs related duties as required: duties are performed under general supervision.
• Collect samples at different plant sites as required.
• May be exposed to water pollutants/pathogens, airborne substance/hazards, fumes and/or noxious odors, toxic/caustic chemicals, dust/pollen, wet /humid conditions, and loud noises.

*A $2,500 signing bonus is available to new county employees hired in the Environmental Technologist I position.
Note: An upward mobility program is available for the candidate(s) that is selected for this position.(The illustrative duties listed in this specification are representative of the class but are not an all inclusive list. A complete list of position duties and unique physical requirements can be found in the position description.)
Level I

• Performs all routine and non-routine tests or regulatory functions associated with
• wastewater, air, stream, estuary, sediment, sludge, ash, leachate, groundwater, and toxic or controlled substances or discharges;
• Routinely performs instrumental analyses, employing equipment such as the Flow
• Injector Analyzer, and Discrete Analyzer. Additional instrumentation utilized may include; Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer, Gas Chromatograph, Inductively
• Coupled Plasma Emission Spectrometer, Auto Analyzer II, Zero Head Space Extractor,
• Closed Loop Stripping Apparatus, TOC Analyzer, Specific Ion Meter, and Isokinetic Samplers;
• Prepares concomitant statistics and quality control;
• Participates in equipment maintenance, field work, method development, laboratory analyses, and write-up of results;

Level 2

• Performs all analyses and testing procedures in the General Testing Laboratory, using instrumentation software and associated parsers;
• Analyzes samples including all bacteriological testing and characterization of filamentous bacteria;
• Ensures that all testing is done within approved parameters;
• Performs preventative maintenance and trouble shooting.

Level 3

• Performs all advanced analyses and testing procedures within either the Metals OR
• Organics Laboratory, using all instrumentation software and associated parsers;
• Ensures that all testing is done within approved parameters;
• Performs preventative maintenance and trouble shooting.

(The knowledge, skills and abilities listed in this specification are representative of the class but are not an all inclusive list.)
Level 1

• Knowledge of the principles and techniques of analytical chemistry, biochemistry and microbiology;
• Ability to perform associated analysis and record accurate conclusions;
• Knowledge of applicable Federal, State and County procedures and regulations;
• Ability to identify violations;
• Ability to train others;
• Ability to work independently and make relevant independent judgments;
• Ability to perform normal mathematical operations as well as some advanced algebra;
• Ability to perform Level 1 analyses and record accurate conclusions.

Level 2
(Includes all from Level 1, plus below as listed)

• Ability to perform all procedures/parameters in the General Laboratory, documented through Demonstration of Capability procedure;
• Ability to analyze samples including all bacteriological testing and characterization of filamentous bacteria;
• Ability to use all instrumentation software and associated parsers.

Level 3
(Includes all from Level 2, plus below as listed)

• Ability to demonstrate capability for all procedures/parameters in either Metals or Organics;
• Ability to analyze samples for all methods/parameters within either Metals or Organics;
• Ability to use all instrumentation software and parsers with either Metals or Organics.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Any combination of education, experience, and training equivalent to the following:
(Click on the aforementioned link to learn how Fairfax County interprets equivalencies for "Any combination, experience, and training equivalent to")
Graduation from an accredited four year college or a university with a degree in chemistry, biology or related science; plus one year of directly related experience.
CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES REQUIRED:
A valid driver's license.
NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
The appointee to this position will be required to complete a criminal background check, a pre-employment physical examination, and driving record check to the satisfaction of the employer.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Experience performing instrumental analysis in an environmental laboratory. Experience with laboratory instrumentation. Ability to evaluate and interpret data and prepare reports. Creative problem-solving skills. Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Occasionally lift/carry, in cooperation with another employee, equipment weighting up to 50 pounds. Occasionally work in environments with exposure to water pollutants/pathogens, airborne substances/ hazards and loud noise. All duties performed with or without reasonable accommodations.
SELECTION PROCEDURE: Panel interview and may include exercise.
BONUS ELIGIBILITY:
Positions within this classification that are general merit may be eligible for a one-time hiring incentive bonus for new county employees only. This bonus program requires a signed payback agreement between the department and employee.
The population of Fairfax County is very diverse where 39.8% of residents speak a language other than English at home (Spanish, Asian/Pacific Islander, Indo-European, and others) and we encourage candidates bilingual in English and a foreign language to apply to this opportunity.
Fairfax County Government prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetics, political affiliation, or military status in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce.
Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. Contact 703-324-4900 for assistance. TTY 703-222-7314.;DHREmployment@fairfaxcounty.gov. EEO/AA/TTY.
#LI-JT1Employment Type: FT Hourly W BN