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Form of workSalary: $35.48 - $44.95 Hourly
Location : University Place, WA
Job Type: Career Service - Full Time
Job Number: 23-00852
Department: Planning and Public Works (PW)
Division: PPW-WWTP Operations
Opening Date: 11/27/2023
Closing Date: 12/11/2023 12:00 AM Pacific
Description
First consideration will be given to those candidates who apply before 12/11/2023.
Rates posted are upon budget approval for 2024.
Position Summary
Why It's a Great Opportunity:
With this position at the Wastewater Treatment Plant in University Place, you will be able to use your natural or physical science education coupled with your lab experience and make a difference in the community in which we all live. You will be an integral member of the operations team sampling and analyzing wastewater for permit compliance, process control, and optimization projects for treatment and sludge processes, keeping Pierce County's communities safe for generations.
Why It's a Great Department:
PPW is a diverse and fast-moving department filled with motivated professionals working to ensure Pierce County is positioned to handle growth while building, operating, and maintaining reliable infrastructure to support livable communities. PPW is responsible for a broad and complex portfolio of services that provides unique opportunities to collaborate, innovate, and inspire. We are responsible for the County road and levee systems, sewer systems, airports, ferries, building permits, environmental review, sustainability, community planning, and code enforcement - just to name a few!
Learn more about Planning and Public Works at www.piercecountywa.org/ppw
The Pierce County WWTP Environmental Compliance Laboratory is a DOE accredited laboratory that analyzes permit compliance and process samples for two Wastewater Treatment Plants within Planning and Public Works.
How to be Successful in the Role:
We are looking for team focused individuals with strong attention to details, exceptional laboratory skills and excellent communication and customer service skills. With a spirit of learning and continuous improvement you are sure to be successful as you provide a great service to the Pierce County community.
Your Future in this Role:
The individual in this position is expected to grow professionally in analytical science, chemical, biological, and physical treatment of wastewater as well as keep up to date with complex and ever-evolving regulations affecting the industry at federal, state, and local levels. Pierce County offers professional development through the Leadership Certification program, robust online learning, and other training opportunities throughout your career to ensure your success.
Core Daily Responsibilities:
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:
Preferred Qualifications:
Supplemental Information
To be considered for this opportunity please:
At Pierce County, diversity, equity, and inclusion means commitment, not a single step. We strive to foster an inclusive environment that supports equitable access to opportunities throughout your career. We want to recruit, develop, and maintain a talented workforce from various backgrounds, cultures, lifestyles, and perspectives, committed to our vision.
Employees of the County have local, direct, and visible impact in our diverse community. Will you join us in keeping Pierce County a great place to live, work, and raise a family?
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Pierce County offers a competitive benefits package that offers flexibility and peace of mind. We are proud to offer Employee Resource Groups, a focus on professional development in our , and a County Book Club.
We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career and that your priority is making sure that you and your family maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of and , , staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.
Our benefits:
Vacation (Annual Leave)
After approximately six months, employees receive six days of vacation leave.
Since we value your experience, the amount of vacation you can accrue increases the longer you work with us. Vacation accrues on a bi-weekly basis for full-time employees as follows:
Vacation Accruals:
During years 1-3, 12 Days
During years 4-7, 16 Days
During years 8-13, 20 Days
During years 14-18, 23 Days
During years 19, 24 Days
During years 20, 25 Days
During years 21, 26 Days
During years 22, 27 Days
During years 23, 28 Days
During years 24, 29 Days
During years 25 & thereafter, 30 Days
A maximum of 45 days may be carried from one year into the next.
Pro-Rated for Part-Time based on % of 1.0 FTE.
Military Leave:
Pierce County has a proud history of supporting the armed forces and provides members of the armed forces with up to 21 days paid military leave per state fiscal year.
Holidays:
Some full-time employees are entitled to eleven paid holidays as follows:
New Year's Day - January 1
Martin Luther King, Jr's birthday - Third Monday in January
President's Day - Third Monday in February
Memorial Day - Last Monday in May
Juneteenth - June 19
Independence Day - July 4
Labor Day - First Monday in September
Veteran's Day - November 11
Thanksgiving Day - Fourth Thursday in November & Friday after
Christmas Day - December 25
Personal Holidays:
Regular full-time and regular part-time employees, and employees occupying limited duration positions, shall also receive two additional paid personal holidays. Paid personal holidays shall only accrue for those employees on County payroll as of January 1 of each year or the first work day following January 1 and must be taken during the calendar year in which it was accrued.
Furlough:
Some Pierce County employees may be designated to receive 10 "furlough" days per year in lieu of holidays. Furlough days are available for use on January 1 and must be scheduled and taken within the calendar year. Employees who leave employment with Pierce County must reimburse the employer for used furlough days based upon the number of remaining holidays.
Sick Leave:
Sick leave accrues on a bi-weekly basis, at the rate of one day per month.
Insurance Benefits:
Employees and families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with very affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout Pierce County. Employees are eligible to enroll each year in a flexible spending plan, which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care and dependent care expenses. Employees also have the opportunity to participate in supplemental life and long term disability insurance plans. To view premium rates, summary of benefit coverage, and other information, please visit the website.
Retirement and Deferred Compensation:
Pierce County employees are members of the State of Washington's Department of Retirement System (DRS) and depending on the position or previous DRS enrollment will be able to enroll in one of many programs DRS offers. For additional information, check out the web site.
Employees also have the ability to participate in the Nationwide Deferred Compensation Plan. This is a supplemental retirement savings program that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.
Social Security:
All Pierce County employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The county and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.
Miscellaneous Benefits:
Please visit website for more information.
Location : University Place, WA
Job Type: Career Service - Full Time
Job Number: 23-00852
Department: Planning and Public Works (PW)
Division: PPW-WWTP Operations
Opening Date: 11/27/2023
Closing Date: 12/11/2023 12:00 AM Pacific
Description
First consideration will be given to those candidates who apply before 12/11/2023.
Rates posted are upon budget approval for 2024.
Position Summary
Why It's a Great Opportunity:
With this position at the Wastewater Treatment Plant in University Place, you will be able to use your natural or physical science education coupled with your lab experience and make a difference in the community in which we all live. You will be an integral member of the operations team sampling and analyzing wastewater for permit compliance, process control, and optimization projects for treatment and sludge processes, keeping Pierce County's communities safe for generations.
Why It's a Great Department:
PPW is a diverse and fast-moving department filled with motivated professionals working to ensure Pierce County is positioned to handle growth while building, operating, and maintaining reliable infrastructure to support livable communities. PPW is responsible for a broad and complex portfolio of services that provides unique opportunities to collaborate, innovate, and inspire. We are responsible for the County road and levee systems, sewer systems, airports, ferries, building permits, environmental review, sustainability, community planning, and code enforcement - just to name a few!
Learn more about Planning and Public Works at www.piercecountywa.org/ppw
The Pierce County WWTP Environmental Compliance Laboratory is a DOE accredited laboratory that analyzes permit compliance and process samples for two Wastewater Treatment Plants within Planning and Public Works.
How to be Successful in the Role:
We are looking for team focused individuals with strong attention to details, exceptional laboratory skills and excellent communication and customer service skills. With a spirit of learning and continuous improvement you are sure to be successful as you provide a great service to the Pierce County community.
Your Future in this Role:
The individual in this position is expected to grow professionally in analytical science, chemical, biological, and physical treatment of wastewater as well as keep up to date with complex and ever-evolving regulations affecting the industry at federal, state, and local levels. Pierce County offers professional development through the Leadership Certification program, robust online learning, and other training opportunities throughout your career to ensure your success.
Core Daily Responsibilities:
- Perform quantitative and qualitative laboratory analysis of water, wastewater, and biosolids for chemical and microbiological contaminants according to Standard Methods and EPA protocols.
- Perform strict quality control (QA/QC) procedures including calibration of instruments, analyzing standards, keeping logs, and performing statistical analysis of data.
- Operate and perform routine maintenance on laboratory instruments.
- Perform interpretation and evaluation of analytical data.
- Under supervision, may modify, expand, and implement new analytical methods as necessary to adapt to different situations or improve efficiencies.
- Train, oversee and provide technical assistance to less-experienced employees.
- Record, calculate, and compile data utilizing computerized software including spreadsheet and word processing applications.
- Maintain laboratory supplies, evaluate needs and alternatives.
- Perform routine laboratory duties such as preparing chemical reagents, media, and standard solutions.
- Work with a variety of hazardous materials including chemicals, solvents, and biohazards taking appropriate safety precautions.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in a natural or physical science discipline with at least 18 quarter-hours (12 semester hours) of laboratory theory and laboratory course work in Chemistry.
- Additional related experience may substitute for up to two years of the required education provided that the required Chemistry course work has been completed.
- Additional scientific education at the graduate level may substitute for the required experience on a year for year basis.
- A resume and cover letter are required for this position.
- As a condition of employment, the applicant will need to authorize and complete a background check. Information received from the background check is reviewed case-by-case and will not necessarily remove an applicant from consideration.
Preferred Qualifications:
- One or more years of related experience in either environmental sampling and testing, environmental regulation, or water/Wastewater Treatment.
- Experience with WIMS software.
- Discrete analyzer, BOD, TSS, TS and microbiological experience.
- Knowledge of municipal biological Wastewater Treatment theory including advanced treatment such as nutrient reduction, side stream treatment and reclaimed water.
- Experience with NPDES, Biosolids, Nutrient, and State Waste Discharge permit regulations.
Supplemental Information
To be considered for this opportunity please:
- Complete and submit a detailed online Pierce County Employment Application by selecting "APPLY" above or go to:
- If you have a question about this opportunity, please email the Recruitment Team at and specify the Job Number and Title.
- If you do not have internet access, you may visit your local public library or any WorkSource location and use their computers.
- Individuals needing accommodation in the application, testing process or need this job announcement in an alternative format may call Human Resources at (253) 798-7480, at least two days prior to the need.
At Pierce County, diversity, equity, and inclusion means commitment, not a single step. We strive to foster an inclusive environment that supports equitable access to opportunities throughout your career. We want to recruit, develop, and maintain a talented workforce from various backgrounds, cultures, lifestyles, and perspectives, committed to our vision.
Employees of the County have local, direct, and visible impact in our diverse community. Will you join us in keeping Pierce County a great place to live, work, and raise a family?
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Pierce County offers a competitive benefits package that offers flexibility and peace of mind. We are proud to offer Employee Resource Groups, a focus on professional development in our , and a County Book Club.
We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career and that your priority is making sure that you and your family maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of and , , staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.
Our benefits:
Vacation (Annual Leave)
After approximately six months, employees receive six days of vacation leave.
Since we value your experience, the amount of vacation you can accrue increases the longer you work with us. Vacation accrues on a bi-weekly basis for full-time employees as follows:
Vacation Accruals:
During years 1-3, 12 Days
During years 4-7, 16 Days
During years 8-13, 20 Days
During years 14-18, 23 Days
During years 19, 24 Days
During years 20, 25 Days
During years 21, 26 Days
During years 22, 27 Days
During years 23, 28 Days
During years 24, 29 Days
During years 25 & thereafter, 30 Days
A maximum of 45 days may be carried from one year into the next.
Pro-Rated for Part-Time based on % of 1.0 FTE.
Military Leave:
Pierce County has a proud history of supporting the armed forces and provides members of the armed forces with up to 21 days paid military leave per state fiscal year.
Holidays:
Some full-time employees are entitled to eleven paid holidays as follows:
New Year's Day - January 1
Martin Luther King, Jr's birthday - Third Monday in January
President's Day - Third Monday in February
Memorial Day - Last Monday in May
Juneteenth - June 19
Independence Day - July 4
Labor Day - First Monday in September
Veteran's Day - November 11
Thanksgiving Day - Fourth Thursday in November & Friday after
Christmas Day - December 25
Personal Holidays:
Regular full-time and regular part-time employees, and employees occupying limited duration positions, shall also receive two additional paid personal holidays. Paid personal holidays shall only accrue for those employees on County payroll as of January 1 of each year or the first work day following January 1 and must be taken during the calendar year in which it was accrued.
Furlough:
Some Pierce County employees may be designated to receive 10 "furlough" days per year in lieu of holidays. Furlough days are available for use on January 1 and must be scheduled and taken within the calendar year. Employees who leave employment with Pierce County must reimburse the employer for used furlough days based upon the number of remaining holidays.
Sick Leave:
Sick leave accrues on a bi-weekly basis, at the rate of one day per month.
Insurance Benefits:
Employees and families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with very affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout Pierce County. Employees are eligible to enroll each year in a flexible spending plan, which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care and dependent care expenses. Employees also have the opportunity to participate in supplemental life and long term disability insurance plans. To view premium rates, summary of benefit coverage, and other information, please visit the website.
Retirement and Deferred Compensation:
Pierce County employees are members of the State of Washington's Department of Retirement System (DRS) and depending on the position or previous DRS enrollment will be able to enroll in one of many programs DRS offers. For additional information, check out the web site.
Employees also have the ability to participate in the Nationwide Deferred Compensation Plan. This is a supplemental retirement savings program that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.
Social Security:
All Pierce County employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The county and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.
Miscellaneous Benefits:
Please visit website for more information.
