Wastewater Treatment Plant Pretreatment Laboratory Technician

First consideration will be given to those candidates who apply before 12/11/2023.
Rates posted are upon budget approval for 2024.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.

A classification description with a more detailed list of essential functions can be found here.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.

To be considered for this opportunity please:

• Complete and submit a detailed online Pierce County Employment Application by selecting "APPLY" above or go to: www.piercecountywa.org/jobs.
• If you have a question about this opportunity, please email the Recruitment Team at PCHRRecruit@piercecountywa.gov 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.

This is a competitive selection process. Your application form will be reviewed and evaluated for the quality and quantity of education/experience in the areas listed. Applicants whose qualifications most closely correspond to the County's needs will be eligible for further consideration. Notification of application status normally occurs 2 to 3 weeks after the closing date. Short notice may be given to applicants to participate in further selection processes which may include written, oral and performance examinations, and final interviews.
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?Employment Type: Career Service - Full Time