INTERNAL ONLY: Senior Laboratory Specialist

The Laboratory Services program is seeking a Senior Laboratory Specialist. This position performs sampling and specialized chemical, physical, and biological testing on industrial, ambient, municipal wastewater, biosolids, and soil samples. Works independently and coordinates technical and procedural decisions within the lab. Schedules, coordinates, and assigns work involved in daily processes. Serves as a liaison to provide input during projects or daily work functions. Provides specialized laboratory support, including equipment oversight, repair and maintenance, and ordering laboratory supplies and equipment. Maintains safety standards for laboratory. 

Candidates who are selected to move forward in the recruitment process will be invited to self-schedule their interview. Please be sure to check your email for status updates.(This section outlines the essential functions assigned to the position. The essential functions listed below are not intended to include all duties that may be assigned to this classification. CWS may modify, add, or remove duties or functions at its discretion.)

1. Works directly with the Laboratory Supervisor to coordinate goals, objectives, facility performance, and appearance.   Enhances efficiencies with the collection, preservation, and analysis of samples from industrial, wastewater treatment plants, ambient, storm water, biosolids, and soil locations.
2. Analyzes samples for a variety of physical, chemical, and biological constituents and compliance with laboratory standards; assures data meets QA/QC standards.    
3. Plans, prioritizes, and coordinates multiple work activities, acting as liaison between the Laboratory and other CWS programs. Assists with managing department projects and coordinating and scheduling work.
4. Establishes workflow schedules to meet daily analytical and sampling needs, adjusts schedule in response to events to accomplish assigned tasks.
5. Analyzes data and reports using recognized statistical methods; makes recommendations and assists the Laboratory Supervisor in implementing process changes.
6. Communicates regularly with laboratory and CWS staff throughout the shift and provides input on unit process optimization, housekeeping, laboratory facility area operations, and safety. Provides feedback to the Laboratory Supervisor from staff with concerns and suggestions. Operates and controls Laboratory, equipment, and processes.
7. Plans, organizes, develops, and provides mentoring and training on laboratory processes, sampling, and data review. Provides technical guidance to laboratory staff and coordinates training of laboratory technicians and specialists.
8. Prepares reagents and standards, maintains and calibrates instrumentation for sampling and analysis. 
9. Plans, organizes, and develops Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs); investigates the need for SOPs, and the methods used in carrying out SOPs; conducts Job Safety Analysis (JSA) for tasks and procedures related to SOPs; maintains and develops revisions.
10. Drives a CWS or personal vehicle for work-related purposes.

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Operating parameters of complex laboratory equipment and online analyzers 
• Laboratory procedures, methods, and techniques used in standardized sampling, examination, testing, and analysis of water and wastewater samples 
• Laboratory safety procedures including management of chemical and biological hazards 
• Mathematics and statistical analysis 
• Standard procedures, methods, and techniques used in the sampling, examination, and testing of water, wastewater, environmental and industrial samples 
• Quality assurance and quality control principles and practices
• Laboratory equipment, operation, and capabilities 
• Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, regulations, standards, and requirements 

SKILL IN: 

• Operation of complex analytical laboratory and field-deployed instrumentation
• Performing complex and precise physical, chemical, and biological analytical procedures
• Interpreting and explaining laboratory methods, processes, and procedures 
• Use of computers and software for word processing, spreadsheets, data collection, and database management
• Analyzing problems, projecting consequences, and recommending courses of action
• Understanding and interpreting regulatory requirements 
• Identifying opportunities for efficiency and implementing process improvements

ABILITY TO:

• Recognize deviations from normal sampling and analysis conditions 
• Understand, apply and interpret pertinent policies, procedures, laws, and regulations pertaining to the program area 
• Develop new laboratory techniques and procedures 
• Diagnose and correct problems with laboratory equipment and procedures
• Research environmental and analytical problems 
• Take initiative and respond to out-of-character/anomalous events or observations
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work including a variety of CWS staff and other government officials, community groups, and the general public
• Operate effectively in a team environment
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, CERTIFICATIONS, AND/OR LICENSES
The following are the minimum qualifications for this position. 

6 months experience as a lead worker, project leader or team leader;

3 years of experience in a Clean Water Services regulatory laboratory or environmental setting in areas such as microbiology, biology, and chemistry; 

College-level coursework in chemistry, biology, microbiology, or a closely related science. 

Reasonable Accommodation:

Applicants who require reasonable accommodation in order to participate in any phase of the application process should contact Human Resources at 503.681.3600 or TDD 503.681.3601.
  
Equal Employment Opportunity:

Clean Water Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, gender, national origin, marital status, age, uniformed service, sexual orientation or disability in the admission or access to the recruitment process or any aspect of employment.

Application Review and Certification Statement:

Applicants will be reviewed and evaluated based on qualifications including relevant skills, education, training, and work history.  Supplemental materials including resumes, cover letters, and other attachments will not be considered unless specifically requested as part of the application process. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that their application materials are detailed, accurate, clearly demonstrate how they meet the minimum and, if applicable, special qualifications for the position, and are complete at the time the application is submitted. Incomplete or inaccurate applications may be removed from further consideration or may result in disqualification from the application or selection process, rescinding an offer of employment, or termination of employment if discovered after hire. Application materials will be used to determine salary placement in accordance with applicable state and federal law, CWS Human Resources policies and guidelines, and collective bargaining agreements, upon extension of a job offer. Unless requested as part of the application process, supplemental materials provided will not be considered.

By submitting your application, and any supplemental materials specifically requested by CWS as part of the application process, you are certifying the information you have provided is true, accurate and complete and have read and understand the above statement.

Salary : $48 - $50