Water Laboratory Field Technician

Position Description

This recruitment is opened until filled. First consideration will be given to candidates who apply by August 22, 2023. An online application and supplemental questionnaire must be fully completed for consideration.

Are you interested in collecting state required water samples to ensure the public health of residents in the Seattle area? The Water Quality Laboratory within SPU is currently seeking a Water Laboratory Field Technician. This is an entry level position responsible for collecting samples from various water sources and performing related field measurements.

About Seattle Public Utilities: Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is a community-centered utility that delivers vital services to Seattle residents and businesses including drinking water, drainage and wastewater, and garbage/recycling/compost. SPU also provides drinking water for 1.5 million customers in the region. SPU's work includes system maintenance and improvements and keeping Seattle clean. Over 1,400 SPU employees work with our community to provide affordable and equitable stewardship of our water and waste resources for future generations.

For more information about Seattle Public Utilities (SPU), check out the:

• SPU Website
• SPU Workplace Expectations
• Strategic Business Plan

SPU commits to Our City Values and Race and Social Justice as core principles that guide our work. We actively take steps to dismantle systemic racism and increase service equity. We value diverse life experiences and strive to create a workplace that is welcoming to all. We take steps to be inclusive and equitable in our recruiting, hiring and promotional opportunities.

Why join us?
We know work isn't only about what you do it's also about who you work for and with! SPU provides a fun and family-friendly work environment that supports a work life balance, including:

• Access to basic water laboratory training
• Family-friendly and multicultural work environment
• Generous benefits package
• Free Orca Pass
• City pension plan with employer/employee contributions
• Growth potential and advancement opportunities

Job Responsibilities

• Collecting public drinking water and source water samples for compliance following state regulatory requirements (collect microbiological water samples using aseptic techniques).
• Performing field measurements for all samples and conducting quality assurance testing (temperature, chlorine residual and pH).
• Maintaining records and logs of field measurements and sample information recorded by handheld devices.
• Inspecting and monitoring sample stands, tanks and standpipes and checking for water quality problems.
• Communicating sample procedures, schedules, and results to meet daily sample collection deadlines.
• Downloading data and field measurement to the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
• Washing laboratory glassware, maintaining a stock of labeled sample bottles.
• Performing other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Experience: The ability to operate a handheld device and PC. Operation of field and lab equipment such as Chlorine Meter, pH meter and thermometer and able to follow routine laboratory procedures.

License: Current valid Washington State driver's license to drive to water sampling collection sites.

Ideal Candidate Profile:

• Experience collecting water samples.
• Knowledge of the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), other data management systems, or eagerness to learn.
• Experience interpreting field sample data.
• Ability to check results for compliance with quality control.
• Commitment to Our City Values and Race and Social Justice

Working Conditions:

• Education or experience equivalent to completion of high school with technical school training in chemistry, biology or related field.
• Required to work weekends on a rotational basis.
• Work evenings and holidays as needed.
• Required to drive for extended periods of time.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Exposure to toxic/hazardous substances.
• Perform field work which may include water quality monitoring activities on boats and around bodies of water with limited or sloping access.
• Work in adverse weather conditions (rain, snow, or ice).
• Will be required to plan, schedule and collect samples in the field.

Additional Information
Pre-Employment /Pre-Placement Requirements:

• As a part of the application process a complete Washington State Drivers abstract will be required for the most competitive applicants. Please do not provide until requested.

• This hiring process involves a Pre-employment Physical and Background Check of conviction and arrest records in compliance with Seattle's Fair Chance Employment Ordinance, SMC 14.17. Applicants will be provided an opportunity to explain or correct background information.

The full salary range for this position is $26.60 - $30.96 Hourly.

Benefits: The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents.

More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at:
https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits/employees-and-covered-family-members/most-employees-plans

Who may apply: The City of Seattle encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experience. This position is open to all qualified candidates that meet the minimum qualifications. The City of Seattle values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

If you have any questions, please contact Uma Suseelan at Uma.Suseelan@seattle.gov
Learn more about Seattle Public Utilities at our web page www.seattle.gov/util/.

The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents.

More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at:
"Most" Employees Plans - Human Resources | seattle.gov