Salary: $21.95 – $26.70 Hourly
Location: Tacoma, WA
Job Type: Classified
Department: Environmental Services
Job Number: 3107-23
Closing: 4/17/2023 5:00 PM Pacific

Position Description
The City of Tacoma is recruiting for a temporary part-time to full-time (up to 960 cumulative hours) position of limited duration (six months with the potential to extend an additional 6 months as long as the cumulative hours do not to exceed 960 hours) as an Environmental lab Scientist-in-Training.  A person in this position will be working to assist laboratory, field, and project staff, in the preparation, coordination, sampling, analysis, and evaluation of laboratory and field data.  This position will support staff with projects and programs for wastewater, surface water, ground water and solid waste.

OUR IDEAL CANDIDATE is someone who:

  • Is a teammate with good critical thinking skills who is intrinsically motivated and harnesses their curiosity to seek understanding, gain insight and apply this trait to deliver sound science and suggest improvements. 
  • Effectively conveys ideas and information orally and in writing using language that is appropriate to both the complexity of the topic and the knowledge and understanding of the audience.
  • Consistently helps partners, and coworkers achieve desired outcomes, gaining their trust and respect. 
  • Genuinely values our mission, values healthy neighborhoods, a thriving Puget Sound, and the role of sound science to inform decisions. 
  •  Embraces continuous improvement, fosters curiosity, ensures accuracy, manages details, takes initiative, and strives for excellence.     

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions
Most work is performed indoors in an Environmental Laboratory with moderate chemical exposure risk. Risks include acidic and caustic solutions, neurotoxins, and carcinogenic substances. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is required within the work environment. Primary PPE consists of safety glasses or goggles, lab coat, appropriate protective gloves. Due to potential chemical exposure, no bare legs are allowed in the laboratory closed toed shoes are required in the laboratory work areas.  Must be able to work in a laboratory environment for long periods at a time.

  • Position may require repetitive handling of samples including pouring, mixing, dilution and/or filtering.  
  • Bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, moderate lifting and bending, standing for extended periods of time, and unassisted lifting of up to 50 lbs. associated with job duties.

City of Tacoma Recruitment Information: One of the primary goals of the City of Tacoma Equity and Empowerment Initiative is that the City of Tacoma workforce reflects the community it serves. We actively work to eliminate racial and other disparities and we welcome candidates with diverse and/or multicultural skill sets and personal experiences. Our goal is for Tacoma to be an inclusive and equitable place to live, work, and play

Qualifications
Enrollment in a college-level science course work designed to result in a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Chemistry OR related science with at least a minor in Chemistry.

LICENSING, CERTIFICATIONS AND OTHER LEGAL REQUIREMENTS:
There may be instances where individual positions must have additional licenses or certification. It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure the appropriate licenses/certifications are obtained for each position. Individuals may have to pass a background check depending upon assignment.

Knowledge & Skills
Essential Duties

  • Effectively identify, collect, organize, and document data and information in ways that make the information most useful for subsequent assessment, analysis and investigation. Understanding of principles and practices of analytical chemistry, use of computers, various office equipment and computer software.
  • Use data and information in a clear and rational thoughtful process to assess and understand issues, evaluate options, form accurate conclusions, and make decisions.
  • Effectively convey ideas and information using correct language and customer service etiquette and techniques; interacting respectfully and sensitively with individuals and groups to develop productive relationships and provide quality customer service.
  • Effectively organize multiple assignments to produce work products that are accurate, thorough, and on time including the compilation of reports and records; planning and organizing work and analyzing situations to develop a course of action; conducting assignments in a professional, independent, confidential, and timely manner; remaining current on applicable ordinances, rules, regulations, policies and procedures.

To be considered for this opportunity
Interested individuals must apply online and meet the minimum qualifications to progress in the examination process and attach a current resume and cover letter that describes  your interest in and qualifications for this position.

In order for your application materials to be considered, all information must be submitted by the closing date and time listed on this job announcement. 

Candidates who are eligible for Veteran’s Preference scoring criteria must attach a copy of their DD-214 member copy 4, (proof of military discharge form) at time of application, to be eligible for review for Veteran’s Preference points.

For more information and to apply: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/tacoma/jobs/3985570-0/environmental-lab-scientist-in-training

Examination Process
Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will have Supplemental Questions #9-11 reviewed and scored as the Experience and Training test that will be used to establish the Eligible List for this position. Candidates must pass the test with a score of 70% or higher in order to pass the test and be placed on the Eligible List for hiring consideration.

Per City of Tacoma Personnel Management Policy #170, the City of Tacoma is a drug-free work environment. 
Appointment is subject to passing a background check and will include a pre-employment medical exam, physical ability test and drug and alcohol screen. This position is covered by a Labor Agreement between the City of Tacoma and Local 17 PTE. New employees must successfully complete a nine-month probationary period prior to obtaining permanent status in this classification.

Communication from the City of Tacoma
We primarily communicate via e-mail during the application process. E-mails from cityoftacoma.org and/or neogov.com must be placed on your safe domain list to ensure that you receive notifications in a timely manner. As a precaution, you may also want to check your junk e-mail folders.

The online application system requires you to enter a substantial amount of information. Be prepared to spend a minimum of one hour entering the required information.  

For more information and to apply: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/tacoma/jobs/3985570-0/environmental-lab-scientist-in-training