Environmental Lab Scientist in Training
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 City Environmental Lab Scientists and Lab Assistants, as assigned, in the preparation, coordination, implementation, evaluation, and analysis of laboratory samples, studies, systems and functions. 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, self-motivated and enjoys the analytical process.
- Effectively conveys ideas and information orally and in writing to a diverse audience.
- Has experience working with a variety of software: Excel, Access, Word, Teams, etc.
- 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.
If this sounds like you, please apply!
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.
Selection Process & Supplemental Information
To be considered for this opportunity:
Interested individuals must apply online and meet the minimum
qualifications to progress in the examination process.
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.
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.
WHY WORK FOR THE CITY?
The City of Tacoma offers a generous program of employee benefits:
- Outstanding working conditions and an exceptional quality-of-life environment.
- Medical coverage for eligible employees, spouses and dependents, including children up to age 26.
- Vision care with VSP for employees and eligible dependents enrolled in the Regence PPO medical plan with vision benefits.
- Dental coverage for eligible employees and their elected dependents, including dependent children up to the age of 26.
- Deferred compensation allowing tax-deferred savings as authorized under Section 457 of the IRS Code.
- Personal time off.
- Paid holidays.
- A great pension plan.
Our City:
With a population of over 220,000, Tacoma is the second largest city in the Puget Sound region, gracing the shores of Commencement Bay. We are a diverse, progressive, international city that serves as a gateway to the Pacific Rim and the rest of the world. Named one of the most livable areas in the country by Livability.com, Tacoma and the surrounding area is a playground for outdoor and maritime enthusiasts. Our businesses are vibrant, our parks are beautiful, and our schools are exceptional.
When you work for the City of Tacoma, you'll have an opportunity to enjoy a healthy work/life balance, the potential for flexible schedules (with some job classifications), continuing education programs, leadership pathways, wellness incentives and a total rewards benefits program. We welcome you to take a look at our website and discover how the City of Tacoma can make your next career move part of our combined destiny:
City of Tacoma Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion:
Tacoma's diversity is its greatest asset. Tacoma embraces its multi-cultural and multi-ethnic character. Communities of color and immigrant communities are fundamental to Tacoma's entrepreneurial spirit, workforce, and long-term success. In Tacoma, equity and empowerment are top priorities, meaning that all Tacoma residents must have equitable opportunities to reach their full potential and share in the benefits of community progress. One of our goals is for the City of Tacoma workforce to reflect the community it serves. We actively work to eliminate racial and other disparities and welcome candidates with diverse backgrounds and/or multicultural skill sets and experiences. Our goal is for Tacoma to be an inclusive and equitable place to live, work, and play.
The City of Tacoma believes that each employee makes a significant contribution to our success. This job description is designed to outline primary duties, qualifications and job scope. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.
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 assistance with the NEOGOV application process, questions regarding this job announcement, or if you are experiencing complications while applying, please contact the Human Resources office at (253) 591.5400 by 4:00 pm of the closing date of the job announcement. This will allow us to assist you before the job announcement closes.