Process Laboratory Specialist I

Job Description:

Process Laboratory Specialist I

Description

Summary

This is a transfer opportunity, and first consideration is given to qualified transfer-eligible employees in the same classification at King County.

If no qualified transfer-eligible candidate is selected, external applicants will be considered.

As a socially responsible clean water agency, the Wastewater Treatment Division protects public health and the environment by recovering and reusing valuable resources to benefit the communities where we live and work. WTD treats billions of gallons of wastewater each year and generates reclaimed water, renewable energy, and valuable biosolids.

Within the WTD, the West Point Process laboratory monitors plant and Offsite facilities discharge into Puget Sound, and monitors plant operations through physical, chemical and microbiological testing. The lab and the data produce is an essential part of ensuring regulatory compliance and protecting the environment.

The are opportunities for job progression within the Process Lab Specialist classification with clear modules and expectations for successful completion. As for technical development, the successful candidate will work with the operations and process teams to improve and expand knowledge.

We value creative thinking that drives us to continuously improve public service. Tap into your desire to serve the public, protect the environment, and discover new and better ways to make a meaningful impact.

About the Role:
The Process Lab Specialist will be responsible for ensuring all permit-required testing and monitoring testing for the plant’s processes/combined sewer overflow (CSO) facilities are completed correctly and in a timely fashion in a dynamic environment. They will notify process and/or operations staff of unusual test results/sample conditions and will respond to combined sewer overflow events, unusual occurrence and other emergent and non-routine work. They will make recommendations on sample scheduling and staffing schedules and participate in team meetings.

The laboratory culture is supportive, and collaborative and Process Laboratory staff bring diverse backgrounds and experiences to the work environment. The expectation is that incoming staff cross-train on all laboratory instrumentation and seamlessly fill-in for other staff when needed.

About the Team:
King County is a values-based organization with an empowering work environment, a supportive work-life balance and development opportunities for ongoing learning. We work hard to make sure our benefits reflect our values to support you, your family and community in a variety of ways.

As a critical component of a dynamic wastewater treatment environment, the process lab must respond to changes throughout the seasons including rainfall events to deliver timely and accurate results for plant process control and regulatory compliance. To address these challenges, daily prioritization of workload is needed, with permit required samples and samples with shortest time having the highest priority. High attention to detail and a low error rate is essential component of a production-style lab.

Commitment to Equity, Racial and Social Justice:
King County, named after Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., is a diverse and vibrant community that represents cultures from around the world. Our True North is to create a welcoming community where everyone can thrive. We prioritize equity, racial and social justice, making it a foundational and daily expectation for all employees. As a Process Laboratory Specialist I, you will actively apply these principles in all aspects of your work. Learn more about our commitment at http://www.kingcounty.gov/equity .

Apply now for a rewarding career at the Wastewater Treatment Division of King County Department of Natural Resources & Parks (DNRP). Join our talented workforce in protecting and restoring the natural environment and promoting more resilient, sustainable, and equitable communities. Enjoy training, c omprehensive benefits , and growth opportunities.

Job Duties

What You Will Be Doing:

• Perform a variety of chemical, biochemical, or physical analyses following standard laboratory procedures. Follow established laboratory procedures for spill response, laboratory safety, and cleaning and maintaining the laboratory. Prepare samples for analysis and preserve/store them according to standard procedures. Maintain the physical and quantitative integrity of each sample and maintain associated records.
• Prepare necessary reagents and standards and follow established disposal procedures. Monitor control charts and quality control samples (blanks, check standards and duplicates) to maintain test integrity.
  
• Collect samples and operate a motorized vehicle to travel to remote work locations or locations with no public transportation services.
  
• Clean, maintain and perform some routine servicing of specific field equipment. Assist with the calibration of on-line instruments.
  
• Other duties as assigned.
  

Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills

Qualifications You Bring:

• Knowledge of field and laboratory techniques and sampling methods typically obtained in an associate of science degree or two years of college-level science course work, including at least one year of chemistry, or two years of equivalent experience applicable to a wastewater treatment laboratory.
• Working knowledge of the application and use of test equipment and instruments. Ability to troubleshoot instrumentation and methodological problems.
• Knowledge of scientific theories, principles, and relevant mathematics.
• Basic knowledge and skills in laboratory quality assurance/quality control. Basic skill in using computer and associated software for spreadsheets, databases and word processing. Skill in working with detailed information.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with a diverse group of individuals in varying occupations. Skill in team consensus building techniques and principles and working in a team environment.

Competencies You Bring:

• Action Oriented: Identifies and seizes new opportunities; Displays a can-do attitude in good and bad times; Steps up to handle tough issues.
• Optimizes Work Processes: Knowing the most effective and efficient processes to get things done, with a focus on continuous improvement.
• Manages Conflict: Handling conflict situations effectively, with a minimum of noise.
• Values Differences: Recognizing the value that different perspectives and cultures bring to an organization.
• Communicates Effectively: Developing and delivering multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences.

Required Licenses/Certifications:

• A valid Washington State Driver's License

It Would Be Great if You Also Bring:

• Prior experience in a production lab and/or wastewater lab is desired.
  
• Ability to achieve a Washington State Wastewater Operator Group I certification level.
  

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to life up to 30 lbs.

Workplace Exposures:

• Working in a wastewater treatment laboratory with chemicals, noise, confined spaces, and viral contaminants.
  

Supplemental Information

Working Conditions:.

• Work Location: West Point Treatment Plant - 1400 Discovery Park Blvd, Seattle, WA 98199.
• Work Schedule: This full-time position works a 40-hour work week. The work schedule will be determined based on business needs. This position is covered under the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and is overtime eligible. The position requires the ability to work during adverse and inclement weather conditions.
  • Must be available for weekends (rotating weekend schedule), holidays, and occasional call-in after hours.
  • Must be available to work a standby shift at least once or twice a week.
• Union Representation: This position is represented by S.E.I.U. L925 (Wastewater Treatment Division).

Application and Selection Process:
We welcome applications from all qualified applicants. We value diversity, diverse perspectives and life experience and encourage people of all backgrounds to apply.

Application materials will be screened for clarity, completeness and alignment with the experience, qualifications, knowledge, and skills essential for this role to determine which candidates may be invited to participate in a technical assessment and one or more panel interviews.

Anticipated Timeline for this recruitment (dates subject to change):

• Technical Assessment: in-person/onsite at West Point Treatment Plant - early/mid August 2026
• Panel Interview: virtual interview - mid/late August 2026

To apply, submit a:

• Complete Application
• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Responses to the supplemental questions

Note: Additional documents won't be considered during minimum qualification screening.

Who to Contact: For more information regarding this recruitment, please contact Rodney Dungo, HR Analyst at [email protected].

Discover More About the Wastewater Treatment Division: Visit our website and check us out at Facebook , X (formerly Twitter) , Instagram , YouTube , and the WTD Blog .

Discover More About DNRP: Visit our DNRP website , explore an interactive map of our recent accomplishments and check us out at Facebook , X (formerly Twitter) , LinkedIn , TikTok , Instagram , YouTube and Keeping King County Green News .

Sign up for Job Alerts to be notified of additional career opportunities with King County. Select the Natural Resources category for DNRP opportunities and explore other categories of interest.

Forbes named King County as one of Washington State's best employers.
Together, with leadership and our employees, we're changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. Are you ready to make a difference? Come join the team dedicated to serving one of the nation's best places to live, work and play.

Guided by our "True North" , we are making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. We value diversity, inclusion and belonging in our workplace and workforce. To reach this goal we are committed to workforce equity. Equitable recruiting, support, and retention is how we will obtain the highest quality workforce in our region; a workforce that shares and will help advance our guiding principles - we are one team; we solve problems; we focus on the customer; we drive for results; we are racially just; we respect all people; we lead the way; and we are responsible stewards. We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply, including Native American and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people living with disabilities, and veterans.

King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer

No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation.

To Apply

If you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully. If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process or if you have questions please contact the recruiter listed on this job announcement.

King County offers a highly-competitive compensation and benefits package designed to meet the diverse needs of our employees and support our employees' health and well-being. Eligible positions receive the following benefits and have access to the following programs:

• Excellent medical, dental, and vision coverage options: King County provides eligible employees with options, so they can decide what’s best for themselves and their eligible dependents
• Life and disability insurance: employees are provided basic coverage and given the opportunity to purchase additional insurance for both the employee and eligible dependents
• Retirement: eligible King County employees may participate in a pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems and a 457(b) deferred-compensation plan
• Transportation program and ORCA transit pass
• 12paid holidays each year plus twopersonal holidays
• Generous vacation and paid sick leave
• Paid parental,family and medical, and volunteer leaves
• Flexible Spending Account
• Wellness programs
• Onsite activity centers
• Employee Giving Program
• Employee assistance programs
• Flexible schedules and telecommuting options, depending on position
• Training and career development programs

For additional information about employee benefits, visit our Benefits, Payroll, and Retirement Page .

This is a general description of the benefits offered to eligible King County employees, and every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy. If any information on this document conflicts with the provisions of a collective bargaining agreement (CBA), the CBA prevails.

NOTE: Benefits for Term Limited Temporary (TLT) or Short Term Temporary (STT) positions, including leave eligibility and/or participation in the pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems, will vary based upon the terms and details of the position.Short Term Temporary positions are not eligible for an ORCA transit pass.

For inquiries about the specifics of this position, please contact the recruiter identified on this job posting.

Closing Date/Time: 7/27/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Salary:

$36.60 - $46.39 Hourly