Environmental Health Lab Specialist I

Compensation Range

$33.34 - $42.24

Job Description Summary

The ideal candidate will have a bachelor's degree and two (2) or more years' experience in a Water Quality Laboratory and understands the safe drinking water act and how it applies to Colorado. The ideal candidate should have experience in one (1) or more chemistry analyzes that can possibly include Ion Chromatography, Ion Coupled Plasma chromatography, wastewater, and drinking water microbiology.

Job Description

Public water, private well water, and wastewater sample analysis

• 70%

• Demonstrate proficiency in public water and wastewater processing and analysis. Routine laboratory preparation, cleaning, maintenance, and bench chemistry. Display initiative, effort, and adaptability.

• Understand State and Federal Safe Drinking Water laws and regulations and initiate appropriate response under the direction of the supervisor.

• Assure the use of proper analysis procedures for chemistry and microbiology, compile, and input data results for final review for clients.

• Complete and pass proficiency testing for microbiology and chemistry programs.

• Utilize technical equipment in the course of routine analysis under the supervision of the chemist.

• Offer input to department leadership with ideas or suggestions on how to improve a program.

• Acquire and retain knowledge of policies, procedures, and various local, State, and Federal regulations related to laboratory programs.

• Complete assigned work and duties in a timely and professional manner. Employ appropriate guidelines or regulations. Assists supervisor/senior staff in decision making for proper analysis.

• Obtain continuing education related to program responsibilities. Keep up-to-date technically and apply new knowledge to the job. Complete position-specific training for public health emergency response activities.

• Understand and work to ensure that County, department and division mission statements, visions, and goals are met.

Administrative

• 20%

• Compile and enter data into several different computer programs; learn and apply new computer skills on a regular basis.

• Assist with the laboratory quality assurance plan and follow good laboratory practices.

• Achieve and maintain all relevant credentials required (i.e. Ethics training, safety trainings, HIPAA training, etc.).

• Work with Microsoft Windows, Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook, OneDrive, Adobe, database user interface and query software (client databases), and web browser software works with Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).

• Thorough knowledge of spelling, punctuation and grammar, and modern office practices, procedures, equipment, technical terminology, and filing techniques.

• Ability to clearly communicate information and ideas verbally and in writing, and interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

• Ability to work well in a team environment; work with a diverse group of people; establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, professionals, other departments, agencies, and the public.

• Maintain sensitive and confidential records information. Follow the Weld County Code of Conduct and adhere to strict confidentiality guidelines, including HIPAA, and the appropriate non-disclosure and/or release of information.

• Assists in inventory control and purchase ordering for laboratory materials.

Customer Service

• 10%

• Explain chemistry and microbiology methods to owners, managers, and the public for water quality analysis.

• Maintain professional conduct and adhere to the Public Health Code of Ethics. Use exceptional customer service skills to respond to community needs, enhance public relations, coordinate activities, and represent the Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment to promote and maintain a positive public health image and foster pride and professionalism in the workplace and community.

• Use exceptional customer service skills to respond to community needs, enhance public relations, coordinate activities, and represent the Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment to promote and maintain a positive public health image and foster pride and professionalism in the workplace and community.

Required for All Jobs

• Perform other duties as assigned

• Comply with all policies and standards

Required Qualifications

Required Education/Experience

• Associates Degree from an accredited college or university in environmental science, chemistry, or closed related field AND 2 years experience in a water quality laboratory.

OR

• Bachelors Degree from an accredited college or university in environmental science, chemistry, or closely related field.

This position is non-exempt from the minimum wage and overtime requirements of the Fair Labor Standards Act.

As an applicant for this position, you should be aware of Senate Bill 19-085, the Equal Pay for Equal Work Act. The act requires employers to announce the pay range for job openings. This range encompasses the nine pay steps available should you receive the position and demonstrate satisfactory performance over time.

Weld County provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.