Water Quality Analyst Assistant (On-site)
Apply NowCompany: City of Seattle, WA
Location: Seattle, WA 98115
Description:
Salary: $41.29 - $48.01 Hourly
Location : Seattle, WA
Job Type: Classified Civil Service, Regular, Full-Time
Job Number: 2024-01522
Department: Seattle Public Utilities
Opening Date: 03/04/2025
Closing Date: 4/1/2025 4:00 PM Pacific
Position Description
An online application including response to the supplemental questionnaire must be fully completed for consideration.
Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) seeks a Water Quality Analyst Assistant to join our team. This role combines laboratory work and field sampling, conducting microbiological testing on various water sources to ensure water quality standards. Position reports to the microbiology unit supervisor.
About Seattle Public Utilities: Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is a Community Centered Utility whose mission is to foster healthy people, environment, and economy by partnering with our community to equitably manage water and waste resources for today and future generations. We deliver high quality, vital services, across four major lines of business: providing water, solid waste, drainage and wastewater services for Seattle residents and businesses. In addition, SPU provides drinking water for 1.5 million regional customers in Seattle and other municipalities. Our customers depend on us to deliver high quality, reliable, and cost-conscious utility services and to achieve the highest benefits possible for every investment we make.
For more information about Seattle Public Utilities (SPU), please visit:
SPU commits to and 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:
Job Responsibilities
Sampling:
Please note this job posting is not designed to cover or contain the complete listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change as conditions require.
Qualifications
Experience:
Education (must meet one of the following):
Chemistry Track: 36 quarter hours or 24 semesters of college-level chemistry courses Microbiology Track: 30 quarter hours or 20 semester hours of college-level microbiology courses
Note: Equivalent combinations of education, training, and experience may be considered.
License Requirements:
Location and Schedule:
Additional Information
Desired Qualifications:
The full salary range for this position is: $41.29 - $48.01 Hourly
Application Expectation: An online application including response to the supplemental questionnaire must be fully completed for consideration. Please DO NOT attach resumes and cover letters, as they will not be considered in the review of candidate's qualifications.
Transcript Requirement: If selected for an interview, you will need to submit unofficial transcripts to to verify your completion of the required chemistry or microbiology coursework.
Pre-Employment/Pre-Placement Requirements:
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: 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.
Questions? Contact Erika Monroe at Learn more about at .
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:
01
How many months of Water Lab Technician experience do you have?
02
Which of the following best describes your education in chemistry?
03
Which of the following best describes your education in microbiology?
04
Do you have experience conducting microbiological tests on water samples?
05
How would you rate your proficiency with basic computer skills?
06
Do you have experience using Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS)?
07
Do you have experience with field data collection tools, such as handheld scanners?
08
Do you have a current Washington State Driver's License?
09
This application requires a completed online application and responses to the supplemental questions only. Please refrain from attaching any documents, including resumes or cover letters. Have you completed the full online application and supplemental question responses?
Required Question
Location : Seattle, WA
Job Type: Classified Civil Service, Regular, Full-Time
Job Number: 2024-01522
Department: Seattle Public Utilities
Opening Date: 03/04/2025
Closing Date: 4/1/2025 4:00 PM Pacific
Position Description
An online application including response to the supplemental questionnaire must be fully completed for consideration.
Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) seeks a Water Quality Analyst Assistant to join our team. This role combines laboratory work and field sampling, conducting microbiological testing on various water sources to ensure water quality standards. Position reports to the microbiology unit supervisor.
About Seattle Public Utilities: Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is a Community Centered Utility whose mission is to foster healthy people, environment, and economy by partnering with our community to equitably manage water and waste resources for today and future generations. We deliver high quality, vital services, across four major lines of business: providing water, solid waste, drainage and wastewater services for Seattle residents and businesses. In addition, SPU provides drinking water for 1.5 million regional customers in Seattle and other municipalities. Our customers depend on us to deliver high quality, reliable, and cost-conscious utility services and to achieve the highest benefits possible for every investment we make.
For more information about Seattle Public Utilities (SPU), please visit:
SPU commits to and 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:
- Family-friendly and multicultural work environment
- Generous benefits package
- Free public transportation options
- City pension plan with employer/employee contributions
- Growth potential and advancement opportunities
Job Responsibilities
Sampling:
- Collect water samples from watersheds, treatment plants, distribution systems, and customer locations
- Perform field tests including chlorine residual and temperature measurements
- Use LIMS and handheld scanners for data collection
- Prepare media, glassware, and laboratory equipment in accordance with established Standard Methods.
- Conduct microbiological tests to assess water quality
- Operate laboratory equipment (autoclaves, boilers, incubators)
- Evaluate test results for compliance with State and Federal drinking water standards
- Troubleshoot quality control failures
- Recommend corrective actions
- Maintain Department of Health laboratory certification
- Participate in performance evaluation programs
- Train Water Laboratory Technicians
- Support weekend and holiday rotation schedule
Please note this job posting is not designed to cover or contain the complete listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change as conditions require.
Qualifications
Experience:
- Six months of Water Lab Technician experience
- Proficiency in basic computer skills
Education (must meet one of the following):
Note: Equivalent combinations of education, training, and experience may be considered.
License Requirements:
- Current Washington State Drivers' License
Location and Schedule:
- On-site position at our Water Quality Lab in Seattle, WA (no remote work option)
- Full-time, on-site position at our Water Quality Lab in Seattle, WA
- Dynamic split schedule: 50% laboratory work, 50% field work
- Individual schedules arranged in collaboration with supervisor
- Weekend and holiday rotation required to ensure continuous monitoring
- Modern, well-equipped laboratory setting
- Handling and analysis of water samples and potentially hazardous substances
- Standing for extended periods during analytical procedures
- Adherence to strict safety protocols and use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Water monitoring from various watercraft
- Exposure to diverse outdoor environments in the greater Seattle area
- Work in varying weather conditions
- Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds of equipment
- Good physical stamina for field work and laboratory tasks
- Comfortable working on boats and near water bodies
Additional Information
Desired Qualifications:
- Proficiency in microbiological testing techniques and water sampling methods
- Experience with Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) and field data collection tools
- Knowledge of state and federal drinking water standards and regulations
- Ability to interpret test results and troubleshoot quality control issues
- Physical capability to work in laboratory and field environments, including on watercraft
- Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively in a diverse team
- Flexibility to work rotating schedules, including weekends and holidays
- Commitment to safety protocols and quality assurance practices in a laboratory setting
- Alignment with SPU Workplace Expectations and values: Safety, Respect, Diversity, Trust, Humor, Productivity, Integrity, Innovation, and Partnership
The full salary range for this position is: $41.29 - $48.01 Hourly
Application Expectation: An online application including response to the supplemental questionnaire must be fully completed for consideration. Please DO NOT attach resumes and cover letters, as they will not be considered in the review of candidate's qualifications.
Transcript Requirement: If selected for an interview, you will need to submit unofficial transcripts to to verify your completion of the required chemistry or microbiology coursework.
Pre-Employment/Pre-Placement Requirements:
- This hiring process involves a background check of conviction and arrest records incompliance with Seattle's Fair Chance Employment Ordinance, SME 14.17. Applicants will be provided an opportunity to explain or correct background information.
- SPU's safety program requires a pre-employment medical assessment as a condition of employment in this position
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: 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.
Questions? Contact Erika Monroe at Learn more about at .
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:
01
How many months of Water Lab Technician experience do you have?
- No experience
- Less than 6 months
- 6 months to 1 year
- More than 1 year
02
Which of the following best describes your education in chemistry?
- No college-level chemistry courses
- Less than 24 semester hours of college-level chemistry courses
- 24-35 semester hours of college-level chemistry courses
- 36 or more semester hours of college-level chemistry courses
03
Which of the following best describes your education in microbiology?
- No college-level microbiology courses
- Less than 20 semester hours of college-level microbiology courses
- 20-29 semester hours of college-level microbiology courses
- 30 or more semester hours of college-level microbiology courses
04
Do you have experience conducting microbiological tests on water samples?
- No experience
- Less than 6 months of experience
- 6 months to 1 year of experience
- More than 1 year of experience
05
How would you rate your proficiency with basic computer skills?
- No proficiency
- Basic proficiency
- Intermediate proficiency
- Advanced proficiency
06
Do you have experience using Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS)?
- No experience
- Less than 6 months of experience
- 6 months to 1 year of experience
- More than 1 year of experience
07
Do you have experience with field data collection tools, such as handheld scanners?
- No experience
- Less than 6 months of experience
- 6 months to 1 year of experience
- More than 1 year of experience
08
Do you have a current Washington State Driver's License?
- Yes
- No
- No, but I can obtain one before starting the position
- I have an out-of-state license that can be transferred
09
This application requires a completed online application and responses to the supplemental questions only. Please refrain from attaching any documents, including resumes or cover letters. Have you completed the full online application and supplemental question responses?
- Yes
- No
Required Question