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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

• 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.

• A valid Washington State Driver's License

• Prior experience in a production lab and/or wastewater lab is desired.

• Ability to achieve a Washington State Wastewater Operator Group I certification level.

• Ability to life up to 30 lbs.

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

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).

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

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

Forbes named King County as one of Washington State's best employers.

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.