Environmental Lab Scientist in Training Salary $26.22 - $31.86 Hourly Location Tacoma, WA Job Type Classified Job Number 3107-25 Department Environmental Services Division ES Science and Engineering Opening Date 07/18/2025 Closing Date 8/4/2025 5:00 PM Pacific + Description + Benefits + Questions 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 assisting laboratory; and project staff; in sample processing, coordination, and evaluation of laboratory data. This position will support staff with projects and programs for surface water sediments, wastewater, soils, and other matrices . OUR IDEAL CANDIDATE is someone who: + Is a teammate with good critical thinking skills who is intrinsically motivated and harnesses their curiosity to seek understanding, gain insight and apply this trait to deliver sound science and suggest improvements. + Effectively conveys ideas and information orally and in writing, using language that is appropriate to both the complexity of the topic and the knowledge and understanding of the audience. + Consistently helps partners, and coworkers achieve desired outcomes, gaining their trust and respect. + 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! **Hourly range of pay for this this classification is : $26.22 - $31.86 Physical Requirements and Working Conditions Most work is performed indoors in an Environmental Laboratory with moderate chemical exposure risk. Risks include acidic and caustic solutions, neurotoxins, and carcinogenic substances. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is required within the work environment. Primary PPE consists of safety glasses or goggles, lab coat, and appropriate protective gloves. Due to potential chemical exposure, no bare legs are allowed in the laboratory, closed toed shoes are required in the laboratory work areas. Must be able to work in a laboratory environment for long periods at a time. Position may require repetitive handling of samples including pouring, mixing, dilution and/or filtering. Bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, moderate lifting and bending, standing for extended periods of time, and unassisted lifting of up to 50 lbs. associated with job duties. City of Tacoma Recruitment Information: One of the primary goals of the City of Tacoma Equity and Empowerment Initiative is that the City of Tacoma workforce reflects the community it serves. We actively work to eliminate racial and other disparities and we welcome candidates with diverse and/or multicultural skill sets and personal experiences. Our goal is for Tacoma to be an inclusive and equitable place to live, work, and play 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. + Meeting facilitation and group experience. + 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 and attach a current resume and cover letter that describes your interest in and qualifications for this position. 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. The City of Tacoma provides excellent medical, dental and vision benefits for the whole family; paid holidays and personal time off; participation in Tacoma's Public Employees' Retirement System and a growing variety of City-sponsored health and wellness opportunities. For more information on the City of Tacoma's benefit package feel free to explore Employee Benefits | City of Tacoma (https://tacoma.gov/government/departments/human-resources/employee-benefits/) 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: http://www (http://www.cityoftacoma.org/) .tacoma.gov http://www.traveltacoma.com/ 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 tacoma.gov 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. Employer City of Tacoma Address Human Resources Department 747 Market Street Tacoma, Washington, 98402-3764 Phone 253-591-5400 Website http://www. (http://www.cityoftacoma.org/) tacoma.gov The City of Tacoma provides excellent medical, dental and vision plans for the whole family; paid holidays and paid leave; participation in the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System (alternate plan for Police/Fire); continuing education and advancement opportunities and a growing variety of City-sponsored health and wellness opportunities and incentives. Medical Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age 26 or younger. Dental Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age 26 or younger. Vision Coverage: For eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Paid Leave: City employees are entitled to received paid holidays, sick/vacation leave or personal time off (PTO), depending upon union affiliation and appointment type. Insurance Plans: Employees are covered by a long-term disability plan. Short-term and expanded long-term disability insurance plans are also available to employees. The State Industrial Insurance Act also covers employees. Deferred Compensation: Income can be set aside on a pretax basis and invested for supplementation of normal retirement income. Retirement: All employees of the City, except members of the Police and Fire services, Tacoma Rail and certain project employees, are included in the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System. Information on the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System can be found at www.cityoftacoma.org or by calling (253) 502-8200. Other Employment Information Direct Deposit: Employees are paid on a bi-weekly schedule by direct deposit. Salary Increases: Based on satisfactory job performance, the City provides for a regular progression of salary increases for most classifications according to the salary schedule. Union Affiliation: Many job classifications are covered by union security provisions which require union membership, dues, or payment of equivalent service fees. Note: The provisions of this job announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained herein may be modified and/or revoked without notice. 01 The Supplemental Questionnaire is part of the examination process; accordingly, it should be completed carefully. It must be submitted with your application. Responses to supplemental questions must be original content created by the applicant using their own words. The use of online tools or resources to create responses, such as Artificial Intelligence (ChatGPT, etc), Google, Bing, etc., or plagiarism in any form, is considered cheating and falsification of the application. Do not indicate "see resume" or copy unrelated content from your resume when answering these questions. Answer all information requested in each question. Failure to do so may result in rejection of your application. I certify that the information provided is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge. I understand that any falsification may cancel any terms, conditions, or privileges of employment. + Yes + No 02 Are you currently enrolled in college-level science course work designed to result in a bachelor's or master's degree in chemistry, or related science with emphasis in chemistry? Note: If you answer "No" to this question you do not meet the minimum qualifications for this position and no further consideration of your application will occur for this recruitment (this job requires that you are enrolled in college-level science course work). + Yes + No + Other 03 If you responded "other" to the previous question, please explain your current educational qualifications for this position 04 What is your degree program/college major? If you are not currently enrolled in college, respond with N/A 05 List the college courses you have taken that have or had a lab component. If you have not taken any classes with a lab component respond with N/A 06 How did you learn about this job opening? + City of Tacoma webpage + Internet search + Word of mouth + From a City of Tacoma employee + Professional Organization + Association of Washington Cities website + Union sharing the information + From a community organization + Other 07 If you answered "professional organization" or "community organization" to the previous question, please tell us exactly how you heard about this job opportunity. Thank you, your response will help us with future recruitment efforts. 08 INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING TEST: Questions #9-#11 below are the experience and training test that will be used to establish the eligibility list. These questions will be scored by subject matter experts who will not have access to your application materials. You must describe when and where you received your experience and/or training and what work was performed. Your answers must stand on their own merit. DO NOT refer to your resume or application in lieu of answering these questions. Your score on the experience and training test will solely reflect your responses. Please indicate "Yes" to show that you have read and understand these instructions. + Yes + No 09 In detail, describe your education and experience with environmental laboratory work and data analysis. Please include any specific process challenges you encountered and how you handled them. If you have no education or experience that relates to these areas, respond with N/A. 10 In this role, one of the focus areas will be to assist the laboratory information management system (LIMS) administrator with the implementation of a new LIMS. Please tell us about the software tools you have used to store, collect, analyze and present data. If you have no experience in this area, respond with N/A. 11 You will be collaborating with many groups in this position. How have you elicited feedback from others on one you your projects, and how did you incorporate that feedback into the project? 12 Did you remember to attach your resume and cover letter that describes your interest in and qualifications for this position, as well as telling us what you hope to personally gain from this experience? + Yes + No 13 Military Members - Did you remember to upload a copy of your DDForm 214, Member Copy 4, to this job announcement so your application can be reviewed for potential Veteran's Preference? + Yes + No Required Question Employer City of Tacoma Address Human Resources Department 747 Market Street Tacoma, Washington, 98402-3764 Phone 253-591-5400 Website http://www.tacoma.gov Apply Please verify your email address Verify Email