Sample Control Technician- Salary ($33,324-$47,676/year)
The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality laboratory located in Hillsboro, OR has an immediate opening for a Full-Time Sample Control Technician to join an innovative team, and work to advance our agency mission to protect and improve Oregon's environment.
About the Department
The Resource Assessment and Technical Support Section supports the Laboratory's mission through a variety of functions. The section is responsible for the development and maintenance of the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), including all sample tracking and login, data entry, final reports and verification of the data released to the analytical data repository. This section oversees the IT services of the laboratory as well as office support functions and purchasing. It also analyzes data and develops reports for statewide air and water quality assessments.
What you will do
The selected candidate will be responsible for custody of and testing incoming samples, analyzing samples, and documenting samples; entering field collected or "third party' analytical data, and interpreting results. This position notifies appropriate personnel when the results would impact other testing being performed; and analyzes performance tests samples to ensure competence in ability to perform analysis. The selected candidate will perform calibration checks of equipment; recognize, document and correct any malfunctioning equipment. The selected candidate will generate reports for samples that are ready for disposal and interprets results of all analysis to ensure that samples are not hazardous waste before disposal. The position maintains a report of inventory of all legal samples in secured storage area, and will provide additional assistance to the laboratory by data entry, maintaining inventory of sample containers, monitoring temperature on refrigerators and monitoring the laboratory RO water for sterility. The selected candidate will may provide back-up support to the laboratory's office specialists as needed.
What's in it for you?
The opportunity to join a dynamic team of mission focused individuals tasked with providing high quality environmental data needed for understanding and protecting Oregon's water resources. Put your creative problem-solving and analytical skills to great use helping to keep Oregon green. We offer full medical, dental and vision health benefits with paid sick leave, vacation, personal leave and 10 paid holidays a year. If you are passionate about Oregon's environment and have experience testing and regulating water quality, apply today!
This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies.
Working Conditions
Work is primarily in a chemical laboratory with potential chemical hazards. Work typically occurs Monday – Friday during normal business hours with few exceptions. Examples are:
- Chemical risks from handling or being near toxic, corrosive flammable or carcinogenic chemicals. Electrical hazards from high voltage or current associated with instrument operations.
- Physical risks from viewing computer screens or meters.
- Repetitive bottle opening involving repetitive hand and wrist usage.
- Twisting, squatting, standing (for up to 4 hours), stooping, bending and lifting up to 50 pounds.
- Chemical risks from incoming samples that may contain hazards that are not known.
- Exposure to extreme temperature differences, including work in a walk-in cooler and removing samples from ice.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Two years of experience performing routine, standardized analytical tests and laboratory procedures in accordance with well-defined written instructions
- high school and/or college courses in chemistry, biology, or any course which included laboratory work
- An equivalent combination of training and experience.
An Associate's Degree in Laboratory Science may substitute for one year of the required experience.
A Bachelor's Degree in Laboratory Science may substitute for the two years of required experience.
REQUESTED SKILLS
Preference may be given to applicants who possess the following skills and/or experience:
- Exposure to and/or experience using or reviewing custody forms, field data sheets, Sampling Analysis Plans (SAPS) and Quality Assurance Plans (QAPPS)
- Experience with Element (LIMS)
- Experience performing calibration checks on scientific instruments throughout the laboratory
- Knowledge of US EPA and Standard Methods analytical methods performed in an environmental laboratory setting
- Attention to detail and accuracy
- Experience with responding to tight deadlines
- Experience with responding to shifting responsibilities/priorities
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
To apply, please follow these steps:
- Complete the application. We will not accept a resume or position description in place of a completed application. Due to the volume of applications we receive, we do not review any attachments that we do not request.
- The work experience and education section of your application must clearly demonstrate how you meet all of the minimum qualifications and desired attributes listed above. If it does not, we are required to disqualify your application. Please be sure to attach your resume demonstrating your experience and how it qualifies you for the position you're applying for.
- Complete the supplemental questions. Answers to the supplemental questions must be substantiated with the experience you listed in the work experience section of the application. Please note we may evaluate your responses for grammar, spelling and punctuation.
- To receive credit for higher education coursework, you must submit your transcripts (official or unofficial) at the time of application. Note: To protect your confidential information, please redact (black out) your social security number on all transcripts before attaching to your application.
If you are an eligible veteran and wish to claim veterans' preference points AND you also meet the minimum qualifications for this position, the points will be added to your score. To receive veterans' preference points you MUST attach the following required documentation to your electronic application.
- A copy of your DD214/DD215 form; OR a letter from the US Dept. of Veterans Affairs indicating you receive a non-service connected pension for the five (5) point preference.
- A copy of your DD214/DD215 form; AND a copy of your veterans' disability preference letter from the Dept. of Veterans Affairs for the ten (10) point preference.
For more information on veterans' preference points visit www.oregonjobs.org, and select veterans' preference.
Work Authorization
The Oregon DEQ does not offer visa sponsorships. Within three days of hire, all applicants must complete the US Department of Homeland Security's Form I-9, confirming authorization to work in the United States.
Pay Equity
As an employer the State of Oregon complies with the Pay Equity Bill. We do not discriminate on the basis of protected class in the payment of wages or screen applicants on the basis of their current or past compensation. We determine salary from applicable professional experience and education. Please visit http://www.oregon.gov/das/hr/pages/equity.aspx for more information.
NEED HELP?
If you need assistance to participate in the application process, you are encouraged to email Jamaal Gulledge at jamaal.gulledge@state.or.us or 503-229-5107. TTY users please use the Oregon Telecommunications Relay Service: 1-800-735-2900. If you have application login problems, get an error message during the application process, or are experiencing other technical (computer related) difficulties, please call the NEOGOV help line for assistance at 1-855-524-5627. You can also e-mail NEOGOV for support at support@governmentjobs.com.
CONSIDER JOINING US!
The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality is a regulatory agency whose job is to protect the quality of Oregon's environment.
DEQ strives to create inclusive environments that welcome and value the diversity of the people we serve. DEQ fosters fairness, equity, and inclusion to create workplace environments where everyone is treated with respect and dignity regardless of race, color, religion, sex, disability, physical stature, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, political affiliation and any other factor applicable by state or federal law.