Environmental Health Specialist I - Lab at Benton Franklin Health District

General Summary:

The Environmental Health Laboratory Specialist performs a variety of chemical and biological analyses on environmental samples to support public health and environmental protection programs. Working primarily in the Water Laboratory, this position is responsible for preparing, analyzing, and reporting results for drinking water and environmental samples in accordance with state and federal certification requirements. The specialist operates, maintains, and troubleshoots analytical instruments and ensures the generation of high-quality, defensible data through strict adherence to quality assurance and quality control procedures. Additional duties may include laboratory maintenance, sterilization of equipment, data entry, delivering education to clients, and a range of activities in the environmental health field as required and related to the classification of an Environmental Health Specialist.

Essential Job Functions:

• Performs a variety of biological and chemical analyses on environmental samples to support certification testing including sample preparation, sample processing, data entry, data analysis, data peer review, and data reporting.
• This position focuses on setting up methodology and performing routing water tests to support certification testing using instruments and analytical techniques such as, but not limited to, LC MS/MS, IC, and ELISA.
• Operate, perform troubleshooting, and maintenance of analytical instruments and methods in the water testing area.
• Ensure instruments operate within specifications and maintain accurate maintenance and calibration records.
• Provide a high level of data quality by keeping traceability records for client samples and requests, equipment maintenance, method modification, standard deviations, and all data analysis.
• Generates and sends out reports, maintains files on all clients serviced by the laboratory.
• Maintain traceability records for samples, instrument maintenance, and method performance.
• Participate in the training, improvement of the existing methods, development and validation of new methods for expanding the test capability to support health district's service expansion.
• Assist and participate in training other Environmental Health Laboratory Specialists.
• Comply with safety protocols, chemical hygiene, and waste disposal regulations.
• Washes and sterilizes laboratory glassware, containers, pipettes and other laboratory equipment. Participate in routine cleaning and lab maintenance.
• Explain laboratory findings in understandable terms, offer guidance on corrective actions when water quality standards are not met, and share educational resources to promote safe water use and well maintenance.
• Collaborate with environmental health staff to support outreach and community education efforts related to drinking water safety and public health protection.
• Assist in maintaining the laboratory and drinking water program's webpage and social media content to ensure timely, accurate, and engaging communication with the public.
• Respond to public health emergency drills/exercises or actual events as required.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of laboratory principles, practices, and techniques involving environmental laboratory tests; Knowledge of laboratory equipment, supplies and reagents; Ability to understand, develop, and follow approved standard analytical methodologies; Skills to understand and follow complex written and oral directions, formulas and charts; Strong data management skills and experience with laboratory information management systems (LIMS); Ability to interpret regulations and state environmental rules, explain the testing methods used, prepare clear and concise reports; Ability to work effectively with minimal supervision after initial training; Ability to troubleshoot and interpret experimental results and effectively present conclusions; Ability to communicate and work effectively with other lab staff; Ability to respond flexibly to multitasking schedules; Excellent customer service skills and ability to interact with the public and clients on a professional level; Ability to distinguish colors; Ability to distinguish odors; Ability to lift 50 pounds on an occasional basis.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's Degree involving a major study in chemistry, biology, microbiology, bacteriology and public health, or environmental health. Successful applicants should be eligible for registration with the Washington State Board of Registered Sanitarians.

Preferred Qualifications:

Analytical lab experience with preferred minimum 3 years of hand-on experience in operating and maintenance of instruments such as LC MS/MS, ICP MS system. Experience in method development or validation.

Additional Requirements:

Job duties may occasionally require work on weekends, evenings, and holidays to ensure laboratory operations are maintained. A valid driver's license is required only if driving or vehicle operation is an essential part of the position. When a District fleet vehicle is unavailable, employees may use their personal motor vehicle, provided they have appropriate auto insurance.

Selection Process:

The most qualified applicants, based in part upon evaluation of the completed application and related information will be invited for an interview.

Benton-Franklin Health District Vision:

BFHD is a proactive leader uniting knowledgeable staff and proven practice with strong partners and informed residents to form a resilient, healthy community where all of us can learn, work, play, and thrive to our greatest potential.

Benton-Franklin Health District Mission:

BFHD provides all people in our community the opportunity to live full productive lives by promoting health lifestyles, preventing disease and injury, advancing equity and protecting our environment.

Criminal Background Check required upon candidate selection.