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Lab Accreditation Administrative Specialist (Environmental Specialist 3)

Washington State Department of Ecology
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Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen 
 
Protecting Washington State's environment for current and future generations is what we do every day at Ecology. We have a culture that is invested in making a difference. If you want to join a team that is highly effective, collaborative, and has leadership that embraces the value of people, Ecology is a good fit.
 
The Environmental Assessment Program (EAP) is looking to fill a Lab Accreditation Administrative Specialist (Environmental Specialist 3) position. This position will be located in the Laboratory Accreditation Unit in Manchester, WA. The Department of Ecology is the accrediting institution in Washington State for environmental laboratories, including those that test drinking water.
 
The Lab Accreditation Administrative Specialist position facilitates the accreditation of environmental laboratories to assure that they are capable of providing accurate and defensible data to the Departments of Ecology, Department of Health, the Environmental Protection Agency, and other entities that require the use of accredited laboratories. The administrative specialist manages the accreditation database and facilitates the efficient operation of the Laboratory Accreditation Unit.
 
We are looking for an environmental science professional with demonstrated administrative skills in a technical office environment. They should be familiar the work of environmental testing laboratories, have excellent customer service skills, proficient in Microsoft office software including Access, Word and Excel, and can work independently under supervisory direction.
 
As an agency, our mission is to protect, preserve and enhance Washington's environment for current and future generations. We invest in our employees to create and sustain a working environment that encourages creative leadership, effective resource management, teamwork, professionalism and accountability.

To learn more about The Department of Ecology, please visit our website at www.ecology.wa.gov and follow, like or visit us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram or our blog.
 

Local efforts... Diverse people... Statewide impacts
 
 
 
         
Duties
 
The Environmental Assessment Program provides a range of scientific, monitoring, laboratory, and quality assurance services. Its mission is to measure and assess environmental conditions in Washington State. 

Some of the duties of the Lab Accreditation Administrative Specialist position include: 
  • Facilitates the renewal application process for accreditation of environmental laboratories.
  • Tracks each step of the accreditation renewal and billing process.
  • Uploads electronic data from proficiency testing studies, and resolves formatting issues.
  • Maintains, updates and generates queries from the accreditation database.
  • Serves as initial point of contact for enquiries from the public, the regulated community, government agencies, and accredited laboratories.
  • Delivers excellent customer service by:
  • Responding to customer concerns while maintaining effective relationships.
  • Helping customers navigate the laboratory accreditation process.
  • Assisting customers seeking technical assistance by helping them to access resources.

The Laboratory Accreditation Program is an important component of the effort to ensure the accuracy and defensibility of the analytical data used by WA State Department of Ecology. This is a unique position, providing initial point of contact to a wide variety of agency customers. It provides an opportunity to utilize administrative, technical and people skills. The position is office based in Manchester, WA. Work hours are 8am to 4:30 pm Monday through Friday. This position is not eligible for telework, or a compressed work week.
 
Please Note: This recruitment is open until filled, with an initial screening scheduled for November 18, 2019. To be considered in the initial screening, please submit your application on or before November 17, 2019. The agency reserves the right to make an appointment at any time after the initial screening date.

Please do NOT include your salary history. Wage/salary depends on qualifications or rules of promotion, if applicable.
Qualifications

Required Qualifications:
 
A Bachelor's degree involving major study in environmental, physical, or one of the natural sciences, AND two years of professional level experience in environmental analysis or control,routine environmental permit development and review; routine environmental inspections or enforcement activities; scientific studies, surveys or scientific analysis; technical assistance for grants, contracts, and loans; or interpretation of policy and environmental technical assistance.
 
OR
 
A Master's degree in one of the above fields AND one year of the required experience.
 
OR
 
A Ph.D. in one of the above fields.
 
OR
 
A combination of education and experience as detailed above.

The professional experience must include experience with Microsoft Office software, with extensive use of Access, Word and Excel.
 
Demonstrated administrative skills in a technical office environment.
 
Knowledge of chemistry, biology and environmental science sufficient to interpret and apply requirements for laboratory accreditation.
 
 
Desired Qualifications:
 
Knowledge of basic concepts of analytical chemistry and laboratory operations.


Special Requirements / Conditions of Employment:
 
Successfully pass the initial EPA Personnel Access and Security System (EPASS) background check and any required subsequent checks which is required for access to the federal facility that houses the Ecology laboratory.

Valid drivers license. 

Why work for Ecology?

Joining Ecology means becoming a part of a team committed to protecting and restoring Washington State's environment.

A career in public service allows you to help solve some of the most challenging problems facing our state, while keeping the health and financial security of you and your family a priority. We combine one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation with a strong commitment to work/life balance.

Ecology employees may be eligible for the following:
 

Student debt and how working for Ecology can help
Employees may be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program, which forgives the remaining balance on your Direct Loans after you have made 120 qualifying monthly payments under a qualifying repayment plan while working full-time for a qualifying employer. See https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/repay-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service for more details.
 
*See the Benefits tab in this announcement for more information
Supplemental Information
 
Application Instructions:
 
In order to be considered, applicants MUST attach the following documents as an attachment to their application:
  • A cover letter describing how your experience, skills and abilities meet the required/desired qualifications of this position.
  • A resume outlining your professional experience.
  • Please do NOT include your salary history. Wage/salary depends on qualifications or rules of promotion, if applicable.

Please complete the applicant profile when applying for this position. Or, you may paste the text of your resume within the profile's resume text field.

Please read the supplemental questions carefully and answer completely. Incomplete responses, including "please see resume", may disqualify you from further consideration.

Department of Ecology employees, please make sure to answer the agency-wide questions regarding permanent status as a classified employee within the Washington General Service or Washington Management Service. Do not forget to select Department of Ecology as a response to question 2, and type your personnel ID number for question 3. If you are not sure of your status or do not know your personnel ID number, please contact Human Resources at (360) 407-6186.

If you are reading this announcement in print format, please visit www.careers.wa.gov to access the online recruitment system. Click on "Look for Jobs" and select Dept. of Ecology under the "Department" search list. Click "Apply Search."


Other Information:
 
If you need assistance applying for this job, please call Human Resources at (360) 407-6186 or e-mail careers@ecy.wa.gov. Please do not call this number or send an email to this address to follow-up the status of your application. You can view the latest status of your application on your profile's main page.
  
If you have specific questions about the position, please email Rebecca Wood at: rebecca.wood@ecy.wa.gov. Please do not contact Rebecca to inquire about the status of your application.

The act of submitting application materials electronically is considered affirmation that the information is complete and truthful. The state may verify this information and any untruthful or misleading answers are cause for rejection of your application or dismissal if employed.

This position is included in the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) union bargaining unit for the Department of Ecology.

The Washington State Department of Ecology is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, veterans or people with military status, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply. Persons needing accommodation in the application/testing process or this job announcement in an alternative format may call (360) 407-6186. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.