Laboratory Technician

The City of Salem is seeking two Laboratory Technician I to join our team!

The City of Salem is seeking two Laboratory Technician I for the environmental laboratory located in the Willow Lake Pollution Control Facility. The facility is the primary treatment site for the city, operating 24/7, 365 days per year, and the laboratory reports approximately 50,000 results annually. This role involves testing and analyzing a wide range of samples including wastewater, industrial pretreatment, sludge, biosolids, stormwater, cyanotoxins, potable water, and watershed samples.

This position will be responsible for providing lateral coverage to operations during the wet weather season when staffing allows. Responsibilities include collecting samples in the wastewater plant and performing laboratory analyses in a separate operations laboratory. The Laboratory Technician I performs various analytical test techniques and uses equipment to record test results for an accredited municipal environmental laboratory under the Oregon Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (ORELAP).

They must demonstrate laboratory experience, knowledge of environmental regulations and standards, and strong communication skills.

• Knowledge of laboratory tests, methods, and equipment used in environmental analytical laboratories.
• Knowledge of chemistry, including automated analysis procedures, and water bacteriology.
• Knowledge of analytical methods and National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (NELAP) standards.
• Knowledge of Quality Assurance and Quality Control practices used in an analytical laboratory.
• Knowledge of Federal and State Environmental Testing regulations as they pertain to the Safe Drinking Water Act and Clean Water Act programs.
• Knowledge of water and wastewater treatment, laboratory hazards, safety precautions, and sample collection.
• Skill in the use and care of laboratory and office equipment, including personal computers and typical office or laboratory software.
• Ability to maintain records, hand‑record legible test results, research information, compile data, prepare timely reports accurately, and interpret results.
• Ability to communicate effectively with the public, stakeholders, city staff, contract laboratories, and regulatory bodies or agencies.
• Use precision computerized equipment with a high degree of accuracy.
• Explain technical information to people with a non‑technical background and demonstrate its practical use.
• Respect and value individual differences to foster a diverse and inclusive workplace.

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your family.
• Paid vacation and sick time in accordance with City policies.
• Competitive pay.
• Employer‑paid PERS contribution of 6%.
• Opportunity for voluntary pre‑tax contributions to a 457(b) account.
• Health care and dependent care flexible spending accounts.
• Voluntary long‑term care.
• Employee wellness program.
• Employee assistance program.
• Employee health clinic.
• Two position schedules:
  Saturday – Wednesday or Wednesday – Sunday 07:30‑16:00 and Sunday – Thursday or Tuesday – Saturday 07:30‑16:00.
• The City of Salem offers a comprehensive and equitable base salary within the listed range based on your experience, skills, and education.

• Must pass the pre‑employment background check.
• Must have an Oregon driver’s license and a driving record that meets City standards.
• Associate’s degree in chemistry, biology, microbiology, laboratory science, or a related subject, and two years of laboratory experience—collecting samples, analyzing data, interpreting results, or any combination that demonstrates the knowledge, skills and abilities listed above.

The City of Salem is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all and has a culture that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. We believe that by welcoming differences, encouraging new ideas and views, listening to, and learning from one another, we are better able to serve the community.

THIS ANNOUNCEMENT IS NOT AN IMPLIED CONTRACT AND MAY BE MODIFIED OR REVOKED WITHOUT NOTICE.