Environmental Health Specialist - Water Laboratory

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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.

• Performs a variety of biological and chemical analyses on environmental samples to support certification testing, including sample preparation, processing, data entry, analysis, peer review, and reporting.
• Sets up methodology and performs routing water tests for certification using instruments such as LC MS/MS, IC, and ELISA.
• Operates, troubleshoots, and maintains analytical instruments and methods in the water testing area.
• Ensures instruments operate within specifications and maintains accurate maintenance and calibration records.
• Provides a high level of data quality by keeping traceability records for client samples, equipment maintenance, method modifications, and standard deviations.
• Generates and distributes reports and maintains files on all clients serviced by the laboratory.
• Maintains traceability records for samples, instrument maintenance, and method performance.
• Participates in the training and improvement of existing methods, development and validation of new methods, and expands the test capability.
• Assists and participates in training other Environmental Health Laboratory Specialists.
• Complies with safety protocols, chemical hygiene, and waste disposal regulations.
• Washes and sterilizes laboratory glassware and equipment and participates in routine cleaning and lab maintenance.
• Explains laboratory findings, offers guidance on corrective actions when water quality standards are not met, and shares educational resources.
• Collaborates with environmental health staff to support outreach and community education about drinking water safety and public health protection.
• Assists in maintaining the laboratory and drinking water program's webpage and social media content.
• Responds to public health emergency drills or events as required.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge of laboratory principles, practices, and techniques involving environmental laboratory tests; familiarity with laboratory equipment, supplies, and reagents; ability to understand 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 testing methods, and prepare clear reports;

ability to work effectively with minimal supervision after initial training; ability to troubleshoot and interpret experimental results and present conclusions; ability to communicate and work effectively with other lab staff; ability to respond flexibly to multitasking schedules; excellent customer service skills; ability to distinguish colors and odors; ability to lift 50 pounds occasionally.

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

Analytical laboratory experience with at least 3 years of…