Environmental Technologist

Position Summary

$2,500 Signing Bonus* Will you join the Environmental Monitoring Laboratory team to provide environmental analysis for wastewater, stormwater, and solid waste programs under federal and state regulations? This role supports the Wastewater Planning & Monitoring Division of Fairfax County’s Department of Public Works and Environmental Services (DPWES).
Fairfax County is home to a highly diverse population; bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.

• Follow EPA approved methods and protocols, preparing environmental samples from various matrices for laboratory analysis in accordance with the laboratory’s quality system and VELAP certification.
• Use sophisticated instrumentation, including Flow Injector Analyzers and spectrophotometers, to perform analyses specified in 40 CFR Part 136.
• Conduct analyses such as alkalinity, BOD, chloride, COD,
  
  E. coli, conductivity, cyanide, nitrogen, oil and grease, pH, phosphorus, protozoan and bacterial characterizations, and dissolved/suspended solids testing in ash, compost, groundwater, leachate, sludge, surface water, and wastewater.
• Review, validate, and submit completed analytical results into the Laboratory Information Management System.
• Participate in team‑oriented projects, contributing as needed.
• Write reports, develop and update standard operating procedures, and perform related duties under general supervision.
• Work in environments that may involve exposure to water pollutants/pathogens, airborne substances, fumes, noxious odors, toxic/caustic chemicals, dust/pollen, humidity, wet conditions, and loud noise.

Graduation from an accredited four‑year college or university with a degree in chemistry, biology, or a related science plus one year of directly related experience.

• A valid driver’s license.

• At least 2 years of experience performing instrumental analysis in an environmental laboratory.
• At least 2 years of experience with laboratory instrumentation.
• Ability to evaluate and interpret data and prepare reports.
• Creative problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Perform repetitive hand, arm, wrist, and shoulder movements; lift/carry equipment up to 50 lbs with another employee; work in hot or cold weather; follow instructions and communicate effectively; tolerate exposure to water pollutants/pathogens, airborne substances, and loud noise. All duties performed with or without reasonable accommodations.

Panel interview and may include exercise.

Positions within this classification that are general merit may be eligible for a one‑time hiring incentive bonus for new county employees only. This bonus requires a signed payback agreement between the department and employee.

Fairfax County Government prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetics, political affiliation, or military status in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce. Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act.

TTY 703‑222‑7314. DHREmployment EEO/AA/TTY.