Environmental Technologist I

$2,500 Signing Bonus*
Would you like to be part of the team that provides environmental laboratory support to wastewater, stormwater, and solid waste for the largest county in Virginia protecting, restoring, and enhancing the environment?
This position works as a part of the Environmental Monitoring Laboratory to perform environmental analyses involved in water quality programs mandated by the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System, Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, Environmental Protection Agency, and Virginia Department of Consolidated Laboratory Services.
Wastewater Planning & Monitoring assists and participates in all aspects of system modernization and business process automation initiatives. Works across county agencies to maintain and establish working relationships to accomplish project work.
Fairfax County’s DPWES, Wastewater Management Program is a nationally recognized Utility of the Future and its wastewater treatment plant, the 67 million gallon per day Noman M. Cole Pollution Control Plant, is a multiple year NACWA Platinum Award winning facility. If you would like to join a creative, collaborative, innovative team doing meaningful work, then the Wastewater Planning & Monitoring Division is the place for you.

• Follows EPA approved methods and protocols and prepares environmental samples collected from a variety of sample matrices for laboratory analysis in accordance with the laboratory’s quality system and VELAP certification. Routinely uses sophisticated instrumentation including Flow Injector Analyzers and spectrophotometers to perform analysis specified in 40 CFR Part 136.
• Routinely conducts analysis such as alkalinity, BOD, chloride, COD, E.Coli, conductivity, cyanide, nitrogen, oil and grease, pH, phosphorus, protozoan and bacterial characterizations, and dissolved and suspended solids testing in ash, compost, groundwater, leachate, sludge, surface water and wastewater.
• Reviews, validates and submits completed analytical results into the Laboratory Information Management System.
• As a member of a team-oriented program, contributes and participates on job-related teams as needed.
• Writes reports, develops, and updates standard operation procedures and performs related duties as required: duties are performed under general supervision.
• May be exposed to water pollutants/pathogens, airborne substance/hazards, fumes and/or noxious odors, toxic/caustic chemicals, dust/pollen, wet /humid conditions, and loud noises.

Note: An upward mobility program is available for the candidate(s) that is selected for this position.
*A $2,500 signing bonus is available to new county employees hired in the Environmental Technologist I position.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Any combination of education, experience, and training equivalent to the following:
(Click on the aforementioned link to learn how Fairfax County interprets equivalencies for “Any combination, experience, and training equivalent to”)
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or a university with a degree in chemistry, biology or related science; plus one year of directly related experience.
CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES REQUIRED:
A valid driver’s license.
NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
The appointee to this position will be required to complete a criminal background check, a pre-employment physical examination, and driving record check to the satisfaction of the employer.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• 2 years of experience performing instrumental analysis in an environmental laboratory.
• 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.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Ability to perform repetitive hand, arm, wrist and shoulder movements. Work requires performing tasks in an environment in which raw waste is present. Ability to work in a variety of work environments including hot and cold weather. Must be able to follow instructions and communicate effectively both oral and in writing. Occasionally lift/carry, in cooperation with another employee, equipment weighting up to 50 lbs. Occasionally work in environments with exposure to water pollutants/pathogens, airborne substances/hazards and loud noise. All duties performed with or without reasonable accommodations.
SELECTION PROCEDURE:
Panel interview and may include exercise.
BONUS ELIGIBILITY:
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 program requires a signed payback agreement between the department and employee.

Fairfax County is home to a highly diverse population, with a significant number of residents speaking languages other than English at home (including Spanish, Asian/Pacific Islander, Indo-European, and many others.) We encourage candidates who are bilingual in English and another language to apply for this opportunity.
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@fairfaxcounty.gov EEO/AA/TTY.
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