Optical Lab Assistant Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

Job Description Summary Department - Regional Wastewater Reclamation Job Description Job Type: Classified Job Classification: 5548 - Laboratory Chemist Salary Grade: 11 Pay Range Hiring Range: $27.19 - $32.63 Per Hour Pay Range: $27.19 - $38.06 Per Hour Range Explanation: Hiring Range is an estimate of where you can receive an offer. The actual salary offer will carefully consider a wide range of factors, including your skills, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, training, and internal equity. Pay Range is the entire compensation range for the position. Pima County Regional Wastewater Reclamation Department (RWRD) is seeking talented people with a keen eye for detail to become part of our Compliance and Regulatory Affairs Office Laboratory team. If you care about public health and the environment and have experience in laboratory water analysis, quality review of data, laboratory safety, and instrument calibration, we can use your skills to assist us as a Wastewater Laboratory Chemist. The Organic Chemistry Unit supports Pima County’s Waste Treatment Facilities through the analysis volatile, semi-volatile, and pesticide contaminates in Wastewater Effluent and Industrial Discharge Sites. Typical work assignments include the operation of GC and GC-MS instruments using established EPA methods, chemical extractions, and method development.

• Performs sophisticated chemical and microbial analyses;
• Operates complicated analytical instrumentation such as ion chromatography (IC), atomic absorption and atomic fluorescence analyzers, gas chromatograph/mass spectrometers (GC/MS), inductively-coupled plasma/Mass spectrometers (ICP/MS) and inductively-coupled plasma/optical emissions spectra (ICP/OES);
• Obtains water samples, operates field instrumentation and records results;
• Prepares samples for testing using complex chemical extraction and digestion techniques;
• Maintains manual and automated records and logbooks, enters and interprets data and prepares reports;
• Monitors laboratory data of technicians and chemists in training to validate the accuracy and precision of analytical results;
• Assists Laboratory Supervisors in writing standardized operating procedures and laboratory audit procedures;
• Assists Laboratory Supervisors in training Laboratory Technicians and new staff;
• Performs routine Quality Assurance/Quality Control procedures and documentations to comply with licensure requirements with the Arizona Department of Health Services;
• Adheres to safety procedures in accordance with the laboratory’s Quality Manual and Chemical Hygiene Plan;
• Prepares, utilizes, and properly disposes of various chemical standards, solvents, reagents and bacteriological media;
• Maintains manual and automated laboratory records and logbooks for test methods and quality control measures as required by regulatory standards;
• Maintains facilities and equipment in accordance with departmental and professional standards.

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major in chemistry, microbiology, environmental science, biology or other closely related science as determined by the department head AND two years of professional level, paid, non-academic, experience performing chemical or microbiological analysis in a laboratory setting. (Relevant experience and/or education from an accredited college or university may be substituted.)
• OR: Two years with Pima County as a Laboratory Technician.
• Qualifying education and experience must be clearly documented in the "Education" and "Work Experience" sections of the application. Do not substitute a resume for your application or write "see resume" on your application.

• Experience, within the last five (5) years, performing laboratory analyses on water or wastewater.
• Experience, within the last five (5) years, operating, maintaining, and calibrating sophisticated lab equipment such as Gas Chromatograph, Mass Spectrometer, High Performance Liquid Chromatograph, Ion Chromatograph, Inductively Coupled Plasma.
• Experience, within the last five (5) years, performing the extractions or digestions on water, wastewater, or soil samples.
• Experience, within the last five (5) years, performing method development, optimization, and implementation.
• Experience with data entry and review into a Lab Information Management System.
• Experience handling and working with chemicals.
• Experience with/knowledge of laboratory safety and safety equipment.
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite (PowerPoint, Word, and Excel).

Pima County Human Resources Department reserves the right to admit to the selection process only those candidates that meet the minimum qualifications. All applications will be assessed based on an evaluation of the listed education and experience. Candidates meeting the minimum qualifications may be further evaluated/scored against any advertised Preferred Qualifications. The hiring authority will interview and select the successful candidate from a referral list provided by Human Resources. Additional assessments/testing may be required as part of the selection process.

Valid driver license is required at time of application. Valid AZ driver license is required at time of appointment. The successful applicant will be subject to a 39-month DOT Motor Vehicle Record review to determine applicant’s suitability to operate county vehicles in accordance with Pima County administrative procedures. Failure to obtain and maintain the required licenses and certifications shall be grounds for termination. Any offer of employment resulting from this recruitment is contingent upon Fleet Services’ review and approval of the candidate’s driving record

Some positions may require satisfactory completion of a personal background investigation by the court or law enforcement agencies, due to the need for access to County Attorney and Court facilities, records, and communication systems. The County requires pre-employment background checks. Successful candidates will receive a post-offer, pre-employment background screening to include verification of work history, education, and criminal conviction history. A prior criminal conviction will not automatically disqualify a candidate from employment with the County. This position will require a post-job offer physical and/or drug screen.

Physical and sensory abilities will be determined by position. Frequently required to lift, push or pull objects weighing up to 75 pounds. Action Activity - bending, climbing, crawling, kneeling, reaching, squatting, stooping; Motion Activity - grasping; Hearing Activity - in noisy areas, on a radio, behind themselves, equipment alarms; Speaking Activity - in person, on the phone, on a radio; Vision - operate motor vehicle, operate forklift/power industrial equipment, distinguish colors.

Working conditions will be determined by the position.

Pima County Government is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We are committed to an inclusive and diverse workforce and will not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, kinship, political interest, or any other characteristic protected by law. Pima County stands out as an exceptional workplace, offering a supportive environment that fosters professional growth and personal satisfaction. As one of the largest employers in the region, Pima County prioritizes its commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace, recognizing the unique contributions of each employee. Embracing innovation and collaboration, Pima County provides multiple opportunities in which individuals can make a meaningful impact on their community. One of the key advantages of working for Pima County is its comprehensive benefits package. Employees enjoy competitive salaries, generous health insurance coverage, and retirement plans that contribute to long-term financial security. Pima County recognizes the importance of a healthy work-life balance, offering flexible work schedules, a generous family leave policy and wellness programs that prioritize employee well-being. Furthermore, Pima County takes pride in fostering a culture of continuous learning and development. Employees benefit from opportunities for professional advancement through training programs, workshops, and educational reimbursement programs. In addition, a County-wide employee recognition program rewards employees who exemplify the County values of being accountable, respectful and ethical as well as providing great customer service. By joining Pima County, individuals become part of a dedicated team working towards a common goal: enhancing the quality of life for residents and building a vibrant future. Pima County is not just an employer; it's a community that values its employees, encourages their growth, and invests in their success.