Laboratory Technician

City of Bellingham; Bellingham (WA); On-site; USD 49,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vacation leave

Paid holidays

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Job summary

The City of Bellingham is seeking an Laboratory Technician responsible for collecting and testing surface water, drinking water, and wastewater samples to ensure regulatory compliance and support plant process control. The role emphasizes quality control, data accuracy, and collaboration with cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities include instrument calibration, maintenance, and participating in the preparation of compliance reports, as well as training new staff and supporting special

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Arts/Science in chemistry, biology, microbiology, environmental science or related field.
• One year of related laboratory work experience required excluding academic credit.
• Valid Washington State drivers license at time of hire.
• Employment contingent upon background checks.

Responsibilities

• Collect and test surface water, drinking water, and wastewater samples for regulatory compliance and process control.
• Maintain quality control procedures in the laboratory and assist in compliance reporting.
• Train new employees in standard laboratory operating procedures and assist with special projects.
• Monitor, calibrate, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair laboratory and process instruments.
• Coordinate with reference laboratories to ensure proper supplies, sample preparation, and chain of custody.

Education

BA/BS degree in chemistry, biology, microbiology, environmental science or related field

Job description

Job Summary

The Laboratory Technician has the primary responsibility of collecting and testing surface water, drinking water and wastewater samples for regulatory compliance, plant process control, and the monitoring of environmental programs as they apply to water and wastewater compliance. Positions in this class are accountable for quality control procedures in the laboratory. Additional duties include assisting in information gathering and initial preparation of compliance reports, in implementation of new laboratory procedures, in the training of new employees in standard laboratory operating procedures, and special project assignments. Positions in this class are accountable for quality control procedures in the laboratory, including analyzing performance evaluation samples to ensure state certification of both laboratories. Additional duties include working with lab and process control instrumentation. Responsible for monitoring, calibrating, maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing PROCESS instruments and lab-related instruments. Maintains an inventory of lab supplies and procures equipment and supplies as needed. Communicates and coordinates with coworkers to ensure proper sequence of events for sampling and analysis. Coordinates with reference laboratory personnel to ensure proper supplies are obtained, sample is properly prepared and delivered, and chain of custody is maintained. Error or negligence in performance may have serious detrimental consequences for the City's water/wastewater and secondary treatment systems.

Why Join Our Team

Joining the City of Bellingham means becoming a part of a team that believes our greatest impact comes from working together with purpose, humility and a shared commitment to our community. Every employee contributes to delivering meaningful results for the people who live, work and visit here. We value people who approach challenges with curiosity, respect and collaboration. If you are motivated by building a career in public service, we encourage you to apply.

Salary and Benefits Information

This position will start at Step 1 ($35.61/hour). Employees receive step increases annually in accordance with the Guild of Pacific Northwest Employees, Local 1937 Collective Bargaining Agreement and City policy. The full hourly range for this position is $35.61 - $46.46. For internal candidates, placement within the range is based on City Pay Placement Procedures.

• 10 hours of vacation leave per month, with increased accrual over time
• 12 paid holidays + 1 floating holiday per year
• 8 hours sick leave accrued monthly
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and their families
• Life insurance and long-term disability coverage
• Flexible spending accounts and medical insurance opt-out program
• Access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Washington State Retirement plan (DRS) for retirement security
• Optional 457 deferred compensation (Retirement Savings Plan) with employer match

Leave accruals are based on 1.0 FTE, accruals are pro-rated if part-time and require employees to be in paid status at least 120 hours/month.

Closing Date/Time: Mon., Sep, 14 2026 at 8:30 AM Pacific Time

Minimum Qualifications

• BA/BS degree in chemistry, biology, microbiology, environmental science or related field.
• One year of related laboratory work experience required excluding laboratory work performed for academic credit. Internships, assistantships and volunteer experience may be used as work experience.
• Valid Washington State drivers license at time of hire. Must submit a three-year driving record abstract prior to hire.
• Employment contingent upon passing a criminal convictions check, child and adult abuse records check and local background check (see Fair Hiring Practices below).
• Verification of ability to work in the United States by date of hire.

Other Requirements

• Work weekends, holidays and swing shift on a rotating basis.

Application Review Process

1. Minimum Qualifications: Applicants must provide specific, detailed information so an initial determination can be made regarding your level of qualifications for this position. Applicant status will be updated on or around September 14, 2026.
2. Experience and Training Rating: Applicants that meet minimum qualifications will go through an Experience and Training Rating. Applicant status will be updated on or around September 25, 2026.
3. The top 8 scoring applicants from the Experience and Training Rating will be invited to participate in an Oral Board Interview, tentatively scheduled for the week of October 5, 2026.
4. Applicants will be notified via email of Final Scores & Ranks. The final ranking of the register will be based on total scores for the following: Experience and Training Review (40%) and Oral Board Interview (60%). Candidates scoring a 60% or higher on the Oral Board Interview will be placed on the eligibility list.

Final candidates will be referred to the department for additional examination, assessment, or test.

This recruitment process will create a Civil Service eligibility register that will be used to fill current and future vacancies as they become available. There is currently 1 full-time vacancies in Public Works. This position is represented by a union.

Veterans’ Preference Points are available.

Equal Opportunity

The City of Bellingham is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate or make decisions on the basis of an individual's race, religion, creed, color, national origin, sex, marital status, age (40+), disability, retaliation, sexual orientation or gender identity, honorably discharged veteran or military status, status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking, use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, or any other basis prohibited by local, state, or federal law. All are encouraged to apply for employment.

Fair Hiring Practices

• The City provides individuals who have been arrested or convicted of a criminal offense an equal and fair opportunity to obtain employment.
• The City will not inquire about an applicant's criminal history until after a conditional job offer has been made.
• The City will disregard the prior arrest and conviction record of an otherwise qualified individual unless the offense is directly related to the job position for which the individual has applied.
• The City will notify an otherwise qualified applicant about a potentially disqualifying conviction and give the applicant an opportunity to submit information regarding the accuracy of the criminal records as well as evidence of mitigation or rehabilitation, as appropriate.