Lab Assistant

Position Description

*** SPECIAL NOTE: This recruitment is for a project position of limited duration expected to end July 28, 2027, unless extended. ***

The Lab Assistant is an entry level position providing support services to laboratory scientists including collecting, washing and distributing sampling containers, glassware and other equipment; purchasing and distributing supplies; and maintaining cleanliness in the laboratory; performing sample check-in, provides sampling supplies to clients, helps with sample compositing, and related pre-laboratory analysis work; sample disposal and waste tracking.

**Hourly range of pay for this this classification is: $25.27 - $32.23 **

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions
Most work is performed indoors in an Environmental Laboratory with moderate chemical exposure risk. Risks include acidic and caustic solutions, neurotoxins, and carcinogenic substances. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is required within the work environment. Primary PPE consists of safety glasses or goggles, lab coat, and appropriate protective gloves. Due to potential chemical exposure, no bare legs are allowed in the laboratory, closed toed shoes are required in the laboratory work areas. Must be able to work in a laboratory environment for long periods at a time.
Position may require repetitive handling of samples including pouring, mixing, dilution and/or filtering. Bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, moderate lifting and bending, standing for extended periods of time, and unassisted lifting of up to 50 lbs. associated with job duties.

City of Tacoma Recruitment Information:
One of the primary goals of the City of Tacoma Equity and Empowerment Initiative is that the City of Tacoma workforce reflects the community it serves. We actively work to eliminate racial and other disparities and we welcome candidates with diverse and/or multicultural skill sets and personal experiences. Our goal is for Tacoma to be an inclusive and equitable place to live, work, and play.

Qualifications

Graduation from high school or completion of a G.E.D supplemented by high school or college level coursework in chemistry working with sampling containers, glassware, and other scientific equipment.

LICENSING, CERTIFICATIONS AND OTHER LEGAL REQUIREMENTS:
Washington State Driver's License is required at time of appointment with maintenance thereafter.

Knowledge & Skills

COMPETENCIES:

• Safety precautions followed in chemical and bacteriological laboratories.
• Operate a personal computer, mobile phone, and related software.
• Record data accurately.
• Transport and set up heavy sampling equipment.
• Communicate clearly orally and in writing.
• English grammar, vocabulary, spelling, punctuation, and basic arithmetic.
• Establish good working relationships.
• Ability to perform repetitive tasks.
• Understand and carry out oral and written instructions; understand procedures, manuals, policies and guidelines.
• Safe operation of a motor vehicle.
• Strong ethics and personal integrity.
• Ability to work independently.

Selection Process & Supplemental Information

To be considered for this opportunity:
Interested individuals must apply online and meet the minimum qualifications to progress in the examination process and attach a current resume and cover letter that describes your interest in and qualifications for this position.

In order for your application materials to be considered, all information must be submitted by the closing date and time listed on this job announcement.

Candidates who are eligible for Veteran's Preference scoring criteria must attach a copy of their DD-214-member copy 4, (proof of military discharge form) at time of application, to be eligible for review for Veteran's Preference points.

*** SPECIAL NOTE: This recruitment is for a project position of limited duration expected to end July 28, 2027, unless extended. ***

Examination Process:
This is a competitive selection process. Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will have their answers to their Supplemental Questions #7-10 reviewed and scored by a panel of subject matter experts as the Experience and Training test. Those applicants who pass the Experience and Training test with a score of 70% and above will be placed on the Eligible List for interview and hiring consideration for a period of one year. It is the responsibility of the applicants to adequately describe all pertinent experience and training. Please make sure you read the questions and provide complete informative answers. PLEASE DO NOT respond with "see resume" in lieu of answering these questions; this will result in a failing score . Providing false information will result in disqualification.

Per City of Tacoma Personnel Management Policy #170, the City of Tacoma is a drug-free work environment.
Appointment is subject to passing a background check and will include a pre-employment medical exam, physical ability test and drug and alcohol screen. This position is covered by a Labor Agreement between the City of Tacoma and Local 17 PTE. New employees must successfully complete a nine-month probationary period prior to obtaining permanent status in this classification

WHY WORK FOR THE CITY?
The City of Tacoma offers a generous program of employee benefits.
The City of Tacoma provides excellent medical, dental and vision benefits for the whole family; paid holidays and personal time off; participation in Tacoma's Public Employees' Retirement System and a growing variety of City-sponsored health and wellness opportunities. For more information on the City of Tacoma's benefit package feel free to explore Employee Benefits | City of Tacoma
Our City:
With a population of over 220,000, Tacoma is the second largest city in the Puget Sound region, gracing the shores of Commencement Bay. We are a diverse, progressive, international city that serves as a gateway to the Pacific Rim and the rest of the world. Named one of the most livable areas in the country by Livability.com, Tacoma and the surrounding area is a playground for outdoor and maritime enthusiasts. Our businesses are vibrant, our parks are beautiful, and our schools are exceptional.

When you work for the City of Tacoma, you'll have an opportunity to enjoy a healthy work/life balance, the potential for flexible schedules (with some job classifications), continuing education programs, leadership pathways, wellness incentives and a total rewards benefits program. We welcome you to take a look at our website and discover how the City of Tacoma can make your next career move part of our combined destiny:
http://www.Tacoma.gov/
http://www.traveltacoma.com/

City of Tacoma Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion:
Tacoma's diversity is its greatest asset. Tacoma embraces its multi-cultural and multi-ethnic character. Communities of color and immigrant communities are fundamental to Tacoma's entrepreneurial spirit, workforce, and long-term success. In Tacoma, equity and empowerment are top priorities, meaning that all Tacoma residents must have equitable opportunities to reach their full potential and share in the benefits of community progress. One of our goals is for the City of Tacoma workforce to reflect the community it serves. We actively work to eliminate racial and other disparities and welcome candidates with diverse backgrounds and/or multicultural skill sets and experiences. Our goal is for Tacoma to be an inclusive and equitable place to live, work, and play.

The City of Tacoma believes that each employee makes a significant contribution to our success. This job description is designed to outline primary duties, qualifications and job scope. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.
Communication from the City of Tacoma:
We primarily communicate via e-mail during the application process. E-mails from Tacoma.gov and/or neogov.com must be placed on your safe domain list to ensure that you receive notifications in a timely manner. As a precaution, you may also want to check your junk e-mail folders.

The online application system requires you to enter a substantial amount of information. Be prepared to spend an hour or more entering the required information. In order for your application materials to be considered, all information must be submitted by the closing date and time listed on this job announcement.

For assistance with the NEOGOV application process, questions regarding this job announcement, or if you are experiencing complications while applying, please contact the Human Resources Department at 253.591.5400 before 4:00 pm of the closing date.

Employer
City of Tacoma
Address

Human Resources Department
747 Market Street
Tacoma, Washington, 98402-3764

Phone

253-591-5400

Website

http://www.tacoma.gov

The City of Tacoma provides excellent medical, dental and vision plans for the whole family; paid holidays and paid leave; participation in the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System (alternate plan for Police/Fire); continuing education and advancement opportunities and a growing variety of City-sponsored health and wellness opportunities and incentives.

Medical Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age26 or younger.

Dental Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age26 or younger.

Vision Coverage: For eligible employees and their eligible dependents.

Paid Leave: City employees are entitled to received paid holidays, sick/vacation leave or personal time off (PTO), depending upon union affiliation and appointment type.

Insurance Plans: Employees are covered by a long-term disability plan. Short-term and expanded long-term disability insurance plans are also available to employees. The State Industrial Insurance Act also covers employees.

Deferred Compensation: Income can be set aside on a pretax basis and invested for supplementation of normal retirement income.

Retirement: All employees of the City, except members of the Police and Fire services, Tacoma Rail and certain project employees, are included in the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System. Information on the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System can be found at www.cityoftacoma.org or by calling (253) 502-8200.

Other Employment Information

Direct Deposit: Employees are paid on a bi-weekly schedule by direct deposit.

Salary Increases: Based on satisfactory job performance, the City provides for a regular progression of salary increases for most classifications according to the salary schedule.

Union Affiliation: Many job classifications are covered by union security provisions which require union membership, dues, or payment of equivalent service fees.

Note: The provisions of this job announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained herein may be modified and/or revoked without notice.

Closing Date/Time: 8/18/2025 5:00 PM Pacific

• 

• City of Tacoma

• 253-591-5400

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