Laboratory Technician I.

Job Description:

SUMMARY

The Department of Natural Resources and Culture’s (DNRC) mission is to research, monitor, assess, manage, conserve, protect, enhance, utilize, and restore the cultural and natural resources within the Tribes’ area of interest. Natural resources are cultural resources, and many of the Tribe’s values, meanings, and identities are closely linked with features and ecological components of this landscape. The environmental programs within the DNRC’s work supports a robust monitoring program for the health and protection of these resources and the landscape. DNRC staff implement various plans for monitoring baseline environmental trends, investigate pollution due to spills, disturbance, emission-causing climate change, ocean acidification, etc., undertake damage assessments, and implement restoration and effectiveness monitoring where possible. Staff work collaboratively to merge the best available science with Indigenous Knowledge through various programs for the benefit of Tribal membership and future generations.

The Environmental Testing Laboratory houses a multitude of analytical capabilities that support environmental monitoring for public health, as well as cultural resource protection. The laboratory program supports government functions, including wastewater treatment, forensic testing, museum collections evaluation, cultural resource evaluation, brownfields evaluation, and more. The laboratory is also working towards ISO 17025.

The Laboratory Technician I. will be responsible for the chemistry and analysis of CTCLUSI’s biology and microbiology applications under the direct supervision of the Laboratory Manager. This position will be responsible for testing activities in zooplankton and phytoplankton identification (including algae), environmental DNA/RNA, proteins, amino acids, bacteria, etc. The position will be responsible for using and maintaining associated instrumentation, including microscopes, FlowCam Cyano, bacteria incubators, spectrophotometer, and the qualitative polymerase chain reactor (qPCR).This position will be responsible for ensuring successful execution of testing activities associated with these instruments, including biological isolation processes from various sample types and matrices, including for method research and development, as well as care of sample processing equipment, and possibly field collection of samples. The position will also contribute towards grant applications and reporting, customer satisfaction, education and outreach, and working towards ISO accreditation.

PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work as part of a team to implement the Tribe’s Environmental Program.
• Collaboratively coordinate with other staff for field collection of environmental samples in various terrain, often rough and in commiserate conditions. Environmental sampling often performed on a water body from the operation of a small water craft/vessel.
• Implement testing activities for environmental matrices and cultural materials for human health protection, as associated with the CTCLUSI Tribal Spill Response Plan, Land Quality Assurance Project Plan, Surface Water and Fixed Station Quality Assurance Project Plan, the Air Quality Assurance Project Plan, the Wastewater Treatment Monitoring Plan, the Integrated Solid Waste Management Plan, the Non-point Source Pollution Management Plan, the Integrated Water Quality Monitoring Strategy, the Water Quality Standards, and possibly others as the program expands.
• Lead biological and microbiological applications and analysis of environmental and forensic samples using CTCLUSI’s microscopes, FlowCam Cyano, bacteria incubators, spectrophotometer, and the qualitative polymerase chain reactor (qPCR).
• Independently and collaboratively operate, maintain, and troubleshoot listed equipment.
• Perform biological isolations and chemical extractions of all sample types (tissue, water, sediment, vegetation, unknown substances) and analyze them appropriately following standard methods.
• Undertake method research and development as needed.
• Support the policies of the Laboratory Management Plan. Support the Laboratory’s Quality Management System.
• Assist in implementation and compliance for health and safety as it pertains to chemical, pollutant, and other hazards within relevant facilities for all relevant staff accessing the facilities or handling materials.
• Ensure efficient communication with management and partners on deliverables progress for timely completion of deadlines.
• Assist in grant applications, preparing budgets, grant reporting, contract development, and grant and contract implementation.
• Undertake trainings to expand expertise and maintain credentials. Ensure staff training and resources to maintain and further expertise.
• Assist program education and outreach activities as requested.
• Provide input for Environmental Site Assessments and/or NEPA EA/EIS review as needed and directed.
• If needed, assist in implementing, modifying, or creating Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for applicable laboratory activities. SOPs should reflect standardized methods in each field, especially in compliance with EPA methods and regulations covering such areas as testing procedures; sample intake and inventory; equipment; supplies procurement and chemicals management.
• Assist in continued development of the Quality Management System that assures data product quality for public or agency dissemination. Assist the Quality Assurance Officer in bringing laboratory into ISO 17025 accreditation.
• Ability to perform repeated, redundant steps.
• Analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Demonstrate positive attitude and strong initiative.
• Work various special projects as assigned by the Director, Assistant Director, or the Chief Executive Officer.

LEVEL OF AUTHORITY & RESTRICTIONS

• Non-supervisory

PHYSICAL & MENTAL DEMANDS

• Requires the ability to manage moderate levels of stress arising from schedules, workload, diverse or adversarial stakeholders, etc.
• Must be able to walk, talk, hear, use hands to handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls, and reach with hands and arms.
• Vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distant vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Must be required to push, pull, lift, and/or carry up to 30 pounds.

WORKING CONDITIONS & ENVIRONMENT

• Must be able to work in a biology and chemistry laboratory environment with moderate levels of noise and active team environment.
• Work effectively in a team environment with a diverse variety of technical, professional, and administrative staff.
• Work effectively in a negotiating environment where others may have diverse and competing interests and may be uncooperative or adversarial.
• May require the ability to walk, hike, swim, drive, and boat in varied conditions at various hours and days of the week.
• Requires occasionally irregular working schedules around tides, other cycles or events, evening and weekend meetings, out-of-area travel for meetings, conferences, workshops, trainings, etc.

JOB LOCATION

Tribal Administrative Office
1245 Fulton Avenue
Coos Bay, Oregon 97420

Apply online @ www.ctclusi.org

Open until Filled

Experience and Skills:

MINIMUM JOB REQUIREMENTS

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Bachelor of Science in Chemistry or Biology, or a related discipline.
• 2 years’ or more experience in biological and microbiological testing.
• Experience with health and safety in laboratory environment.
• Experience with ISO standards, ASTM standards.
• Requires the ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to work well with Tribal members, the general public, private landowners, and stakeholder organizations in a courteous, professional, and efficient manner.
• Must be proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel.
• Must possess reasonable ability to communicate in English.
• This is a Covered position and is subject to pre-employment drug testing and criminal history background check, which includes fingerprinting.
• Must have employment eligibility in the United States.
• Maintain appearance standards as outlined in CTCLUSI policies.
• Must maintain professionalism in absolutely all interactions.
• Indian preference will be observed in the hiring process.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Masters of Science in Chemistry, Biology, or other related discipline.
• Experience with DNA/RNA extraction and analysis, qPCR instrumentation and software, spectrophotometer, and fluorescence-based analysis.
• Working knowledge of Treatment in the Same Manner as a State (TAS) which permits several federal environmental laws to be implemented and managed by Tribal environmental programs.
• Working knowledge of Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act.
• Working knowledge of grant management requirements, including working within the limitations of grant work plans and budgets.
• Experience or interest in assisting in small boat operations.