Laboratory Specialist

Number of Vacancies: 1



Area of Consideration: Open To The Public 



Position Status: Full-Time, Temporary



Pay Plan, Series & Grade: DS0058/4



Salary Range: $90,383



Closing Date: Open Until Filled



Location: 4200 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008



Brief Description of Duties


The Laboratory Specialist for the Environmental Quality Testing Lab (EQTL) for the College of Agriculture, Urban Sustainability and Environmental Sciences (CAUSES) of the University of the District of Columbia (UDC) reports directly to the Director of the Water Resources Research Institute (WRRI) within the Center for Urban Resilience, Innovation and Infrastructure (CURII) and oversees the daily activities in the EQTL. Key areas of responsibility include laboratory maintenance, samples preparation and testing and data analysis and reporting. The incumbent must be a team player, work effectively and efficiently with diverse internal and external constituencies, perform all duties with a high degree of independence and initiative, communicate effectively, work well under pressure of deadlines and be familiar (or familiarize themselves) with the rules, regulations, policies and procedures of the College, the University, the National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program, and program sponsors.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Ensures that quality system manual and standard operating procedures (SOP) for lab analysis, lab safety, cleaning and sterilizing sample, and testing devices, sampling, sample preparation, sample preservation, sample chain of custody, equipment calibration and testing methods, and recording of test results are readily available and strictly adhered to;
• Assures that the NELAC Institute (TIN) standard and appropriate lab safety standards are maintained for laboratory analysis and use of laboratory equipment with visible access to safety equipment, e.g., safety glasses, fire extinguishers, etc.;
• Successfully completes bi-annual Proficiency Test for the target compounds required for the laboratory accreditation for the laboratory accreditation;
• Successfully completes Demonstration of Capability analysis for each target analyte for the laboratory accreditation;
• Completes the limit of detection of the target analytes for the laboratory accreditation;
• Assures that appropriate safety standards are maintained for use of laboratory equipment with visible access to safety equipment, e.g., safety glasses, fire extinguishers, etc.;
• Trains or advises laboratory staff and students to ensure that all lab equipment is calibrated and in working condition prior to testing, and troubleshooting laboratory technologies;
• Keeps inventory of and ensures availability of lab supplies and reagents for use;
• Prepares chemical reagents according to formulae and assumes responsibility for accuracy in the preparation and standardization of solutions;
• Log all samples received and prepare them for analysis;
• Performs digestion/extraction of all samples according to certified method and SOPs;
• Operates and maintains ICP-MS, GC-MS, and LC-MS/MS and other laboratory instruments for accurate and precise test results;
• Follows required aseptic techniques in dispensing and disposing hazardous wastes and base media, maintains technical records and prepares reports.
• Teaches community education programs as needed.
• Works effectively and collaboratively with the Director of the WRRI and other faculty and staff within the college and UDC as required for specific projects.
• Performs other duties as assigned including research and special assignments related to the areas of responsibility as well as other needs of the college.

Minimum Job Requirements

• The incumbent is required to hold a Master’s degree appropriate to the laboratory work (soil, water, and chemical testing) within the EQTL. 
• A minimum of two years of experience in environmental laboratory work and environmental regulation and as an expert witness is required.
• A doctorate degree/Ph.D. is preferred.

Information to Applicant

Collective Bargaining Unit (Union): This position is not part of the collective bargaining unit.



Employment Benefits: Selectee will be eligible for health and life insurance, annual (vacation) and sick leave and will be covered under the University of the District of Columbia' s retirement plan (TIAA).



Equal Opportunity Employer: The District of Columbia Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, matriculation, physical handicap, or political affiliation.



Notice of Non-Discrimination: In accordance with the D.C. Human Rights Act of 1977, as amended, D.C. Official Code, Section 2-1401.01 et. seq., (Act) the University of the District of Columbia does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived actual race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, marital status, personal appearance, genetic information, familial status, source of income, status as a victim of an intrafamily offense, place of residence or business, or status as a covered veteran, as provided for and to the extent required by District and Federal statutes and regulations. Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination which is also prohibited by the Act. In addition, harassment based on any of the above protected categories is prohibited by the Act. Discrimination in violation of the Act will not be tolerated. Violators will be subject to disciplinary action.



Veterans Preference:  Applicants claiming veterans preference must submit official proof at the time of application.



Visa Sponsorship: At this time, the University of the District of Columbia does not provide sponsorship for visas (e.g. H-1B). This position is also ineligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT).



Residency Preference: A person applying for a position who is a bona fide District resident at the time of application for the position, may be awarded a 10-point residency preference over non-District applicants, unless the person declines the preference points. If selected, the person shall be required to present no less than 8 proofs of bona fide District residency on or before the effective date of the appointment and maintain such residency for 7 consecutive years from the effective date of the appointment. Failure to maintain bona fide District residency for the 7-year period will result in forfeiture of employment.

Drug-Free Workplace: Pursuant to the requirements of the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, the individual selected to fill this position will, as a condition of employment, be required to notify his/her immediate supervisor, in writing, not later than five (5) days after conviction of any criminal drug statute occurring in the workplace.



Background Investigation: Employment with the University of the District of Columbia is contingent upon a satisfactory background investigation. The determination of a "satisfactory background investigation" is made at the sole discretion of the University of the District of Columbia. The University may refuse to hire a finalist, rescind an offer of employment to a finalist or review and may terminate the employment of a current employee based on the results of a background investigation.



Disposition of Resume: Resumes received outside the area of consideration and/or after the closing date will not be given consideration. You must resubmit your resume to receive consideration for any subsequent advertised position vacancies. For the purpose of employment, resumes are not considered job applications. Therefore, if selected for employment a UDC application will be required.



Job Offers: Official Job Offers are made by the University of the District of Columbia, Office of Human Resources only.

Contact Information: All inquiries related to employment and job applications should be directed to UDC Office of Human Resources at View phone number on click.appcast.io.

The University of the District of Columbia is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action institution. Minorities, women, veterans and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. For a full version of the University’s EO Policy Statement, please visit: