Laboratory System Administrator

Position Description

An online application including response to the supplemental questionnaire must be fully completed for consideration 

Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is seeking an experienced Laboratory System Administrator (ITP-B) to provide moderate to complex professional support in the management, operation, and maintenance of SPU’s Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS). The successful candidate plays a critical role in tracking regulatory compliance samples (collection & analysis) and providing electronic data reporting to the Washington State Department of Health on a weekly basis.

About this opportunity: This position manages, operates and maintains the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) by assuring quality assurance and providing moderate to complex professional support in the analysis, evaluation, design, and overall operational oversight of SPU's Starlims LIMS program.

About Seattle Public Utilities: Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is a Community Centered Utility whose mission is to foster healthy people, environment, and economy by partnering with our community to equitably manage water and waste resources for today and future generations. We deliver high quality, vital services, across four major lines of business: providing water, solid waste, drainage and wastewater services for Seattle residents and businesses. In addition, SPU provides drinking water for 1.5 million regional customers in Seattle and other municipalities. Our customers depend on us to deliver high quality, reliable, and cost-conscious utility services and to achieve the highest benefits possible for every investment we make.
 
SPU is committed to increasing racial equity, diversity, and inclusion through our work. We actively take steps to dismantle systemic racism and increase service equity. We value diverse life experiences and strive to create a workplace that is welcoming to all. We take steps to be inclusive and equitable in our recruiting, hiring and promotional opportunities.
 
Why join us?  
We know work isn't only about what you do it’s also about who you work for, and with! SPU provides a fun and family-friendly work environment that supports a work life balance, including:

  • Family-friendly and multicultural work environment 
  • Generous benefits package  
  • Free public transportation options 
  • City pension plan with employer/employee contributions
  • Growth potential and advancement opportunities

 

Job Responsibilities

Here is some of what you would be doing as a Laboratory Systems Administrator:

  • Develop, configure and maintain systems interfaces (e.g. Crystal Report Developer (CRD), Crystal Server, Mobile LIMS) to other information systems, lab instruments, and other equipment
  • Performance system hardware and software upgrades, troubleshoot problems and analyze data
  • Respond to users' requests from users regarding LIMS operations, troubleshooting, and providing solutions to operational problems
  • Other duties will include configuring and programming the LIMS to meet the need of the users, customers (internal and external), and management; ensuring the data integrity and regulatory compliance, and reliability are maintained
  • Perform other duties as assigned; for example, troubleshoot issues with mobile LIMS  device

Please note this job advertisement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

 

Qualifications

Experience: 

  • Five (5) years’ experience related to the administration, operation, and maintenance of a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) and ancillary/supporting systems related to drinking water utility laboratories; 
  • Experience developing in complex database system (Oracle preferred);
  • Experience with business intelligence support via the production of reports and/or dashboards using an advanced reporting tool, such as Crystal Reports.

EducationBachelor’s degree in chemistry, microbiology, computer science or equivalent OR two (2) additional years of relevant experience

A combination of education and/or training and/or experience which provides an equivalent background required to perform the work of the class, will be considered. 

To be successful in this role, a candidate should possess some of the following attributes:

  • Experience doing lab work is highly desired
  • Experience with the development of customizable LIMS reports (Starlims preferred)
  • Knowledge of laboratory operations, methods and quality assurance practices and procedures
  • Familiarity with laboratory instrument, data processing and integration
  • Application server administration and support; Crystal Server administration desired
  • Knowledge of State Laboratory Drinking Water accreditation 
  • Familiarity with requirements for data analysis, QA/QC and documentation as specified by NELAC, USEPA and WA Dept. of Ecology
  • Ability to communicate and work effectively within a multi-cultural workforce serving a diverse customer base

 

Additional Information

Application Expectation: 

  • An online application including response to the supplemental questionnaire must be fully completed for consideration.
  • Please DO NOT attach resumes and cover letters, as they will not be considered in the review of candidate's qualifications. 

All City of Seattle employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Failure to submit proof of vaccination or qualify for a reasonable accommodation will result in withdrawal of a job offer.
 
Who may apply: The City of Seattle encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experience. This position is open to all qualified candidates that meet the minimum qualifications. The City of Seattle values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
 
Workplace Environment:     
Work is performed in a normal City work/office environment; however, we continue to seek guidance from local public health agencies regarding the recent pandemic and Covid-19 state/local restrictions, and will proceed accordingly with any necessary changes or needs regarding "workplace location" expectations.

This hiring process involves a background check of conviction and arrest records in compliance with Seattle’s Fair Chance Employment Ordinance, SMC 14.17. Applicants will be provided an opportunity to explain or correct background information.