The City of Bend is accepting applications for one (1) regular, full-time Laboratory Technician I in the Water Quality Laboratory (WQL) Division. This is an hourly, non-exempt (overtime eligible) position represented by the City of Bend Employee Association (COBEA). The City may use this job posting to create an eligibility list for future hiring purposes. Please review the entire job posting, including the application requirements at the end. This role plays a critical part in protecting public health and the environment by producing high-quality, legally defensible environmental data used across City operations. In this position, you'll support water quality testing that informs day-to-day treatment decisions and long-term planning. A typical day may include preparing sampling kits, receiving and processing water samples, performing chemical and microbiological analyses, and ensuring all work aligns with strict quality and regulatory standards. The Water Quality Laboratory is a collaborative, mission-driven team that supports regulatory compliance and operational excellence across the City. The lab operates seven days a week, requiring coordination and communication across staff to ensure timely and accurate results. This position offers strong opportunities for professional development in a supportive environment where contributions are recognized, and employees are encouraged to grow, innovate, and continuously improve lab processes.
Classification Framework:
Laboratory Technician I What You'll Do The following duties are a sample of major duties performed in this role and not intended to be an exhaustive list: Follow the laboratory's Quality System, including data integrity and ethics standards Monitor sampling schedules and prepare bottle kits for field collection Receive, log, and batch incoming samples for analysis Perform chemical and microbiological testing using approved methods Maintain accurate records and review data for anomalies or irregularities Provide excellent customer service to internal and external laboratory clients Monitor inventory levels and coordinate ordering of supplies Receive and inspect laboratory purchases for quality and proper documentation Wash glassware and maintain laboratory equipment Perform routine quality assurance and control procedures Ensure compliance with sample preservation and holding time requirements Support sample subcontracting and shipping processes Maintain a safe working environment and follow all safety protocols Assist with basic reporting for a limited number of clients Respond to emergencies as needed to support essential public services Ideal Candidate We're looking for someone who is detail-oriented, dependable, and able to work independently while contributing to a highly coordinated team environment. The ideal candidate is a strong communicator who can effectively transition work between team members and consistently meet time-sensitive deadlines. They demonstrate a commitment to producing high-quality data, take pride in following established processes, and are willing to identify and resolve issues collaboratively. Highly qualified candidates will have working knowledge of laboratory principles in chemistry and microbiology and bring skills in data analysis, laboratory instrumentation, and technical problem-solving. They will also embrace continuous improvement and contribute ideas to enhance lab processes based on hands-on experience. Candidates who meet the listed minimum qualifications, including an equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered for an interview. Please ensure your application includes information about your education, relevant paid and unpaid work experience, and applicable licenses and certifications. Avoid referencing your resume in the job duties section of the application.
Minimum Qualifications Education:
Course work in chemistry, environmental science, biology, microbiology, geology or environmental science or a related field and 1 year experience utilizing basic wet chemistry and/ or microbiology knowledge; OR An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above. Desired (but not required) Attributes Background in chemistry, biology, or a related scientific field Experience with environmental or water quality laboratory methods Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS) or databases Experience with microbiological techniques and aseptic practices Ability to work with laboratory instrumentation and associated software What to Know Before Applying Application Deadline Applications must be received by July 1, 2026, at 12:00 PM (noon) Pacific Time to be considered for this selection process. Application Requirements To be considered for an interview, applicants must complete an online application including the following attachments: Cover Letter Resume Failure to include required attachments may result in disqualification. Veterans' Preference Applicants seeking Veterans' Preference as a qualified veteran or disabled veteran must attach appropriate documentation to their application.
Equity Statement:
The City of Bend remains committed to building a workforce that advances diversity and inclusion within our community and all we do. We recognize that not everyone starts from the same place, and that gender, race, ability, sexual orientation, and other identities face different barriers. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and are dedicated to creating an inclusive, safe, and respectful workplace where employees can thrive without these barriers. A more extended version of the City of Bend's Organizational Equity Statement is available upon request. Benefits The City of Bend offers an excellent competitive benefits package for employees and dependents for health and dental coverage, retirement benefits, and a robust paid leave program. Details are available on the benefits tab of the job posting. Starting Compensation Starting compensation is determined based on a pay equity analysis considering the candidate's education, applicable work experience, and internal equity. Please include all relevant information on your application. Diversity & Equal Opportunity Employer Statement The City of Bend is committed to fostering, cultivating and preserving a culture of diversity and inclusion. At the City of Bend, we don't just accept differences; we value them. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and support the Americans with Disabilities Amendments Act (ADAAA) and the Oregon Equal Pay Act. Employee Benefit Overview August 1, 2025
Regular Full Time Benefits:
Coverage is effective on the first day of the month, coinciding with or following date of hire. (If the first day of work is on the first calendar day of the month, coverage is effective that day.) High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) Medical, Vision and Prescription Coverage Underwritten by PacificSource Health Plans Full-time employees currently pay 10% of the total monthly premium. Benefit-eligible part-time employee premiums are pro-rated according to their regularly-scheduled hours, either at 50% (employees working 20-29 hours per week) or 75% (employees working 30-39 hours per week) of the full monthly premium. Employee monthly premium : Employee Employee & Dependents Full-time Employees $71.48 $178.70 Part-time 1 Employees (30-39 hours per week) $178.72 $446.77 Part-time 2 Employees (20-29 hours per week) $357.43 $893.54 Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) Third Party Administrator
- PacificSource Administrators (PSA) This is an employer-funded account designed to reimburse employees for IRS-qualified medical expenses.
Reimbursements are tax-free, and any unused HRA Comp-A fund amounts at the end of the plan year are transferred to the employee's VEBA account following first full year of employment (see below for VEBA account information). Coinsurance (Med-G) funding remaining at plan year end is forfeited and does not roll to the VEBA.
Employee monthly premium portion:
Employee Employee & Dependents Full-time Employees HRA (Comp
- A) Coinsurance (Med
- G) $2,000 $1,250 $4,000 $1,250 Part-time 1 Employees (30-39 hours per week) HRA (Comp
- A) Coinsurance (Med
- G) $1,500 $937.50 $3,000 $1,335.75 Part-time 2 Employees (20-29 hours per week) HRA (Comp
- A) Coinsurance (Med
- G) $1,000 $625 $2,000 $890.50 Employees also have the option to self-fund a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) for unreimbursed medical expenses to offset potential out-of-pocket liability under the medical/dental plans and potentially shelter their HRA Comp-A account to allow for larger rollover to their VEBA account at plan year end. First Stop Health
•
Telemedicine:
The City of Bend provides First Stop Health (FSH) telemedicine benefits for FREE to all medical-enrolled employees and up to seven (7) of their immediate family members. Dental Plan Underwritten by MODA $2,000 calendar year benefit maximum per covered individual includes $1,000 one-time orthodontia benefit. Full-time employees currently pay 10% of the total composite monthly premium. Part-time benefit-eligible employee premiums are pro-rated according to their regularly scheduled work hours (50% for employees working 20-29 hours per week; 75% for those working 30-39 hours per week).
Employee composite monthly premium:
Employee with/without Dependents Full-time Employees $15.40 Part-time 1 Employees (30-39 hours per week) $38.53 Part-time 2 Employees (20-29 hours per week) $77.05 VEBA Plan Administered by
HRA VEBA
Individual employee account that receives tax-free rollover amounts from the City-funded HRA Comp-A account remaining at the end of each plan year. The account belongs to the employee and may be invested in mutual funds similar to deferred compensation. The account can grow, tax free, and be used for future medical expenses and can be used either while still employed or after separation/retirement. Flexible Spending Plan (FSA) Administered by PacificSource Administrators (PSA) Participation in the City of Bend's Flexible Spending Plan is voluntary and allows employees to pay for IRS-approved health care-related expenses and dependent care through pre-tax payroll deduction. Life, Personal Accident (AD&D) & Long-Term Disability Plans Underwritten by
New York Life Group Basic Term Life Insurance :
Benefit-eligible employees working at least 20 hours per week are eligible for a coverage amount of one times the employees annual salary, to a maximum benefit of $150,000, with a minimum benefit of $50,000. Coverage includes person accident coverage for loss of life and/or limb, per scheduled benefit package amounts.
Group Long-term Disability Insurance :
Benefit-eligible employees working at least 20 hours per week are eligible for a a benefit of up to 66.67% of employee's covered earnings to a maximum of $9,000 per month.
Voluntary Life and AD&D :
Active, full time employees of the City of Bend regularly working a minimum of 20 hours per week are eligible for additional voluntary coverage for the employee, spouse/domestic partner and dependent children. Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) The City of Bend participates in the PERS Retirement System. Employees become PERS members after working six full calendar months in a qualifying position requiring at least 600 hours worked per 12-month period. Contributions on the employee's behalf begin following completion of the six-month waiting period. The City makes "employer" contribution based on the employee's Tier I, II or OPSRP member status. The City also makes the "employee" member contribution of 6% of salary. For complete PERS program details, visit the website http://www.oregon.gov/pers Employee Assistance Program Underwritten by Canopy This City-provided, confidential service helps employees privately solve problems that may interfere with work, family and life in general. Services are free to employees, their dependents and household members. The City of Bend also offers the following voluntary benefit programs which are elective and funded through payroll deduction: AFLAC Supplemental Insurance (various plans are offered) MASA ground and air ambulance membership 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plans sponsored by Nationwide Retirement Solutions & Mission Square Retirement _______________________________________________________________________
Temporary Medical Only Benefit's:
Coverage is effective on the first day of the month, coinciding with or following date of hire. (If the first day of work is on the first calendar day of the month, coverage is effective that day.) High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) Medical, Vision, Prescription coverage Underwritten by PacificSource Health Plans Full-time, temporary employee(s) currently pay 10% of the total employee(s) monthly premium. Full-time, temporary employees are eligible for employee-only medical coverage. However, there is family coverage available should the employee choose to enroll and assume financial responsibility for the difference of premium.
Employee composite monthly premium:
Employee Employee & Dependents Full-time Employees $71.48 $1,143.69 Deductible $2,000 $4,000 Flexible Spending Plan (FSA) Administered by PacificSource Administrators (PSA) Participation in the City of Bend's Flexible Spending Plan is voluntary and allows employees to pay for IRS-approved health care-related expenses and dependent care through pre-tax payroll deduction. Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) The City of Bend participates in the PERS Retirement System. Employees become PERS members after working six full calendar months in a qualifying position requiring at least 600 hours worked per 12-month period. Contributions on the employee's behalf begin following completion of the six-month waiting period. The City makes "employer" contribution based on the employee's Tier I, II or OPSRP member status. The City also makes the "employee" member contribution of 6% of salary. For complete PERS program details, visit the website http://www.oregon.gov/pers Employee Assistance Program Underwritten by Canopy This City-provided, confidential service helps employees privately solve problems that may interfere with work, family and life in general. Services are free to employees, their dependents and household members. The City of Bend also offers the following voluntary benefit programs which are elective and funded through payroll deduction: MASA ground and air ambulance membership 457 Deferred Compensation Plans sponsored by Nationwide Retirement Solutions and Mission Square Retirement If you have Federal student loan debt, (private student loans not included), or are considering going back to school, you may benefit from the Student Loan Forgiveness Program. If you make 120 qualifying payments on your Federal student loan while working full-time for a qualifying employer, your Federal student loan debt may be forgiven. Always check the loan servicer and type of loan you have to ensure you qualify.