Senior Chemist

Leads, assigns, reviews and participates in the work of staff responsible for assigned laboratory activities and functions; ensures work quality and adherence to established policies and procedures; ensures compliance with federal, state, and local laws, codes and regulations; and performs the more technical and complex tasks related to the assigned section of the laboratory.

The Laboratory seeks an experienced professional with demonstrated expertise in TNI, EPA, and Standard Method QA/QC standards to lead and manage the quality control program for the Mill Creek Laboratory, its satellite laboratories, and the associated Sampling Program.

Reporting directly to the Assistant Superintendent, this position plays a vital role in ensuring that all laboratory and field quality control processes are carried out in strict adherence to OEPA, USEPA, TNI, and Standard Method requirements.

Key responsibilities include data review and reporting, oversight of NELAC accreditation applications, coordination of internal audits, development and maintenance of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), execution of Proficiency Testing, and QA/QC of sampling activities. The ideal candidate is a self-motivated professional who can work independently with minimal supervision, demonstrates flexibility, actively engages in ongoing training, and possesses strong communication skills.

Examples of Work Performed:
(Illustrative only. Any one position within this classification may not include all of the duties listed nor do the listed examples include all of the tasks which may be performed.)
Lead, review and participate in the work of staff responsible for activities and functions in the assigned laboratory; direct and conduct assigned research projects; provide technical and analytical support related to laboratory techniques and interpretation of data; ensure laboratory compliance with local, state and federal laws, rules and regulations.
Perform various tests and analyses on water/wastewater/industrial waste as appropriate; review data from completed analyses; record and report results accurately and in accordance with established procedures; operate a computer in performance of duties as appropriate.
Participate in the development of policies and procedures; monitor work activities to ensure compliance with established quality control and quality assurance policies and procedures as well as standard operating procedures; make recommendations for changes and improvements to existing standards and procedures.
Prepare daily, weekly and monthly reports as assigned.
Perform the more technical and complex tasks of the work unit.
Serve as a liaison for the department as appropriate.
Assist in the evaluation and acquisition of new laboratory equipment.
Assist those contacted in the course of duty in an effective, efficient and professional manner.
Perform related duties as assigned.(Illustrative only. Any one position may not require all of the listed KSAs nor do the listed examples include all the KSAs which may be required.)

Knowledge of:
Principles and practices of analytical chemistry, organic chemistry, environmental sciences.
Standard laboratory procedures; quality control and quality assurance methodology.
Standard laboratory safety procedures.
Proper use of laboratory equipment, reagents, solutions, buffers, etc.
Principles and practices of laboratory analysis, data interpretation and statistical analysis.
Principles of management, training and supervision.
Pertinent federal, state and local laws, codes and regulations.
Mathematics for analytical calculations and conversions.
Use of computers in performance of assigned duties.

Ability to:
Lead, organize and review the work of lower-level staff.
Interpret and explain City policies and procedures.
Follow written and verbal instructions.
Prepare daily, weekly, and monthly reports as assigned.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work including City and other government officials, community groups, and the general public.
Perform standard and complex laboratory procedures.
Handle and mix chemicals properly and safely; observe established safety policies and procedures.
Follow established quality control and quality assurance procedures; recommend improvements.
Accurately analyze and interpret results of laboratory tests; report results accurately and properly.
Operate computers in performance of assigned duties; operate assigned computerized laboratory equipment.
Operate assigned vehicle in performance of job duties (as required).
 
 

Each applicant must have three years experience as a Chemist plus have a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in chemistry, environmental chemistry, chemical engineering, biology, microbiology, biochemistry, scientific statistics, or a related field.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

May be required to have a valid Driver's License.

Possession or an appropriate certification in water or wastewater treatment from the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency.

Positions in the Water Works Department: Must have a Class III Water Treatment Professional Operator Certification. Must also have an Ohio Environmental certification in inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, microbiology, or radiological analysis.

Positions in the MSD Department: Must possess (or obtain) and maintain an Ohio Water Environmental Association (OWEA) Wastewater Lab Analyst III (or higher) certification within one (1) year of reaching the OWEA qualifying experience level.

Positions in the Health Department: Must have an Ohio Department of Health Alcohol Testing Permit and an Ohio Department of Health certification in dairy analysis.

MILITARY EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE EVALUATION

Military education and experience may be substituted for college level course work at the lower and upper division baccalaureate and graduate levels and apprenticeship training at the vocational certificate level on a case by case basis based on the American Council on Education (ACE) Military Guide recommendations.

 

Environmental Conditions: Laboratory environment; exposure to computer screens; exposure to industrial waste and toxic chemicals, fumes and solvents.

Physical Conditions: Duties require maintaining physical condition necessary for sitting, standing and walking for prolonged periods of time; light and moderate lifting and carrying; general manual dexterity required; ability to distinguish colors required; must be able to operate assigned vehicle as required.

For questions regarding this posting or the application process, please contact:
Nosakhare Ekhator, Nosakhare.Ekhator@cincinnati-oh.gov

Salary : $79,504 - $106,847