Chemist

Description

This is laboratory work performing chemical and bacteriological tests and assisting in the operation of the wastewater treatment plants or water treatment plant.

Work involves responsibility for performing the more complex as well as standard laboratory tests. Work also involves assisting in the operation and maintenance of the plant to assure the maintenance of acceptable standards. Work is carried out under general direction of the Plant Supervisor or Utilities Superintendent in keeping with established policies and procedures. Work is primarily evaluated through review of operating records and reports and consultation with representatives of government agencies that exercise surveillance of plant operations.

Examples of Duties

In the water plant, conducts daily chemical and biological examinations of City water supply; collects water samples throughout the distribution system; determines proper corrective treatment measures.

In the wastewater plant, conducts daily chemical and biological examinations of wastewater before and after chlorination; monitors digesters; determines proper corrective treatment measures.

Prepares and maintains records of analysis, compiles data for periodic summary reports; prepares reports for the Environmental Protection Agency.

Maintains inventory of a variety of laboratory equipment and materials; ensures measurement equipment is calibrated; trains operators in the proper use of laboratory equipment; performs technical supervision of operators.

Conducts non-routine analysis of wastewater to determine if illegal chemical discharges are present; prepares and standardizes solutions and reagents.

Conducts tours of laboratory and adjacent facility; explains treatment operation and answers technical and non technical questions; responds to inquiries and complaints regarding water quality.

In the wastewater plant, works with Assistant City Engineer on Industrial Pretreatment Program; inspects sites, takes samples, reviews and issues discharge permits; enforces laws and ordinances when violations occur.

Provides effective and efficient customer services and promotes and maintains responsive community relations.

Performs related duties as assigned.

Typical Qualifications

Possession of a valid Class D Illinois vehicle operator's license or an equivalent license issued by the employee's state of residence.

Graduation from a four year college or university with a degree in chemistry, biology, or other closely related science field; laboratory experience in a treatment plant operation; or any equivalent combination of training and experience that provides the following knowledge, abilities, and skills:

Considerable knowledge of water sampling and testing techniques.

Considerable knowledge of the basic principles of chemistry, bacteriology, and the use of mathematical formulae and computations.

Knowledge of the principles, practices, and methods related to the operation of a wastewater plant or a water treatment plant.

Knowledge of and skill in the use of laboratory equipment, instruments, procedures, and terminology.

Knowledge of I.E.P.A. and U.S.E.P.A. standards and requirements for the operation of a wastewater or water treatment plant.

Ability to read, understand, and work from written descriptions of standard procedures.

Ability to evaluate laboratory test data and to develop modifications in treatment processes as a result.

Ability to operate office equipment including a computer terminal.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other staff and the general public.

Ability to instruct and direct plant operators in the chemical treatment of water or sewage.

Employees of this class must possess or be able to obtain an appropriate certificate as issued by the State of Illinois within one year following employment.

Supplemental Information

Selected candidates must meet a residency requirement, which includes living in the state of Illinois or Iowa and must report within 60 minutes after being called into work for an overtime assignment.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands and fingers to handle, feel, or operate tools and equipment as well as equipment controls reached with hands and arms. The employee frequently is required to talk, hear, and smell. The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, and crawl.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently works in outside weather conditions. The employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts; and is occasionally exposed to wet and slippery surfaces, humid conditions, extreme cold and heat, and toxic chemicals.