Chemist I

SUMMARY

Performs laboratory tests required by clients, with or without supervision, to determine chemical or physical characteristics designated by the client.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES  include the following.  Other duties may be assigned.

• Able to read and understand all analysis and safety standards in English, including ASTM, UOP, IP and other well-defined analytical standards and procedures used in the laboratory.
• Able to set up, adjust and operate laboratory equipment for which the Chemist or Lab Analyst has been adequately trained and has been verified to operate correctly in accordance with applicable standards and sound laboratory practice.
• Perform basic analytical tests from well-defined standards and procedures as required by the Location Manager or senior management staff.  Chemists or Lab Analysts must be documented to be able to perform all tests in accordance with applicable standards and sound laboratory practice.
• Clean and sterilize laboratory equipment.
• Calibrate laboratory instruments for which the Chemist or Lab Analyst has been adequately trained and has been verified to operate correctly in accordance with applicable standards and sound laboratory practice.
• Prepare chemical solutions according to standard formulas.
• Exercise procedural, safety and quality requirements specified in Laboratory Manual and Safety Manual, the Core Laboratories Safety and Environmental Manual, and company policies.
• Attend training and pass appropriate examinations in petroleum, chemical and gas analysis, including Right-to-Know training, hazardous materials disposal, and other safety and compliance training required by applicable regulations.
• Understand and be able to complete laboratory raw data sheets and make accurate entries into Saybolt’s laboratory computer programs.
• Able to perform and maintain laboratory procedures, equipment calibration, control charting, documentation and records in full compliance with the quality assurance program outlined in the division’s quality manuals and compliance program.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

A B.S. or B.A. degree in Chemistry or a related field.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Ability to read, analyze and interpret instructional and technical materials relating to procedures and safety; and applicable government regulations.  Ability to write applicable reports and correspondence clearly.  Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from managers, schedulers and clients.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.  Ability to compute rate, ratio, percent, and quantities (linear, volumetric, or weight) and to read and interpolate applicable data and tables.  Able to draw and interpret applicable graphs and control charts.

REASONING ABILITY

Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.  Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram or schedule formats.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Familiarity with basic computer skills in word processing and spreadsheet programs is helpful but not required; however Chemists or Lab Analysts must possess the capability to learn these applications through instruction provided by the Manager.  Chemists or Lab Analysts must also be familiar with and able to use Saybolt’s LIMS computer program.

SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Chemists or Lab Analysts are expected to exhibit professional appearance and attitude.  They are also expected to act in harmony with fellow employees.

JOB ASSIGNMENTS

Chemists or Lab Analysts must be ready to accept job assignments at any time, including scheduled days off.   Overtime must be worked as required.  Chemists or Lab Analysts shall be able to perform certain marketing functions and client visits as directed by the Laboratory or Location Manager.  Attendance at monthly safety meetings is required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative, but not necessarily all-inclusive, 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 certain disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Pass the drug and alcohol test specified for safety-sensitive employees.
• Be able to work in the presence of odors typical of petroleum or petrochemicals  without allergic reactions or nausea. when such odors are within OSHA-designated permissible exposure limits (PELs).
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; talk or hear; and test or smell.  The employee frequently is required to walk, sit, and reach with hands and arms.  The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• Chemists or Lab Analysts must regularly lift or move up to 20 pounds and occasionally lift or move up to 50 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing 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 may be exposed to fumes, airborne particles, and toxic or caustic chemicals.  The Company provides product information, training, engineering controls, and personal protective equipment in an effort to protect employees from exposure to potentially harmful levels of those materials.  Employees are required to read product information, use available engineering controls, follow guidelines presented during training, and be able to wear and use appropriate protective equipment, including respiratory protective equipment, as may be required by the work environment.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.