What are the responsibilities and job description for the Wet Lab Chemist position at Harris County?
Harris County Pollution Control Services Department (HCPCS) Mission
The mission of Harris County Pollution Control Services Department (HCPCS) is to protect the citizens of Harris County from environmental impacts through firm, consistent enforcement of state and federal regulations. The ultimate goal of PCS is clean air, water, and proper management of waste. The activities PCS are directed toward ensuring clean air and water for the citizens of Harris County, consistent with the protection of public health, enjoyment of property and the protection of plant, animal, and marine life.
What you will do for Harris County Pollution Control
Under the supervision of the Supervisor - Wet Lab, the incumbent will provide routine and custom analytical services on samples submitted by Department investigators, other department personnel, and certain outside sources. The incumbent will document all analytical work and provide timely reports on the results.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Perform analysis on water, wastewater, soil and solid waste samples. Analysis includes BOD, CBOD, COD, Ammonia, Cl2, E. coli, Enterococcus, Nitrate/ Nitrite, TSS, TDS, TOC, pH, etc.
- Calibrate, maintain and troubleshoot equipment used in assigned duties such as pH/specific ion probes and meters, DO meters, Discrete analyzers, spectrophotometers and analytical balances
- Perform quality assurance monitoring of support equipment such as incubators, refrigerators, ovens, and autoclave (temperature)
- Assist in laboratory cleaning, supplies, waste disposal, etc.
- Administrative
- Enter analytical data using the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS)
- Write, revise and review SOPs (ensure that SOPs are accurate and up-to-date)
- Other duties
- Special tasks involved in responding to an emergency event
- Other tasks assigned by the Supervisor - Wet Lab or Laboratory Manager
Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer
https://hrrm.harriscountytx.gov/Pages/EqualEmploymentOpportunityPlan.aspx
If you need special services or accommodations, please call (713) 274-5445 or email ADACoordinator@bmd.hctx.net.
This position is subject to a criminal history check. Only relevant convictions will be considered and, even when considered, may not automatically disqualify the candidate.
Education:
Bachelor’s Degree from an Accredited College or University with a Major in Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Sciences, or related field from an accredited college or university
Must have at least 16 hours of Chemistry with associated labs
Experience:
- Proficiency in MS Word, PowerPoint, and Access
Additional Requirements:
College transcripts are required along with the application
- Ability to manage multiple projects and work independently
- Ability to use basic lab equipment such as pH meters, D.O. meters, analytical balances, analyzers, spectrophotometers, etc.
- Ability to perform gravimetric, colorimetric, and titrimetric operations
- Skilled in basic lab operations such as pipetting and titrating
- Must have the ability to continually evaluate the progress of analyses and seek advice or make adjustments as necessary
- Must be able to compile analytical reports
- Must maintain proficiency on assigned analytical tasks and related instruments
NOTE: Qualifying education, experience, knowledge, and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume" will not be accepted for qualifications.
- Experience in operation of discrete analyzers and spectrophotometers is desired (Preferred)
- Familiarity with the use of laboratory microprocessors and data systems (Preferred)
- Experience in the majority of the tests and sample matrices listed in the Job Description (Preferred)
Position Type and Typical Hours of Work:
Full-time | Monday - Friday | 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Weekend and other hours may be required as needed to complete tasks and in the event of an emergency or stormwater events
Reporting Relationships:
- Reports to Position: Supervisor – Wet Lab
- Supervised Positions: None
Work Environment:
- Position requires work in both a laboratory and professional office environment with frequent time spent in both
- Laboratory work will include working with lab analysis equipment, chemicals and samples
- This is a sedentary role however may require the ability to lift up to 15 to 20 pounds
- Laboratory safety concerns require vision and hearing abilities sufficient to acknowledge and respond to sirens, alarms, smoke, visible evidence of a chemical release, etc
Employment may be contingent on passing a drug screen and meeting other standards.
Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.
Salary : $37,440
