Chemist

ADVANCEMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Manager, Laboratory Services
Laboratory Supervisor
Water Quality Supervisor
Quality Assurance and Security Coordinator
Chemist, Senior
Biologist, Senior

POSITION SUMMARY
This position performs complex chemical and routine biological analyses on drinking water, surface water, wastewater, and solid samples using advanced equipment and techniques. Performs on a level to ensure compliance with state and federal laboratory certification.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Performs quantitative and qualitative analysis of water samples utilizing standard and advanced laboratory equipment in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures.  Technical knowledge and performance of approved analytical testing procedures, acceptable precision and accuracy levels, required holding and turn-around times and established quality control limits.

2. Assists and performs evaluations of existing methods and the development of methods and standard operating procedures. Properly performs analysis to maintain state, federal certification and NELAP accreditation

3. Responsible for maintaining and accurately documenting chemical and analytical supplies.

4. Performs preventive maintenance and non-routine maintenance on laboratory equipment and instruments. Maintains a clean and controlled work area.
 

5. Maintains Quality Control files on a daily basis and does mathematical calculations including data review and data entry to laboratory reporting system.

6. Participates in all safety and security protocols. Attends safety and security meetings.

7. Employees assigned to this position are classified as essential personnel.  Essential personnel is required to report to work when scheduled during departmental and/or emergency situations including, but not limited to, extended periods of inclement weather when travel may be difficult.  This position is essential because, in the absence of sufficient personnel, the plant cannot operate safely.

WORK LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES
This position does not regularly provide work leadership or full personnel management to any employees.

FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
No significant financial responsibility.

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION
Bachelor's degree in chemistry, biology or a related science.

EXPERIENCE
One year of work experience in a related field is required.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS
Valid Texas driver's license. State certification in water or wastewater desired. Laboratory Analyst Certification preferred.

KNOWLEDGE
Knowledge of chemical analyses, techniques and laboratory procedures, and equipment used. Ability to interpret results of analyses and maintain accurate logs and records. Knowledge of basic computer usage and programs.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Must be able to document work accurately, as well as perform data entry into computer software systems.

GUIDANCE RECEIVED
Follows general instructions and established precedents. Follows general supervisory instructions, as well as policies and precedents open to judgment in some areas and more specific guidelines, policies, and procedures in others. Based on knowledge of policies, precedents and procedures may regularly assist others with standard work methods and problems.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
This position requires passing a physical and physical ability assessment specific to this position.

WORKING CONDITIONS
Duties are almost always carried out in a laboratory or office environment. Working conditions include exposure to extreme cold, odors, fumes, and chemical hazards.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED
Ultra-violet, visible, infra-red, and atomic absorption spectrophotometers, colorimetric auto-analyzer, incubators, sterilizers, inverted biological and light microscopes, total organic carbon analyzer, microcoulometric titration system, basic laboratory equipment, PPE, glassware, analytical balance, specification probes, and autoclave; and office equipment including computer, and calculator.