Analytical Chemist

City of Amarillo

4d • Onsite

About The Position

The City of Amarillo is seeking exceptionally organized, safety minded, and analytically minded team members for the position of Analytical Chemist in support of our current and future TNI (formerly NELAC) Accredited Laboratory operations. Persons applying for this position will be responsible for daily performance of instrumental analysis of organic and inorganic constituents supporting City water and wastewater permitting requirements. This person will support teamwork through the daily performance of key calibrations and measurements of analytical parameters supportive of method development performed by Environmental Chemist personnel. This person will support the community and public health through the consistent and ethical performance of analytical chemistry on a daily basis.

Requirements

• Requires an Associate’s Degree in one of the Physical Sciences, Chemistry preferred, and a minimum of two years of analytical chemistry laboratory experience.
• Possession of a Bachelor’s Degree in one of the Physical Sciences may be substituted for laboratory experience.
• Must work to obtain a Class “C” Water/Wastewater Certification.
• Alternately, candidates with four years of water or wastewater operator experience with a focus on process control analysis may be considered in-lieu of collegiate experience.
• Valid Texas Driver’s License required.
• Ability to operate all analytical equipment consistent with the operation of a modern, full service environmental laboratory.
• Ability to operate data entry spreadsheets and operate within a LIMS platform.
• Ability to read and comprehend standard operating procedures and follow direction.
• Ability to operate computers for data entry and word processing.
• Ability to operate and repair misc. laboratory equipment.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills as development of technical documentation is required.
• Ability to operate small office equipment, including copy machines or multi-line telephone systems.

Nice To Haves

• Meeting the TNI Technical Manager requirements is not required for this position; however, it is encouraged as a valuable opportunity for continuing education and long-term professional success.

Responsibilities

• Analyzes water, wastewater, stormwater, sludge, solid waste, and soils for chemical, physical, and biochemical parameters, utilizing ICP, ICP-MS, HPLC, Ion Chromatography, UV-Vis, Turbidimeter, specific ion electrodes, TC/TOC UV-Persulfate, water purification systems, microscope and other lab equipment, including some GC work.
• Perform complex liquid-liquid extractions and digestions safely and efficiently.
• Compile analytical reports for peer review by Environmental Chemist personnel.
• Provide immediate support to changing laboratory priorities through effective cross-training and broad methodological understanding.
• Maintain water purification system through addition of required chemical constituents and changes of membranes and filter cartridges.
• Maintain clean and organized laboratory spaces of shared work areas including materials stocking and glassware washing.
• Perform routine preventive maintenance on laboratory instruments and provide immediate communication to Environmental Chemist of any instrument or material needing more skilled repairs.
• Performs routine analysis of quality control samples and has a keen understanding of abnormal data outliers.
• Functions as a member of the City's TNI (formerly NELAC) Drinking Water Bacteriological operation.
• Participates in City wide annual chemical inventory review and assists in preparing preliminary Tier II report generation.
• Performs credit card purchases of up to $3,000 without approval from supervisor.
• Assists with customer complaints, giving information and direction when needed.
• Assists with maintaining inventories.
• Assists in the technical writing of technical standard operating procedures, controlled documents, and forms development.
• Assists in the physical analysis of developing and improving analytical methods, such as calibrations, method detection limits, and routine performance evaluation samples.
• Learns new technologies and techniques as new instruments and methods are developed.
• Sets goals for continuous improvement of key analytical skills through training internally and externally with organizations such as American Chemistry Society (ACS), TWUA, and TNI training.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• The City of Amarillo is an Equal Opportunity employer and encourages applications from eligible and qualified persons regardless of race, color, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, age, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, familial status, disability, genetic information or protected veteran status, in compliance with applicable federal, state and local law.
• The City of Amarillo provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities on a case by case basis.
• If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please contact the Human Resources Office at 806-378-4294.
• Start your career with the City of Amarillo today!
• We are committed to providing the highest quality services to our community, and we believe that starts with our team.
• As a city, we are dedicated to supporting our employees and providing opportunities for growth and development.
• Our mission is to create a safe, prosperous, and thriving community, and we know that starts with attracting and retaining the best talent.
• We are proud of our city and the work we do, and we are excited to welcome you to explore career opportunities with us.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree