Associate Chemist

City of New York•Queens, NY

About The Position

The NYC Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) enriches the environment and protects public health by providing drinking water, managing wastewater and stormwater, and reducing pollution. The Bureau of Wastewater Treatment (BWT) operates and maintains the City’s sewage-treatment facilities, including wastewater treatment plants, sludge dewatering and collections facilities, laboratories, and harbor vessels. Under general supervision of the Technical Director or Assistant Technical Director of a BWT Laboratory, and with some degree of independent decision-making, the Associate Chemist performs and/or supervises chemical analyses and physical or chemical tests of varying complexity on wastewater, bio-solids, and other substances. The role may include supervising staff when designated. Only individuals currently serving as permanent or probable permanent (probationary) employees will be considered. At appointment to a clinical laboratory, candidates must hold a valid New York State Education Department License as a Clinical Laboratory Technologist and maintain it throughout employment.

Requirements

Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college.
At least 16 semester credits in chemistry, included in or supplementary to the degree.
At least 8 semester credits in one or a combination of chemistry, pharmacology, toxicology, environmental science, forensic science, or another natural science.
For appointment to a clinical laboratory, a valid New York State Education Department License as a Clinical Laboratory Technologist, maintained for the duration of employment.
For placement in Assignment Level II and above, at least two years of full-time satisfactory experience performing chemical or physical analyses in a laboratory after meeting the minimum requirements for Assignment Level I.
For Assignment Level II and above, 30 graduate semester credits from an accredited college in a listed area of study may substitute for one year of experience; all candidates must still meet the baccalaureate-degree and specialized-credit requirements.

Responsibilities

Process samples for analysis.
Prepare and standardize solutions and reagents, and use required quality-control procedures.
Prepare reports on analytical results.
Test, calibrate, and maintain automated and/or computerized instruments and equipment.
Review laboratory analysis results performed by others.
Participate in required proficiency tests.
Devise tests and install new methods and procedures.
Assist the supervisor with implementing safety and health procedures, inventory control, and purchasing laboratory supplies and equipment.
Train subordinates and peers and provide technical advice on materials and methodologies for instrumental and non-instrumental analyses.
When designated, supervise staff conducting sample processing, instrumental and/or chemical analysis, quality control, and safety activities.
Perform and/or supervise chemical analyses and physical or chemical tests on wastewater, bio-solids, and other substances.