Chemist Biologist

City of Janesville Wisconsin•Janesville, WI

About The Position

Under the direct supervision of the Wastewater Superintendent, the Chemist Biologist performs chemical and biological testing of samples from industrial pretreatment customers and in-plant samples, and bacteriology testing for the drinking water supply. The position supports wastewater treatment plant operations through laboratory analysis, reliable data, equipment checks, reporting, and compliance with applicable Department of Natural Resources requirements. It has regular contact with department, division, and office heads, City employees, and the general public, and does not supervise other employees. The role performs routine and complex laboratory analyses; collects and analyzes industrial and plant samples; prepares standards and reagents; interprets atomic absorption data; tracks treatment-plant parameters; maintains laboratory equipment, inventory, and records; troubleshoots procedures and validates results; and prepares technical reports. The employee also develops analytical procedures as needed, trains wastewater and environmental staff in laboratory practices, and investigates unauthorized wastes or treatment-plant upsets. The position requires a bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biology, microbiology, or a related field, and at least four years of related laboratory experience. A valid state-issued driver’s license is required at hire. Experience operating an atomic absorption spectrophotometer is preferred. Equivalent education and/or experience may be considered by Human Resources. The employee must have or be able to maintain DNR Advanced Laboratory Certifications, beginning at the basic level. This is a regular, Monday-through-Friday, 40-hour-per-week position with a 7:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m. schedule. Work is regularly performed in an office environment and includes frequent sedentary work, with occasional walking, standing, bending, kneeling, crouching, and lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling up to 25 pounds. The employee may occasionally work outdoors and may encounter moving mechanical parts, precarious locations, wet or humid conditions, fumes, airborne particles, hazardous chemicals, and vibration. The position may require climbing or balancing for sampling. The job also requires use of laboratory instruments, computers, and a City vehicle.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in chemistry, biology, microbiology, or a related field.
At least four years of related laboratory experience.
Valid state-issued driver’s license at the time of hire.
Ability to have and maintain DNR Advanced Laboratory Certifications, starting at the basic level.
Working knowledge of chemical, biological, and bacteriology sciences and their relation to wastewater.
Working knowledge of laboratory testing principles, practices, techniques, and water analysis.
Working knowledge of proper wastewater laboratory operation to produce reliable data and support plant operations.
Working knowledge of the Pretreatment Program required by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
Skill in using laboratory equipment and Microsoft Office applications.
Ability to collect and analyze samples from the wastewater treatment plant and pretreatment-program industries.
Ability to perform bacteriology testing required for the drinking water supply and report results to the DNR.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with supervisors, industries, government officials, fellow employees, and City officials.
Ability to operate City vehicles safely.
Ability to prepare accurate records, routine correspondence, and reports, including standard, technical, and regulatory reports.
Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations and compute percentages.
Ability to comply with safety policies and procedures and report unsafe activities or conditions.
Strong organizational, time-management, communication, interpersonal, collaboration, research, analytical, and critical-thinking skills.
Ability to learn and apply new technology and maintain compliance with DNR requirements.
Ability to establish effective working relationships and work positively both independently and as part of a team.
Professionalism, tact, integrity, honesty, initiative, respect, confidentiality, fairness, and commitment to an inclusive and equitable workplace.

Nice To Haves

Experience operating an atomic absorption spectrophotometer.
Equivalent education and/or experience may be considered in lieu of minimum requirements, as determined by the Human Resources Office.

Responsibilities

Perform routine tests on plant flows, sludges, and other samples as directed.
Collect and analyze samples from industries participating in the Pretreatment Program.
Prepare laboratory standards and reagents.
Interpret data from atomic absorption analyses.
Track treatment-plant parameters analyzed by the laboratory each day.
Perform routine checks on plant equipment and systems, including portable samplers, gas detectors, fixed gas detectors, probes, and sensors.
Run complex analyses using delicate instruments such as atomic absorption equipment.
Maintain laboratory inventory control and storeroom management.
Troubleshoot procedural problems and validate laboratory results.
Prepare technical reports.
Develop alternative procedures for routine or special analyses as needed.
Train Environmental Specialists, the Laboratory Technician, and wastewater treatment plant Operators in laboratory procedures and operations.
Investigate unauthorized wastes or treatment-plant upsets.
Perform bacteriology testing for the drinking water supply and report results to the DNR.
Maintain accurate and detailed laboratory bench sheets and records.
Follow safety regulations, policies, procedures, and recognized safe work practices; report unsafe conditions, unsafe acts, and accidents to the supervisor.
Perform other special projects and duties as assigned, including during regular and non-business hours.
During a declared City disaster or activation of the City Emergency Operations Center, perform duties or assume responsibilities assigned by the City Manager or designee.