Chemist Sr

American Electric Power•Cresap, WV

About The Position

Responsible for routine chemical analyses and testing, as well as more complex activities—such as trending, troubleshooting, problem solving, and data collection—with instruction and monitoring from senior personnel. The role applies fundamental scientific knowledge and skills while following established procedures safely, effectively, and efficiently. It monitors boiler water quality and, as applicable to the plant, sewage treatment, water treatment, cooling tower chemistry, drinking water, and scrubber chemistry. The position also conducts sampling and performs tasks associated with federal and state water and wastewater laws, follows site-specific permits, obtains required state licensing, and participates in continuous improvement activities. The Chemist Sr coordinates laboratory activities and the maintenance and proper use of equipment. The position performs analyses and investigations, collects and evaluates regulatory data, operates and monitors treatment facilities, and supports environmental, health, and safety compliance. It also maintains equipment and calibration records, documents procedures and job safety activities, trains and shares knowledge with team members, and directs employees in lower classifications. The work may include remote equipment inspections, callouts, rotating shifts, and working in confined spaces, elevated areas, and hot or cold conditions. AEP lists a compensation range of $87,633 to $109,543 and describes its benefits package as comprehensive. The position’s physical demand level is sedentary.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in science or a related field, or equivalent education and/or experience.
Minimum of four years of related experience, including three years as a Chemist I or equivalent experience in a chemical laboratory analyzing coal, air, water, and other materials.
Advanced computer skills.
Valid state driver’s license.
Willingness to work rotating shifts, including weekends, nights, and holidays.
Ability to learn and comply with applicable plant operating instructions, procedures, workplace rules, and safety practices.
Ability to learn and maintain working knowledge of safety and environmental guidelines.
Ability to learn and properly use required tools and equipment.
Ability to read, interpret, and work from simple prints and specifications.
Effective verbal and written communication skills.
Professional conduct and effective interactions with employees, contractors, and others.
Willingness and ability to work in designated confined-space entry areas and elevated areas, and in hot and cold temperatures.
Ability to wear a respirator when required.
Train for firefighting, first aid, AED, and other emergency response programs as required.
Demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed for the position.

Responsibilities

Coordinate laboratory activities and ensure proper maintenance and use of equipment.
Initiate requisitions for supplies, equipment, and work needed to operate responsible areas.
Follow unit-specific guidelines with minimal supervision.
Install, operate, calibrate, and maintain test equipment.
Perform special analyses and investigations, and prepare written reports to support changing laboratory operating conditions.
Collect, document, and evaluate data needed to comply with federal, state, and local environmental regulations.
Use AEP environmental, health, and safety programs to support regulatory compliance.
Collect, prepare, analyze, and ship samples.
Conduct internal inspections of area-specific equipment, which may include boilers, D.C. heaters, condensers, cooling towers, media filters, and demineralizer vessels.
Maintain calibration of online boiler-water-quality instrumentation and keep laboratory instrument calibration records for environmental audits.
Operate and monitor plant sewage facilities and water treatment facilities, both manually and by PLC.
Perform chemical drawdowns; track inventory; handle chemical transfers and unloading; and adjust feed rates.
Write and document procedures and JHAs, and conduct JSAs for daily work activities.
Provide training and share knowledge with team members.
Direct the work of employees with lower classifications.
Monitor boiler water quality and, where applicable, sewage treatment, water treatment, cooling tower chemistry, drinking water, and scrubber chemistry.
Conduct sampling and perform tasks associated with federal and state water and wastewater laws; follow site-specific permits and obtain state licensing as required.
Participate in continuous improvement activities.
Respond to callouts during outage and non-outage work to support business operations and schedules.
Perform other job duties as assigned.