Chemist

City of Tucson

8d • $27 - $40

About The Position

The Chemist position in the City of Tucson’s Water Department performs chemical analysis and associated duties on drinking water, groundwater, reclaimed and surface water utilizing United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and Standard Methods approved and licensed methodologies in the Water Quality Laboratory. Duties include analyzing samples, processing analytical data, and preparing reports in compliance with local, state and federal laws regarding drinking water, groundwater, and surface water requirements. This position will report to the Chemist Supervisor. This position does not supervise.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree
• Two (2) years of relevant experience

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in chemical, biochemical, spectroscopy or related science fields. Masters/PHD degrees are desirable but not required.
• Experience performing analytical testing using ICP/OES, ICP/MS, IC, GC/MS and LC/MS.
• Familiar with EPA Methods 200.7/200.8 for Metals, EPA Method 300 for Anions, EPA Methods 524.2 and 8260B for VOC analysis, and EPA Methods 522 and 533 for 1,4-Dioxane and PFAS analysis.
• Experience with Inductively Coupled Plasma instrumentation.
• Experience with Ion Chromatography
• Experience with manual and/or automated Solid Phase Extraction (SPE) techniques.
• Experience with Electron Impact ionization (EI) mass spectral interpretation.
• Experience with Isotope Dilution quantitation technique.
• Experience with Agilent GC/MS MassHunter, ICP/MS MassHunter and ICP/OES Expert instrument software.
• Experience with Chromeleon IC Software
• Experience with Clinisys Element Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).

Responsibilities

• Performs Analysis of water samples by the following methods: Metals by EPA Methods 200.7 and 200.8 by ICP/OES and ICP/MS, Mercury by EPA Method 245.1 by Flow Injection, Anions by EPA Method 300 by Ion Chromatography, 1,4-Dioxane by EPA Method 522 by GC/MS, Volatile Organic Compounds by EPA Method 524.2 and 8260B by GC/MS, PFAS by EPA Method 533 by LC/MS/MS, TOC by Standard Method 5310C by TOC/UV, Solid Phase Extraction with EPA 522 and EPA 533 methodologies.
• Processes data for initial calibrations, on-going calibration verification and sample data results utilizing Chromeleon for IC, Agilent ICP/MS MassHunter, Agilent ICP/OES Expert, Agilent GC/MS MassHunter and Tekmar TekLink software.
• Performs upload and review of data to Element Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
• Prepares reagents and dilutions.
• Prepares calibration and working standards for analysis.
• Replaces compressed gas tanks and Argon dewars on instrumentation.
• Prepares and maintains instrumentation.
• Upkeeps maintenance, analysis, standards and reagent logs.
• Prepares and maintains Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Maintains a safe working environment for all staff.
• Performs Bench review and Peer review for qualified analyses and findings in the respective units.
• Performs all other duties and tasks as assigned.
• Assists with special projects and assignments as required.

Benefits

• The City of Tucson offers a generous benefits package for benefit-eligible positions. The comprehensive, flexible, and affordable coverage is designed to optimize health and well-being, security and future, and peace of mind. Benefits begin with medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and FSA coverage, surpassing your standard 401(k) program by offering a rich pension plan plus optional Roth and pretax deferred compensation savings.
• With your well-being in mind, our paid time off program provides new hires with 38 paid days off in the first year of employment, with time off increasing steadily in subsequent years. We offer twelve weeks of paid parental leave, paid tuition reimbursement, student loan repayment, off- and on-the-job training, and opportunities to forge connections with peers and the community through employee resource groups and paid volunteer hours.
• You can learn more about our benefits at https://www.tucsonaz.gov/Departments/Human-Resources/Employee-Benefit-Snapshot.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level