Chemist
About The Position
Water Chemists conduct analytical testing of water samples from source water, groundwater, storm water, industrial discharges, septic systems, public sewer, and plant treatment units such as clarifiers and digesters. Testing follows U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-approved methods for environmental compliance reporting and treatment-process control. The laboratory follows industry-standard quality-control criteria and is routinely audited by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality for compliance with state permit requirements. This is an intermediate laboratory position involving advanced water or wastewater analysis, operation and maintenance of computer-controlled analytical systems, evaluation and reporting of analytical data, and support for laboratory quality, safety, and maintenance programs. The Chemist also assists with laboratory operations and records, supports the Laboratory Services Coordinator, and trains, supervises, and reviews Laboratory Technicians.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biology, microbiology, or a related field, plus one to three years of laboratory experience; alternatively, a combination of relevant education and experience that provides the required knowledge and abilities.
- Valid current driver’s license.
- Pass a criminal history check and drug screen; the position is subject to extensive background checks and random drug screening because it involves close contact with or control of critical infrastructure.
- Knowledge of GC-MS and operating software such as ChemStation or MassHunter.
- Knowledge of water or wastewater treatment processes and related environmental regulations, plant process control, and state permit analytical requirements.
- Knowledge of laboratory operations, equipment, and safety protocols; sample receiving and chain-of-custody procedures; safe sample and chemical handling, storage, and disposal; water or wastewater testing parameters and methods; and analytical quality-control measures and peer review.
- Ability to exercise ethical integrity in all aspects of work.
- Ability to adapt to changes in procedures, workstations, and work schedules; learn and follow laboratory procedures; multitask, manage workloads, and cross-train as needed.
- Physical ability to frequently walk and stand during a shift; occasionally bend, kneel, and rotate the upper trunk; position arms above, at, or below shoulder height; coordinate eyes and hands for sample and reagent preparation and equipment use; push and pull carts; frequently lift and carry up to 10 pounds; occasionally lift and move up to 40 pounds; and occasionally climb ladders and stairs.
Nice To Haves
- Preferred majors include environmental science, chemistry, biology, water/wastewater treatment, wildlife/natural resource management or remediation, field sampling, statistical quality control, natural science, technology, engineering, or a closely related major.
Responsibilities
- Perform advanced water or wastewater analyses, including method detection determinations and preparation of reagents, standards, and samples.
- Operate and maintain GC-MS, other chromatography equipment, and advanced computer-controlled analytical systems.
- Use spreadsheets and mathematical calculations to verify instrument results.
- Evaluate analytical data for accuracy, precision, historical consistency, and permit compliance, and produce client or project reports.
- Serve as Maintenance or Safety/QC Officer and assist with updates to the Chemical Hygiene Plan and QA/QC Manual.
- Monitor inventory, make purchases, and maintain credit card records.
- Diagnose laboratory process and equipment problems; document malfunctions or abnormal results and arrange repairs or re-analysis as needed.
- Communicate effectively and provide customer service.
- Assist staff with daily routines and cover Laboratory Technician workload when needed.
- Help maintain laboratory archives and records, including training records, equipment checks and logs, QC charts, analytical reports, sample counts, safety checks, and chemical SDS books.
- Assist with analytical method interpretations, update reviews, and development of laboratory procedures.
- Assist the Laboratory Services Coordinator in supporting effective laboratory performance.
- Train, supervise, and review the work of Laboratory Technicians.
- Perform related duties as required.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
