Laboratory Chemist

Nebraska Public Power District•Sutherland, NE

4d•$47 - $60•Onsite

About The Position

The Laboratory Chemist works in the laboratory alongside Laboratory Technicians, providing guidance on station chemistry and maintaining control of system chemistry for Gerald Gentleman Station (GGS) units in support of safe and reliable operation. The position conducts tests to determine equipment condition and support troubleshooting efforts. Because of the proximity of GGS and Canaday Power Station, the role supports both facilities as plant conditions and resources dictate and assists the site environmental coordinator with environmental regulatory programs. The position performs laboratory analysis and participates in the laboratory technician/water plant technician schedule rotation. It provides technical guidance on chemistry, corrosion, cathodic protection, and chemical cleaning; monitors chemistry practices and control parameters; and contributes to investigations of corrosion-related damage and failures. The role also supports station outages and emergencies, which may involve extended workweeks, irregular hours, nights, weekends, and holidays.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry or chemical engineering and five years of related experience; alternatively, an associate degree in chemistry and seven years of related experience.
General knowledge of accepted codes, regulations, and standards pertinent to station chemistry.
High-pressure fossil-fired boiler water chemistry experience, other relevant work experience, or demonstrated performance indicating the skills and ability to perform the duties.
Wastewater and potable water certified, or able to become certified within two years.
Asbestos Inspector certified, or able to become certified within one year.

Responsibilities

Perform laboratory analysis and participate in the laboratory technician/water plant technician schedule rotation.
Maintain control of system chemistry for GGS units in support of safe and reliable operation.
Conduct tests to determine equipment condition and support troubleshooting efforts.
Monitor boiler tube corrosion in conjunction with engineering personnel, provide technical guidance, and participate in boiler chemical cleaning evolutions.
Monitor the effectiveness of chemistry practices and chemical control parameters and suggest adjustments when warranted.
Pursue industry developments in high-pressure boiler water chemistry and implement industry-best chemistry practices at the station.
Provide technical guidance on corrosion of piping, feedwater heaters, and other critical plant equipment.
Provide technical guidance on chemistry-related concerns and cathodic protection.
Assist the Technical Department in root cause analysis of corrosion-related damage and failures.
Communicate with designated personnel at other Energy Supply facilities about plant chemistry issues and assist with problem solving and technical solutions as requested.
Support both Gerald Gentleman Station and Canaday Power Station as plant conditions and resources dictate.
Assist the site environmental coordinator with environmental regulatory programs.
Work extended workweeks of 60 to 84 hours and irregular hours, including holidays, weekends, and night shifts, as needed during station outages and emergencies.
Comply with the expectations specified in the GGS Expectations Manual and perform other duties as assigned.