Water Quality Chemist I

Metro Water Recovery•Denver, CO

About The Position

Metro Water Recovery provides wastewater conveyance and treatment services for more than 2 million people in the Denver Metro area. The Water Quality Chemist I performs laboratory analyses of chemical, biochemical, physical, and microbiological properties of water, wastewater, biosolids, and soil samples. The role works under the direct supervision of a Laboratory Supervisor and supports the region’s health and environment through accurate laboratory testing. The schedule is Wednesday through Saturday, four 10-hour shifts. The position includes daily collection of process-control samples, laboratory testing, preparation of standards and reagents, upkeep and calibration of instruments, recording and reporting results, and adherence to quality-control and safety procedures. Work takes place both in a laboratory and outdoors during sample collection in varied Colorado weather conditions.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in chemistry, biology, or a related field.
Valid driver license.
Basic understanding of laboratory instrumentation, procedures, and techniques.
Basic mathematics knowledge.
Basic understanding of laboratory QA/QC processes.
Basic knowledge of chemical handling and laboratory safety.
Knowledge of MS Office software and general office processes and procedures.
Effective communication skills.
Skill working in a laboratory performing chemical, biochemical, or microbiological analyses.
Recordkeeping skills.
Ability to manage time efficiently to meet deadlines and analytical holding times.
Ability to follow technical instructions accurately and pay close attention to detail when executing laboratory procedures.
Ability to complete work in a timely manner and work effectively in a collaborative team environment.
Ability to demonstrate ethics, integrity, and respect toward coworkers.
Ability to adapt to changing priorities, multitask efficiently, and show consistent self-direction and initiative.

Responsibilities

Perform standard wastewater laboratory analyses, potentially including E. coli, total suspended solids, biochemical oxygen demand, COD, TOC, Kjeldahl nitrogen, ammonia, phosphorus, dissolved solids, and metals.
Prepare standards and reagents and wash glassware as needed for laboratory analyses.
Collect process-control samples through plant pickup according to established schedules and protocols; sampling occurs daily.
Perform routine analyses using complex wet-chemical methods and/or instruments such as ion chromatographs, gas chromatographs, and gas chromatograph/mass spectrometers, including complex testing on digester gas and other compounds.
Maintain accurate, organized laboratory records and upload results into the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) for reporting.
Calibrate laboratory instrumentation and equipment, perform basic troubleshooting, and conduct routine maintenance as needed.
Handle data using laboratory and instrument-associated software.
Follow quality-control procedures to ensure accurate and reliable results.
Maintain a safe working environment and adhere to established safety protocols.
Participate productively in continuous-improvement projects and teams.
Perform other duties as assigned.