CHEMIST

Position Title CHEMIST

Position Number 179001

FLSA Status Exempt

Full Time/Part Time Full Time

Salary $53,060 - $67,891 Annually (Depending on Qualifications)

Job Summary

Under general supervision, this position involves technical work in the environmental laboratory dealing with the collection and/or analysis of water, wastewater and sludge samples as prescribed by federal and state regulations.

ResponsibilitiesProvides guidance and direction to laboratory technicians. Performs a variety of analytical tests, as needed, using only those methodologies that comply with the laboratory’s Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s) and Quality Assurance (QA) Plan. Prepares standards and reagent solutions of varying concentrations. Assists the Laboratory Technicians with troubleshooting analytical instruments. Maintains laboratory data records up to date. Conducts Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QA/QC) for accuracy. Maintains the required precision and accuracy tables and resolves analytical discrepancies. Maintains instrument calibrations and preventative maintenance logbooks. Prepares various reports required by federal and state agencies. Handles chemicals using proper personal protection equipment and adheres to all safety and environmental rules and regulations. Performs field analyses (e.g., Chlorine Residual, Dissolved Oxygen, pH, Conductivity, Temperature, etc.) as directed by Laboratory Management. Maintains chemical inventories and receipt log. Performs state and federally approved lab analytical sampling methods to detect environmental pollutants and /or bacteriological contaminants required by facility permits and regulations. Operates, troubleshoots, repairs, and maintains laboratory systems to assure peak performance and reliability. Assists the Laboratory management in the development of new analytical procedures and the corresponding SOP documentation. Complies with applicable regulatory mandates/standards, policies, codes, regulations, etc. Completes other job duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge and understanding of the operation of various types of analytical instruments (i.e., Inductively Coupled Plasma/Mass Spectrometer (ICP/MS), Gas Chromatograph (GC), Ion Chromatograph (IC), Total Organic Carbon (TOC), Automated Titrator, Amperometric Titrator, Spectrophotometers). Knowledge of the principles and methods of qualitative and quantitative analyses. Knowledge of lab-specific occupational hazards and appropriate safety precautions. Computer software skills working with Chem SW or other quality control chart computer program. Computer software skills working with a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) or equivalent system. Skill in handling chemicals using proper personal protection equipment. Strong oral and written communication skills. Computer skills using Microsoft Office programs. Ability to perform a variety of microbiological, metals, organic and inorganic analyses. Ability to maintain and operate equipment used in sampling and analysis. Ability to inspect and analyze instruments to detect flaws or defects in their operation and to make adjustments as needed. Ability to develop standard operating procedures for new analytical methods and revise existing methods as required by federal and/or state regulations. Ability to work independently and in a team. Ability to adhere to all safety and environmental rules and regulations.

Education & Experience Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree with major course work in Chemistry, Biology, or related field with a minimum of two (2) years’ experience in the chemical and bacteriological analyses of water and wastewater or an Associate Degree from an accredited college in the field of Environmental Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, or related field and four (4) years’ experience in the chemical and bacteriological analyses of water and wastewater.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

A valid Texas Driver’s License or receipt of valid Texas Driver’s License within 90-day of relocation to Texas and a safe driving record as measured by company policy required. Must possess a level “B” laboratory analyst certification issued from the Texas Water Utilities Association or equivalent certification within two (2) years of employment.

Must currently possess a class “C” Surface Water Treatment Operator License and/or a class “C” Wastewater Treatment Operator License as issued by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) or have the ability to obtain the license within six (6) months of appointment.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Duties required are bending, lifting, walking, carrying, or using force equal to lifting 50 lbs. Must be able to stand for prolonged periods of time while performing laboratory analysis. Ability to frequently work long hours in a fast-paced environment while maintaining a high level of attention to detail.

Eligibility for Employment

In addition to any and all other qualifications required for employment stated under the Brownsville P.U.B Personnel Policies and Procedures Policy No. 39:

Posting Detail Information

Posting Number S561P

Open Until Filled No

Special Instructions Summary