Water Chemist

Job Summary

Samples and analyzes water samples. Evaluates data and reports results in accordance with laboratory Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) procedures. Operates and maintains laboratory instruments and equipment.

Works under the administrative supervision of the Lead Water Chemist who outlines work, occasionally reviews work in progress and periodically reviews completed work.

 

Representative Duties

Collects and schedules water sampling events. Conducts instrumental chemical, mineral, physical, bacteriological and other tests in accordance with standards established by the State Water Resource Control Board Division of Drinking Water and United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA).

Performs data quality review and assists in the preparation of regular and timely monitoring reports to the State Water Resource Control Board Division of Drinking Water and other state and local regulating agencies.

Writes technical procedures and validates analytical procedures. Provides necessary QA/QC for all laboratory documents and presents data to all applicable staff.

 

Assists in maintaining the laboratory’s accreditation with the State Environmental Lab Accreditation Program (ELAP). Conducts performance testing as required by ELAP and periodically reviews the laboratory’s methods/processes to ensure compliance with federal, state and local standards and reference methods.

 

Investigates water quality complaints and assists staff in the identification and resolution of distribution system water quality problems.

 

Maintains laboratory equipment and assists in the ordering of chemicals, supplies and equipment.

 

Maintains records and data archives to comply with City policy, rules and regulations and the State Water Resource Control Board Division of Drinking Water recordkeeping requirements.

 

Participates in public education programs, including making presentations and providing tours to , City staff, professional groups and the general public.

 

Trains and certifies staff members for certain laboratory analyses.

 

Performs other related duties, as assigned.

Requirements

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Knowledge, Abilities and Skills:

Knowledge of:

Regulatory analytical methods for the examination of drinking water.

Principles and practices for environmental laboratories and applicable safety standards.

Principles and practices for the collection, preservation, transport, and handling of water samples for laboratory analyses.

Federal, state and local laws, codes and regulations pertaining to water quality.

Effective customer service techniques.

 

Ability to:

Collect and properly handle water samples.

Conduct analytical tests and interpret complex technical information.

Prepare and maintain accurate records and reports.

Keep abreast of current developments in the area of water quality analysis.

Observe and report hazardous conditions.

Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

Follow written and oral instructions.

Establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships with City employees and the general public.

Provide effective customer service.

 

Skill in:

Reading, writing, and communicating at an appropriate level.

Using a personal computer and applicable software applications.

 

Education, Training and Experience:

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biology or a closely related field.

 

Three (3) years of recent, paid work experience performing chemical analysis in a water laboratory setting including instrumental analysis using Gas Chromatography, Atomic Absorption Spectrometry and/or Ion Chromatography.

 

Experience in state drinking water regulation and approved drinking water testing methods is desirable.

 

Licenses and Certificates:

Possession of a valid Class C driver license. Must obtain a California Grade II Water Treatment Operator Certificate within two years of date of hire. 

 

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work is primarily performed in a laboratory environment. Some field work is required. Physical demands include the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull heavy materials and objects Slippery surfaces, noise, chemicals and odors are frequently encountered. Physical demands include standing, bending, reaching, sitting and walking.