Water Chemist Ii

Position

Water Chemist II – Department of Water Management, Bureau of Water Supply.

Location:

1000 East Ohio or 3300 East Cheltenham Pl. Days/

Hours:

Various.

Under immediate supervision, performs entry‑level professional chemical and physical analyses of raw and treated water to assess water quality and assist in controlling processes that make water suitable for drinking, and performs related duties as required.

• Prepares and standardizes chemical solutions prior to analyzing water samples.
• Performs standard analytical tests on water samples obtained from source water, purification plants, and distribution systems to detect and determine relevant characteristics such as pH, chlorine residue, turbidity, ammonia, threshold odors, radioactivity, and fluoride concentration.
• Performs standard tests on pipe scales, sediment, seepage, and sludge deposits to determine chemical content.
• Analyzes materials used in treating water at filtration plants (e.g., blended phosphate, aluminum sulfate, hydrofluosilicic acid) to ensure conformance with product specifications and safety standards.
• Calculates, analyzes, and interprets test results, and prepares reports on the status and results of testing projects.
• Records data and maintains records on tests and analyses conducted in accordance with state and federal guidelines.
• Assists in conducting specialized water analyses in response to customer complaints, as required.
• Assists in conducting research to discover improved methods of water purification, as required.
• Assists in determining the amounts of chemicals to be used at purification plants, as required.
• Maintains laboratory equipment, materials, and instrumentation in conformance with acceptable laboratory standards, as required.
• Additional duties may be required for this position.

This position is open to the public and to all current city employees covered under the City’s Collective Bargaining Agreement with AFSCME bargaining units 1, 3, 4 and 5. Only employees in City job titles in these bargaining units are eligible to bid.

Some moving or lifting of laboratory equipment and supplies.

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s degree or higher in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a directly related field.

Applicants must complete an interview; candidate(s) possessing the qualifications best suited to fulfill the responsibilities of the position will be selected.

The City of Chicago is an Equal Employment Opportunity, Military Friendly, and Fair Chance Employer.