Utility Senior Chemist

MOS Codes: 2090 (Navy) Education and Experience

Bachelor's Degree or higher in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology, Microbiology, Virology, Parasitology, or a related field, and two (2) years of professional laboratory experience, including one (1) year of operating advanced spectrophotometry, chromatography, or other comparable instrumentation.

Valid Texas Class "C" Driver's License or equivalent from another state by the date of appointment.

Under direction, lead, coordinate, and perform complex water and wastewater testing, quality assurance, data management, and regulatory compliance functions while supporting laboratory operations, training staff, maintaining equipment and records, and ensuring adherence to federal, state, and local standards.

• Lead, plan, and coordinate the collection and analysis of water and wastewater samples.
• Assist in reviewing data and following up on corrective action reports.
• Conduct required analyses of water and wastewater samples to ensure water and wastewater quality conforms to federal, state, and local standards.
• Perform special testing required by consultants and supervisors for special projects.
• Assist in coordinating and setting up water and wastewater special permits, as well as compliance sampling.
• Maintain records of samples collected and test results.
• Operate and maintain special laboratory equipment, including advanced spectrophotometry and advanced chromatography.
• Use a computer to analyze and maintain records of data collection, tested samples, and results.
• Assist staff in troubleshooting testing procedures and instruments.
• Operate the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS); investigate and correct problems, manage system profiles, report configuration, and system errors; assist in correcting LIMS user errors.

• Maintain current knowledge of chemical testing equipment and procedures, and federal, state, and local legislation on water quality testing regulations and standards.
• Substitute for coworkers or a supervisor during temporary absences to maintain continuity of operations.
• Maintain records and prepare reports; maintain the department’s inventory.
• Ensure good laboratory practices are being followed; draft weekend schedule; log in samples and print labels; review laboratory logbooks.
• Assist the lead chemist in administering Quality Control Programs, including reviewing and approving the work of other analysts.
• Perform data entry of external laboratory reports.
• Assist in developing quality control initiatives, conducting internal audits, reviewing and interpreting methods, regulatory agency policies, codes, and regulations, and maintaining the Quality Assurance/Quality Control program.

• Assist the lead chemist in providing support to the water and wastewater treatment facilities, industrial pretreatment, water distribution, and other public water systems.
• Assist with scheduling routine and special analyses and collections; coordinate field or plant personnel requests for instrument calibrations and sample containers; maintain chain of custody templates for multiple facilities and collection sites.
• May assist in investigations of water quality complaints.

• Lead and train a group of chemists: training and shadowing trainees during analysis, assigning proficiency testing, verifying results, and preparing the Certificate of Training.
• Train new personnel on the basic use of LIMS.
• Schedule, assign, instruct, guide, and check work; assist in addressing challenges and developing trainee(s) skills.
• Assist in analyzing laboratory procedures and workflows to enhance efficiency and overall quality.
• Encourage continuous learning and development on testing procedures and good laboratory practices; motivate and maintain harmony; provide feedback to the supervisor on the chemists being led and trained.
• Follow and enforce safety rules and regulations.

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Applicants are encouraged to apply immediately. This position will close when a preset number of qualified applications…