Wet Chemist

Job Description

The NYC Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) enriches the environment and protects public health for all New Yorkers by providing 1.1 billion gallons of high quality drinking water, managing wastewater and stormwater, and reducing air, noise, and hazardous materials pollution. DEP is the largest combined municipal water and wastewater utility in the country, with nearly 6,000 employees.

DEP's water supply system comprises 19 reservoirs and 3 controlled lakes throughout the system’s 2,000 square mile watershed that extends 125 miles north and west of the City.

Associate Chemist II – A Wet Chemist in the Wet Chemistry Section of the Distribution Laboratory. Under the supervision of the Chemistry Section Supervisor, the Associate Chemist II performs routine qualitative and quantitative analyses of drinking water and environmental water samples in accordance with regulatory requirements for drinking water and environmental water testing, using instruments of high complexity and following New York State approved methods.

• Perform routine analytical testing using drinking wet chemistry approved methods following written protocols.
• Ensure analyses comply with regulatory requirements for drinking water and conduct routine laboratory quality control procedures according to the Environmental Laboratory Approval Program (ELAP) / The National Environmental Laboratories Accreditation Conference (NELAC) / The NELAC Institute (TNI) protocols and the DWQ Quality Assurance Manual.
• Implement methods using spectrophotometers, autotitrators, Ion‑Selective Electrode (ISE) meters, and Ion Chromatography (IC).
• Review data, generate reports, prepare standards and reagents.
• Perform instrument calibration and maintenance; conduct minor repairs; obtain satisfactory calibration, QC, and proficiency test results.
• Conduct research and investigations as directed by the supervisor.
• Prepare method SOPs under the direction of the supervisor.
• Prepare and maintain inventory of equipment and supplies.

Physical activities and environmental conditions include lifting and carrying packages weighing approximately 20 pounds for a distance of 30 feet; performing duties in confined work areas; wearing protective garments such as respirators, gloves, lab coats, and goggles; handling laboratory equipment and instruments/tools; adjusting settings on machines requiring fine finger and hand coordination; and collecting samples at sites in all weather conditions.

Health and Safety requirements for an Associate Chemist Level II include familiarity with, and compliance with, applicable environmental, health & safety (“EH&S”) laws and regulations, and DEP’s EH&S policies and procedures as set out in the Employee Environmental, Health and Safety Handbook that relate to work assignments and work environment. Report any instance of non‑compliance or issue of concern regarding violation of policy, standards or procedures to supervisor or appropriate authorities.

Special working conditions may require working all hours of the day or night and Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays.

• Familiarity with Microsoft Office suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Teams).
• Familiarity with databases such as STARLIMS Laboratory Information Management System.
• Ability to analyze samples accurately and precisely.
• Ability to utilize the New York State Environmental Laboratory Approval Program (ELAP) and Standard Methods to obtain Quality Control objectives.
• Analytical ability.
• Interpersonal skills.
• Communication skills both written and oral.
• Time management.

35 hours per week. Day shift; may be required to work nights, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays.

96‑05 Horace Harding Expressway, Flushing, NY 11368

Qualification Requirements

• Minimum of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college, supplemented by 16 semester credits in chemistry and 8 semester credits in one or more of the following areas: chemistry, pharmacology, toxicology, environmental science, forensic science, or other natural science.
• At the time of appointment, a valid License as a Clinical Laboratory Technologist issued by the New York State…