Water Quality Chemist

Are you passionate about water and protecting public health and the environment?

Pinellas County Utilities is seeking a Chemist with expertise in chemistry, biology, environmental, and physical sciences. The Utility Department’s Water Quality Laboratory is a state certified laboratory that analyzes both environmental and drinking water samples. As a Chemist, you will perform professional scientific work conducting chemical, biological, microbiological and physical analysis of drinking water, environmental water and solids/sludges. Chemists maintain accurate and comprehensive records, exercise independent judgment, demonstrate skills of proficiency, and uphold precision and accuracy of data to ensure quality assurance compliance.

Work is performed under the general direction of a Chemist Supervisor.

This position Chemist 1 is located at:
Logan Laboratory, 1620 Ridge Road, Building B, Largo, FL 33778.

Work Schedule:
Monday – Friday; 8:00 am – 4:30 pm;
Occasional weekend and holidays

• Performs analyses primarily using specialized techniques and sophisticated automated and standard instrumentation such as auto analyzers, spectrophotometers, ion chromatography systems, mass spectrometers, incubators, balances and hot block digesters.
• Performs preliminary troubleshooting of complex analytical problems.
• Acts as technical lead worker as required.
• Suggests modifications to standard and regulatory methods or develops and documents new laboratory methods for review by Senior Chemist.
• Performs preliminary troubleshooting, calibration, and maintenance of automated analyzing equipment/instrumentation.
• Provides lists of materials and supplies needed to ensure the proper and timely operation of assigned lab section.
• Conduct analytical tests on drinking water and environmental samples for bacteria, metals, nutrients, and wet chemistry parameters following procedures established by Standard Methods, EPA or ASTM.
• Operate laboratory instrumentation and use specialized analytical techniques, (pipetting, counting, observing, recording).
• Prepare glassware, media, stock solutions, and extractions as required for testing.
• Adhere to established protocols and follow standard operating procedures.
• Maintain accurate and comprehensive records to ensure traceability of all testing procedures
• Perform demonstrations of capability in accordance with environmental regulations and laboratory procedures/best practices.
• Review preliminary data for quality control, permitting, and regulatory compliance.
• Input data into a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) database.
• Participate in laboratory audits in accordance to the National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (NELAP).
• Contribute to the overall effectiveness of Laboratory operations and participate in a team-oriented work environment.
• Performs related work as assigned or required.

Experience:

General laboratory analysis.

Degree:
Chemistry, microbiology, biology, environmental science or related discipline.

• 4 years’ experience as described above.
• Associate’s degree and 2 years’ experience as described above.
• Bachelors’ or higher-level degree and some experience as described above.
• An equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Possession and maintenance of a valid State of Florida Driver's License upon hire with eligibility based upon evaluation of a Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) driving report.
• Assignment to work a variety of work schedules including compulsory work periods in special, emergency, and/or disaster situations.

• Experience working in a Drinking Water and/or Environmental laboratory.
• Experience in the operation, maintenance and troubleshooting of analytical equipment.
• Knowledge of sewage treatment and disposal, industrial wastes, stream pollution or the methods for treating and testing water supply systems, depending on area of assignment.
• Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations pertaining to water quality, wastewater treatment, and data validity.
• Experience working in a NELAP certified microbiology lab.
• Experience working with Laboratory Information Management Systems and proficient in the use…