CHEMIST

Introduction

The City of Milwaukee is proud to employ a workforce dedicated to delivering exceptional service to its residents. If you have a passion for being a part of an inclusive team of public servants, please consider the following opportunity.

The Chemist independently performs lead and other chemical analyses of dust wipes, paint, water, and soil for Milwaukee Health Department (MHD) divisions and the City of Milwaukee and State of Wisconsin’s Childhood Lead Poisoning and Prevention Program.

• Conduct all activities in compliance with International Organization for Standardization ISO 17025, American Industrial Hygiene Association Laboratory Accreditation Programs (AIHA LAP, LLC), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) National Lead Laboratory Accreditation Program (NLLAP), and Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Laboratory Accreditation for drinking water under WI Code, Chapter .
• Receive and prepare samples related to lead testing, including Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) order and entry.
• Prepare chemistry standards needed for testing.
• Test household dust wipe samples, paint chips, soil, and any other material related to MHD’s lead abatement, using approved methods.
• Verify results and assist with reporting, per laboratory policy and federal accreditations.
• Conduct testing under the laboratory’s community soil program and report to customers.

• Maintain inventory of supplies and coordinate orders.
• Utilize computer and laboratory information systems appropriately.
• Maintain records and monitor equipment to ensure proper functionality and safe operation.
• Ensure lab safety by following and adhering to all laboratory policies, procedures, and protocols.
• Answer queries from clients by email and phone.
• Maintain a clean working environment and suggest operational improvements as needed.

• Maintain appropriate quality control and safety measures per the state of Wisconsin and federal guidelines for implementing quality standards; ensure technical assistance at MHD laboratories.
• Document all appropriate information for quality assurance and improvement according to established protocol.
• Assist with preparation for regulatory inspections and other federal or state compliance.
• Assist in improving the quality and efficiency of laboratory procedures, policies, and processes.
• Review laboratory results and quality controls for accuracy and validity.
• Report nonconforming events (NCE) to senior staff in the Chemistry Division of the MHD Laboratory.

We welcome qualified individuals with disabilities who are interested in employment and will make reasonable accommodations during the hiring process in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, as amended by the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) of 2008.

The Chemist must be willing and able to do the following:

• Have the ability to differentiate and quantify colors and odors.
• Have the physical ability to stand and walk, stoop and kneel, and push and pull.
• Wear a surgical mask and/or particulate respirator (N95 or higher).
• Travel outside of the City of Milwaukee, including occasional overnight travel, for the purpose of attending conferences, workshops, and trainings.
• Participate in a 24‑hour emergency on‑call rotation schedule, including weekends.
• May be required to carry a mobile device during business hours.
• Successfully pass a thorough background check.

• Audiogram
• Vision (Color Blind Test)
• Medical evaluation for respirator
• Respirator fit test
• Pulmonary Function Test
• Non‑DOT drug test

• Annual TB Test
• Annual Covid‑19 and Influenza vaccinations
• Pre‑employment immunity verification required for MMR, Varicella, and Hepatitis
  
  B. If not immune, vaccination or an approved exemption is required. Vaccination series only needs to be done once.

• Bachelor’s degree in physical chemistry, environmental chemistry, analytical chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry, chemical engineering, or a closely related field from an…