Wet Chemist

The NYC Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) enriches the environment and protects public health for all New Yorkers by providing 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 and a water supply system comprising 19 reservoirs and 3 controlled lakes within a 2,000-square-mile watershed.

The Bureau of Water Supply seeks to hire an Associate Chemist II (Wet Chemist) to assist with daily operational tasks within the Wet Chemistry Section of the Distribution Laboratory. This position is open only to city employees who are already permanent in the Associate Chemist title.

• Perform routine analytical testing using drinking wet chemistry approved methods following written protocols.
• Ensure analyses are performed in accordance 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), and the DWQ Quality Assurance Manual.
• Implement methods using spectrophotometers, autotitrators, ion-selective electrode (ISE) meters, and ion chromatography (IC).
• Review data, generate reports, and prepare standards and reagents.
• Perform instrument calibration and maintenance, perform minor repairs, and 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.

Some of the physical activities performed by Associate Chemists and environmental conditions experienced are: 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 and manipulating laboratory equipment and instruments/tools such as glass and plastic ware and lab tools;

adjusting settings on machines which require fine finger and hand coordination and control; and collecting samples at sites in all weather conditions.

Health and Safety requirements for an Associate Chemist Level II include being familiar with, and complying 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 the supervisor or appropriate authorities.

Special

Working Conditions:

Associate Chemists may be required to work all hours of the day or night and on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays.

• Familiarity with Microsoft Office suite software including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, SharePoint, and Teams.
• Familiarity with database systems such as STARLIMS brand Laboratory Information Management System.
• Ability to analyze samples accurately and precisely.
• Ability to utilize the New York State Environmental Laboratory Approval Program (ELAP) administered in accordance with directives of the National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Conference (TNI), and Standard Methods for assigned analysis to obtain Quality Control objectives.
• Analytical ability.
• Interpersonal skills.
• Communication skills both written and oral.
• Time management.

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

Work Location:

96-05 Horace Harding Expressway
Flushing, NY 11368

ASSOCIATE CHEMIST - 21822

Qualification Requirements: A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college, including or supplemented by 16 semester credits in chemistry and 8 semester credits in any one or a combination of the following areas: chemistry, pharmacology, toxicology, environmental science, forensic science, or other natural science.

Certificate Requirement:
At the time of appointment to a clinical laboratory, candidates must possess a valid License as a Clinical Laboratory Technologist issued by the New York State Education Department. This license must be maintained for the duration of employment.

Additional Qualification Requirements For Assignment Level II and above:
To be eligible for placement in Assignment Level II and above, individuals must have, after meeting the minimum requirements described for Assignment Level I, at least two years of full-time satisfactory experience performing chemical or physical analyses in a laboratory.

Education may be substituted for experience on the basis of 30 graduate semester credits from an accredited college in any of the areas of study described in the qualification requirements…