Organic Chemist

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 is comprised of 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.

Only for city employees who are already permanent in the associate chemist title.

The Bureau of Water Supply, Division of Distribution Water Quality (DWQ) is seeking to hire an Associate Chemist Level III to serve as an Organic Chemist in the Organic Chemistry section of the Distribution Laboratory. Under the direction of the Organic Chemistry Section Supervisor, the Associate Chemist III will perform routine and responsible qualitative and quantitative analyses of trace organic contaminants in drinking water using complex gas chromatographic methods and analyze water samples for volatile and semi‑volatile compounds following New York State approved drinking water testing methods in compliance with all applicable environmental, health and safety regulations and DEP’s policies and procedures.

• Performing routine analytical testing using drinking water organic chemistry approved methods following written protocols.
• Conducting routine laboratory quality control procedures according to Environmental Laboratory Approval Program (ELAP)/ the Nelac Institute (TNI) protocols and the DWQ Quality Assurance Manual while ensuring that analyses are performed in accordance with regulatory requirements for drinking water.
• Implementing methods for organic analysis of drinking water samples, which includes but is not limited to selecting reagents, preparing specifications for equipment to be purchased, preparing method SOPs, and obtaining initial Quality Control objectives.
• Reviewing QC data generated by analysts; monitoring QC charts and tables for accuracy; entering data into QC charts and tables; and devising protocols for the preparation of calibration standards and QC solutions.
• Identifying errors or potential problems that could result in errors; taking corrective actions; and evaluating the corrective actions taken to prevent recurrence.
• Assisting with the enhancement to the automated Laboratory Information System (STARLiMS) for data record keeping and report generation to meet the needs for the section, including appropriate QC validation rules and electronic transfer of data. Reviewing data and generating reports.
• Maintaining inventories of equipment and supplies.
• Operating and maintaining analytical instruments in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions, diagnosing instrument problems and performing routine maintenance of analytical instrumentation, making minor repairs, adjustments and calibrations as needed.

(This is a brief description of what you might do in this position and does not include all the duties of this position.)

Some of the physical activities performed by Associate Chemists and environmental conditions experienced 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 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 III include being familiar with and complying with applicable environmental, health and safety 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. Reporting any instance of non‑compliance or…