(CHM1)-Chemist I

Job Information

General Responsibilities:

Perform technical functions associated with collecting, testing and analyzing samples throughout the water treatment process (Filter Plants and Distribution System) to include performing chemical, physical, and bacteriological tests according to EPA/ADEM procedures.

Essential Job Functions:

• Operation one or more of the following systems: Inductively Coupled Plasma/Mass Spectrophotometer and/or Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer to include flame, graphite furnace and flow injection techniques Operation of either of the following systems: Gas Chromatography equipment, Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrophotometer equipment, and High-Performance Liquid Chromatography equipment
• Test and monitor all water samples collected from the distribution system, filter plants, storage tanks, new mains, lakes, streams, etc, for bacteriological examination, metals, organic, and other inorganic tests as per EPA/ADEM approved methodologies and interpret analytical results Participate/pass in all required performance evaluation studies from ADEM
• The operating of the instruments and its various task Daily tuning, sample prepping digestion as needed, standard preparation Perform daily, weekly and monthly preventive maintenance
• Responsible for the receiving, shipping, logging and prepping samples to analyze on a daily testing
• Receive samples and perform required testing, report any irregularities and/or levels that are above the MCL
• Ensure that the service contracts for the various instruments are properly maintain
• Ordering parts and consumables for the afore mentioned instruments to maintain sufficient stock
• Maintain quality control procedures and information on environmental concerns for all test parameters applying laboratory methodology to comply with the State and Federal programs of laboratory quality assurance within the provisions of the Safe Drinking Water Act Maintain permanent records of all analytical results
• Assist quality control procedures and information on environmental concerns for all test parameters applying laboratory methodology to comply with the State and Federal programs of laboratory quality assurance within the provisions of the Safe Drinking Water Act Maintain permanent records of all analytical results
• Assure that laboratory equipment, glassware, and instruments are properly cleaned and maintained
• Verify proper functioning of instrumentation by performing system calibrations, preventative maintenance and maintaining service logs and contracts
• Immediately report any irregularities detected in any analytical testing process and/or laboratory operations to supervisors
• Prepares reagent, solutions, operate, calibrate and maintains laboratory equipment
• Maintain inventory of supplies as needed, stock shelves, and date supplies upon arrival
• Follow all Standard Operating Procedures [SOP's] and regulations pertaining to the specific duties and responsibilities of analytical testing
• Maintain and update all Standard Operating Procedures SOP for extraction, digestion, preparation, instrument setup, analysis, maintenance, etc
• Demonstrate basic computer skills to include word processing and spreadsheet programs and an ability to progress to higher levels as needed
• Stay up to date with current methodologies and inform supervisory personnel of any needed required changes in operations, equipment needs, etc to maintain regulatory compliance
• Perform all work safely in accordance with established safety policies and procedures
• Comply with all safety and health..

Essential Job Functions Con't

Essential Job Functions Con't

Education:

Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry, Biology or Environmental Science required

Certifications

Experience:

One (1) year preferred of analytical laboratory experience and/or analytical instrumentation experience operating either GC, GC/MS, ICPOES, IC, ICPMS, HPLCs, or TOC—which provide the requisite knowledge and skills to perform performance evaluation certifications for analytical testing required abilities for this job.

Supervision:

None

Physical Demands:

Position requires the ability to perform manual labor for extended periods. Must be physically able to operate a variety of job-related machines and office equipment. Position requires driving, sitting, standing, walking on level and slippery surfaces, reaching, kneeling, bending, lifting and carrying supplies weighing 25 pounds or more in the performance of job duties. Required to use chemicals and respond to after-hours emergency calls.

Working Environment:

Primarily indoors (environmental laboratory), subject to hazardous chemicals. Outdoors exposed to extreme hot/cold and/or wet weather conditions.