Chemist                                                           FLSA Status:  Exempt

General Definition of Work

Performs professional work maintaining laboratory facilities and certifications, performing standard and special chemical and bacteriological laboratory tests, preparing and maintaining detailed records, reports and files, and related work as apparent or assigned.  Work is performed under the limited supervision of the assigned departmental supervisor.

 

Qualification Requirements

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required and are not necessarily actual functions of this position.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

 

Essential Functions

Performs duties in accordance with the City's keys to excellent customer service.

Performs chemical and physical analyses for the purpose of water and wastewater quality assurance; develops and supports research and special projects.

Researches, develops and implements new standard operating procedures as needed.

Works independently making decisions and solving standard operating procedures as needed.

Prepares various analytical standards, quality controls, reagents and solutions.

Maintains analytical integrity by testing laboratory data against quality control criteria as required by the state.

Enters and/or confirms data entered from bench sheets into the laboratory database; checks appropriate reports, reports any unusual results and makes recommendations based on evaluation of lab data.

Monitors water, wastewater and industrial discharge sites; collects and preserves samples as required.

Assists with developing and implementing goals, policies and procedures.

Ensures compliance with safety policies.

Answers questions and provides information to the public; investigates complaints and takes corrective action as necessary.

 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Thorough knowledge of the principles of organic and inorganic chemistry; thorough knowledge of modern chemical laboratory procedures, techniques and equipment and skill in their use; thorough knowledge of chemistry and biochemistry; ability to perform research work on problems of a chemical nature; ability to prepare clear and accurate reports; ability to plan and supervise the work of subordinates; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, consultants, regulatory agency representatives and the general public.

 

Education and Experience

Bachelor's degree with coursework in environmental science, chemistry, or related field and moderate experience in a municipal pretreatment program or water/wastewater laboratory, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

 

Physical Requirements

This work requires the occasional exertion of up to 10 pounds of force; work regularly requires sitting, speaking or hearing and using hands to finger, handle or feel and occasionally requires standing, walking, reaching with hands and arms and tasting or smelling; work has standard vision requirements; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels; work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data, visual inspection involving small defects and/or small parts, using measuring devices, operating machines and observing general surroundings and activities; work frequently requires exposure to toxic or caustic chemicals and occasionally requires exposure to fumes or airborne particles, exposure to bloodborne pathogens and may be required to wear specialized personal protective equipment and Bodily Fluids; work is generally in a moderately noisy location (e.g. business office, light traffic).

 

Special Requirements

Possession of or ability to obtain appropriate laboratory analyst certification as required.

Valid commercial driver's license in the State of North Carolina.