Chemist

Chemist
Salary
$7,731.00 - $10,646.00 Monthly

Location 
Palm Desert, CA

Job Type
Full Time

Job Number
2020-00358

Department
Environmental Services

Division
Laboratory

Opening Date
07/09/2024

Closing Date
7/31/2024 11:59 PM Pacific

DESCRIPTION
BENEFITS
QUESTIONS
Job Summary
TITLE: Chemist
SRN A38: $7,731 - $10,646 Monthly, Non-exempt
Bargaining Unit: CVWDEA
Department: Environmental Services
Section: Laboratory
REPORTING RELATIONSHIP:
Reports to: Laboratory Director

Promotional opportunity procedures will include the following:
Review of minimum qualifications 
Review of personnel files, including but not limited to: attendance history, disciplinary history, and performance evaluations
Testing/ Assessments: 
Oral Interview(s)

DEFINITION: Under general direction, performs standardized and nonstandard chemical, instrumental, physical, and biological analyses of potable water, sewage system water, irrigation water and other sources of water to determine quality, safety, and suitability of water for a variety of uses. Assists in the development and maintenance of the laboratory information management systems; assists the Laboratory Director in the operational tasks of the laboratory; troubleshoots, diagnose and coordinates repair and maintenance of instruments and equipment; assists in training laboratory staff; and performs related work as required.
Essential Functions
EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Performs analyses for which the laboratory has certification in an efficient, safe, and accurate manner, from the most complex instrumental analysis to the most basic of analysis; utilizes an Ion Chromatograph to analyze Anions and Hexavalent Chromium and processes the resulting raw data; enters data into Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
• Prepares written reports on analyses; responds to questions from other District personnel and outside entities about analyses of water samples, sampling and chemical procedures.
• Assists in maintaining LIMS database and is fully versed in database operations; meets schedules and deadlines such as sample holding times.
• Trains other laboratory personnel as needed on any of the analyses for which the laboratory has certification.
• Completes first level of review of analytical laboratory data for quality assurance by validating the analytical bench sheets of the other analysts prior to laboratory director approval; approves analytical bench sheets in the Laboratory Director’s absence.
• Ensures accurate and complete documentation of all laboratory functions. 
• Schedules Preventative Maintenance visits for laboratory equipment; reviews and updates the labs Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Orders samples for testing and analyses; orders chemicals and supplies; approves purchases and finalizes the accounting of those purchases.
• Assists in the development of the annual department budget as it relates to the water quality laboratory.
• Acquires quotes from vendors/manufacturers for new equipment purchases and yearly preventive maintenance of vital laboratory equipment; initiates purchase upon approval.
• Generates month-end Laboratory Activity Reports.
• Assists in the development and implementation of the laboratory’s Quality Assurance and Quality Control standards.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Licenses and Certifications: Possession of a valid California Driver’s License, to be maintained throughout employment.
Experience: Five (5) years of current laboratory bench experience of which five years of experience included work in a water laboratory or environmental analysis laboratory performing wet chemical and instrumental analysis and bacteriological analyses, including quality control applications.

Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in chemistry, biochemistry, biology, microbiology, environmental, sanitary, or public health engineering, natural or physical science or a closely related field and thirty-two (32) semester units in organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry and/or biochemistry.

Certificates, Licenses, Registration and Other Requirements
Knowledge of:

• Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS).
• Operation and maintenance of laboratory instruments used for performing water and wastewater analysis.
• Basic chemical and biological testing procedures.
• Proper handling of chemicals and samples and safe and accurate preparation of reagents.
• Laboratory safety procedures.
• Laboratory equipment and material care and maintenance.
• Data handling in each test the laboratory performs.
• Laboratory QA/QC and procedures.
• The periodic chart of the elements and atomic weights.
• American Water Works Association (AWWA) standard methods for the examination of water and wastewater.
• District and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.

Ability to:

• Perform fundamental laboratory analyses efficiently, safely, and accurately.
• Learn complex analytical procedures.
• Maintain clear and concise records.
• Work safely and follow established safety procedures.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and procedural guidelines.
• Analyze, evaluate, and interpret analytical data.
• Troubleshoot analytical and instrumentation issues.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Must possess mobility to work in a laboratory and a standard office setting and use standard office and laboratory equipment, including a computer; to operate a motor vehicle and visit various District sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone.  This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing at a lab bench in work areas and walking between work areas may be required.   Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator, to handle and wash fragile glassware, and to operate standard office equipment.   Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 25 pounds.

Information

• Location: Palm Desert, United States

Industry experience

Education: Bachelor

Seniority: Expert, Engineer, Consultant

Years of experience: 5 to 10 years

Taxonomy

• Chemical Treatment
• Chemistry
• Chemical Analysis
• Chemicals
• Inorganic Chemicals
• Acid-base Chemistry
• Organic Chemicals
• Analytical Chemistry
• Polymer chemistry Elastomets