Chemist

Published on by for Orange County Water District

Chemist

JOB DESCRIPTION:
The QA/QC Chemist is the first level in a multi-level QA/QC Chemist series. Incumbents will work to ensure that the laboratory’s activities in relation to the analysis of drinking water and wastewater are compliant with the laboratory’s written policies and procedures, and that those policies and procedures are in turn compliant with local, state, and federal regulatory requirements. The QA/QC Chemist is distinguished from the Senior QA/QC Chemist, which works more independently and may serve as the District representative at external meetings. Under supervision from the LIMS & QA/QC Administrator, the QA/QC Chemist is responsible for ensuring the validity and defensibility of all data produced from the Lab’s chemical and microbiological analysis of wastewater, recycled water, groundwater, and surface water samples collected for regulatory compliance, groundwater management, general monitoring, operational support, and applied research activities.

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Serving as a lead, including assigning and monitoring work related to the QA/QC process;
Assisting in design and implementation of QA/QC systems;
Utilization of computer systems and paper recordkeeping to properly document the laboratory’s compliance with regulatory requirements;
Writing and reviewing QC Manuals, SOPs, Flowcharts, Logbooks, and related documents;
Conducting internal audits of every aspect of the laboratory’s activities and managing corrective actions;
Organizing Proficiency Testing (PT) and ensuring PT results satisfy lab’s accreditation requirements;
Performing document control of laboratory SOPs and other documents;
Ensuring that analysis done on water samples conforms to federal and state regulations (including the TNI standard as adopted by the State of California) as well as to reference methods (EPA and Standard Methods);
Calibrating or verifying analytical instruments and equipment in accordance with regulations and the reference method;
Developing and maintaining recordkeeping systems, including digital recordkeeping systems within and outside of laboratory information management systems (LIMS), this includes information management software such as Qualtrax, which may not be considered a traditional LIMS;
Helping to ensure proper documentation and recordkeeping throughout the laboratory;
Assisting in further applications and development of LIMS to improve productivity and quality;
Developing staff contacts at sister agencies and regulatory entities who provide similar support and focus;
Keeping abreast of new developments in applicable regulations and quality assurance practices;
Inventory management with a focus on QA/QC to ensure that all items are from an approved vendor, appropriate for their intended use, properly stored per manufacturer/method, traceable, and within expiration or holding time; also ensure retention of applicable Certificates of Analysis or other item documentation which establishes item traceability;
Participating in laboratory and District safety programs;
Supporting specific monitoring programs with additional methods and QA/QC requirements, such as UCMR Program monitoring;
Writing reports summarizing compliance, data quality, and trends;
Performs other duties of a similar nature or level, as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:
Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in Chemistry, Biology, Microbiology or a related field is required.

Experience: Minimum of four years of professional level experience in an analytical laboratory operating within a QA/QC framework similar to that required of a drinking water, wastewater, or environmental laboratory; or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above. An advanced degree or certification in Quality Assurance/Quality Control may substitute for up to two years of laboratory experience if the other two years of working experience are in QA/QC.

Highly Desirable Qualifications:
Knowledge of: The environmental water laboratory regulatory framework as established by California ELAP, the EPA and the Code of Federal Regulations, and the NELAC Institute; Standard Methods and EPA methods and QC requirements; The TNI 2016 Standard requirements; Maximum Contaminant Levels, Public Health Goals, Notification Levels, Detection Limits for Purposes of Reporting; Laboratory Information Management Systems and Qualtrax; Document Control; mathematics; quantitation, statistical techniques as they apply to QC; training principles; safe work practices.

Skill in: Reading, analyzing, and interpreting regulations, reference methods (for instance from the EPA or Standard Methods) and scientific or technical journals; applying requirements found in regulations and reference methods to standard operating procedures; performing chemistry calculations, data review, preparing reports, and giving presentations; communication, interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisor, the general public, etc. sufficient to receive work direction from laboratory management and respond to inquiries or complaints from internal and external customers, including laboratory staff, staff from other departments within the District, professional organizations, regulatory agencies, or members of the community; experience with Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) or other computer systems for QA/QC documentation; preventive maintenance, calibration, and verification of instruments and equipment.

Special Requirements:
Possession of a valid California Class “C” Driver’s License and proof of automobile insurance.

Special Working Conditions:
Positions in this class typically require: reaching, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motion; exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently to move objects.  Incumbents may be subjected to moving mechanical parts, fumes, odors, chemicals, gases, poor ventilation, chemicals, and intense noises. Incumbents require sufficient physical ability to work in an office setting; stand or sit for prolonged periods of time; operate office equipment including use of a computer keyboard; push, pull, lift, and/or carry light amounts of weight; verbally communicate to exchange information.

SCHEDULE:
Current temporary schedule is a 4/10 due to COVID-19 restrictions, 7:00 am – 5:30 pm. However, the permanent schedule is a 9/80 with every other Friday off, 7:00 am – 4:30 pm. Must be able to work additional hours and weekends when required.

Salary Range (DOQ): $39.80 – 49.76 per hour

Candidates given an offer of employment will be required to pass a medical examination and background check. You must submit an OCWD online employment application to be considered. Please visit www.ocwd.com to complete an application. Applications will be accepted until a sufficient number apply. EOE

Email
jobs@ocwd.com

Information

Industry experience

Education: Bachelor

Seniority: Expert, Engineer, Consultant

Years of experience: 1 to 5 years

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