Chemist (Department of Watershed Management – Office of Watershed Protection)

Job Description

Salary commensurate with experience

At the City of Atlanta, we are passionate about building and improving our community.  Our police officers, firefighters and building inspectors keep our citizens safe. Our Public Works staff keeps our City clean and helps maintain, build and improve our City’s infrastructure.  Our City planners help envision and shape future City growth. Our Parks & Recreation professionals enhance our quality of life.

Our engineers help keep our drinking water clean, the largest airport in the world (by passenger volume) operating and our buildings maintained.  Along with the host of Finance, Procurement, and Human Resources professionals whose support is vital, we are the City of Atlanta!   If you are seeking a meaningful role where you can make a real difference improving and growing our City, we welcome you to explore the job opportunities we have to offer.

General Description and Classification Standards

Responsible for performing professional level chemical and microbiological analysis of water, wastewater, and/or industrial wastes. Conducts a wide variety of chemical and microbiological examinations of water and/or wastewater in the various stages of treatment. Develops methods and procedures for the analysis of water and/or wastewater samples. Incumbents in this class may provide lead supervision to other staff including, but not limited to: technicians, academic interns, newly hired water treatment operators, and water treatment staff who respond to emergencies at the work sites. This is an experienced, professional level capable of carrying out most assignments typical of the profession with limited guidance or review. This level would be considered a promotional level and attainable by any incumbents in a work group who possess the minimum qualifications and demonstrate the necessary knowledge, ability, and performance. Could be the only professional in this specialty in a work group.

Supervision Received

Performs work under general supervision with review and advice from manager or a senior level professional.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

These are typical responsibilities for this position and should not be construed as exclusive or all inclusive. May perform other duties as assigned.

· Communicates verbally and in writing with other City employees, vendors, customers, and management staff in order to explain chemical data analysis, technical data, and review of technical specifications.

· Prepares written materials for reporting to state agencies in compliance with laboratory licensure.

· Performs periodic physical, chemical, and microbiological analysis of water and wastewater.

· Distinguishes colors to complete analytical data.

· Enters data into a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) and reports analytical results.

· Uses specialized hand tools to install, maintain, calibrate, and repair laboratory analytical equipment. Operates a variety of standard office equipment (e.g., personal computer [PC], calculator, fax) to communicate and receive information.

· Makes purchases of and performs physical inventories of spare parts, laboratory equipment, and chemicals. Moves material, chemicals, and water samples from one place to another using hand trucks, trays, or lab carts.

· Cleans work area and/or laboratory equipment in order to maintain same.

· Works with hazardous chemicals such as, organic solvents, acids, and bases using personal protective equipment.

· Connects and disconnects high-pressure tanks of laboratory gases, some very flammable.

· Supervises, directs, evaluates and trains assigned staff handling employee concerns and problems.

· Directs work, counsels, and provides input into performance.

· Develops and determines methods and procedures for compliance analyses, conformance to state and federal specifications, and investigation of microbiological and chemical problems related to the water and/or wastewater treatment processes.

· Provides analytical data to be utilized in quality control of water and wastewater treatment. Plans and organizes water and wastewater compliance and laboratory activities. Conducts research and analyzes data for water and/or wastewater quality.

· Performs mathematical calculations, statistical computations, and analytical quality control calculations to analyze trends. Maintains all required records for lab licensure. Receives technical training from analytical equipment suppliers and regulatory agencies.

Decision Making

This position may be required to make decisions regarding scheduling people and resources for the purpose of collecting and analyzing drinking water samples, wastewater samples, or performing other tasks. Decides which analytical methods are most appropriate for resources and equipment limitations, factoring in cost and improvement to laboratory processes.

Leadership Provided

Routinely provides work group leadership, guidance, and/or training to less experienced staff.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

This is a partial listing of necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the job successfully. It is not an exhaustive list.

· Knowledge of chemical and microbiological principles and practices

· Knowledge of techniques, equipment, and terminology used in water and/or wastewater treatment plant and laboratory

· Knowledge of sophisticated analytical methods such as: Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometers, Ion Chromatography, Total Organic Carbon Analysis, Gas Chromatography with Electron Capture, and/or Mass Spectophotography Detectors; knowledge of chemicals, safety precautions, and equipment used in environmental, water, and wastewater facilities

· Knowledge of OSHA regulations as they apply to safe use of hazardous chemicals in the laboratory

· Knowledge of PC and related software pertinent to laboratory equipment and data reporting; knowledge of the calibration, operation, and maintenance of specialized testing equipment.

· Skilled in operating a computer and computer software; skilled in communicating effectively verbally and in writing.

· Ability to prioritize scheduled and unscheduled duties; ability to maintain lab licensure by updating all lab records, quality control records, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)

· Ability to perform physical, chemical, and microbiological examinations of water and/or wastewater

· Ability to understand technical literature related to the field; prepare work reports on problems and research

· Ability to handle all physical requirements, including eyesight, sufficient to permit extended microscopic work and normal color perception.

Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications – Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Chemistry or related field and 3 years of water/wastewater laboratory experience.

Preferred Education & Experience

Master’s degree in Biology, Chemistry or related field and 3 years of water/wastewater laboratory experience.

Licensures and Certifications

State of Georgia Water or Wastewater Laboratory Analyst License required. Valid State Issued Driver’s License required

Essential Capabilities and Work Environment

Required physical, lifting, and sensory capabilities are requirements to perform the job successfully. Typical environmental conditions associated with job.

This position can require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, driving, and outdoors exposure in all elements. The exposure to all aspects of an environmental testing laboratory is routine. Lifting up to 50 pounds maybe necessary.

City of Atlanta is an equal opportunity employer.