Chemist I - Amarillo, United States - City of Amarillo, TX

Description

STARTING PAY:
$20.38/hr. - $25.78/hr.


SUMMARY

Under minimal supervision, this position performs a variety of complex benchtop chemical, physical, and biological tests of water, wastewater, solid wastes, and soils.

Duties also include assisting the Environmental Chemist as needed.


ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conducts chemical and biological analysis of water, wastewater, storm water, sludge, solid waste, and soils for chemical, physical, and biological parameters, using Standard Methods and EPA approved methodologies.
• Runs, maintains, and calibrates, analytically relevant machines, tools, meters, and probes.
• Records lab results for permitted and non-permitted work.
• Responds to customer complaints and inquiries by phone and by traveling to the location to sample and test residential and commercial water on-site.
• Functions as a member of the City's NELAC Drinking Water Bacteriological operation, performing analysis and submitting required reports.
• Follows safety guidelines for handling hazardous materials.
• Assists in performing the annual chemical inventory. Assists other upper level Chemists as needed.
• Assists in the operation of a radiation control program, with a state license, which monitors ionizing radiation.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Requires an Associate's Degree in one of the Physical Sciences or a related field and/or a minimum of one year of laboratory experience, OR a Bachelor's Degree in one of the Physical Sciences.

NELAC Certification and a Class C Water/Wastewater Certification will be required upon 1 year of employment. Valid Texas Driver's License required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Ability to operate all analytical and other equipment consistent with the operation of a modern, full service environmental laboratory, including but not limited to laboratory glassware, meters, pipettors, turbidimeters, analytical balances, and vacuum filtration equipment. Knowledge of some equipment such as IC, TOC, Spectrophotometers, and ICP.
• Ability to identify and safely use hazardous chemicals and combinations of chemicals and hazardous unknowns.
• Ability to operate computers for data entry and word processing.
• Strong verbal and written communication skill.
• Ability to communicate and work effectively with fellow employees and the general public
• Ability to operate small office equipment, including copy machines or multi-line telephone systems.

ADA PROFILE
Reasonable accommodation will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to exert up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force to move objects.

The employee must also walk, balance, stand, sit, hear, feel, grasp, handle, pull, push, reach, speak, see, and talk. Also requires the ability to make rational decisions and perform repetitive motions.


WORK ENVIRONMENT
The employee works in a safe and secure indoor work environment that may periodically have unpredicted requirements or demands.

The City of Amarillo is an Equal Opportunity employer and encourages applications from eligible and qualified persons regardless of race, color, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, age, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, familial status, disability, genetic information or protected veteran status, in compliance with applicable federal, state and local law.

The City of Amarillo provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities on a case by case basis. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please contact the Human Resources Office at