Analytical Chemist

 JOB TITLE:

Analytical Chemist

JOB CLASS NUMBER:

PAY GRADE:

G09

FLSA STATUS:

Non-Exempt

BUSINESS UNIT NAME:

Laboratory Administration

REPORTS TO:

Environmental Laboratory Manager

SUPERVISORY WORK:

None

SUMMARY

The City of Amarillo is seeking exceptionally organized, safety minded, and analytically minded team members for the position of Analytical Chemist in support of our current and future TNI (formerly NELAC) Accredited Laboratory operations. Persons applying for this position will be responsible for daily performance of instrumental analysis of organic and inorganic constituents supporting City water and wastewater permitting requirements. This person will support teamwork through the daily performance of key calibrations and measurements of analytical parameters supportive of method development performed by Environmental Chemist personnel. This person will support the community and public health through the consistent and ethical performance of analytical chemistry on a daily basis.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Analytical Analysis
  • Analyzes water, wastewater, stormwater, sludge, solid waste, and soils for chemical, physical, and biochemical parameters, utilizing ICP, ICP-MS, HPLC, Ion Chromatography, UV-Vis, Turbidimeter, specific ion electrodes, TC/TOC UV-Persulfate, water purification systems, microscope and other lab equipment, including some GC work.
  • Perform complex liquid-liquid extractions and digestions safely and efficiently.
  • Compile analytical reports for peer review by Environmental Chemist personnel.
  • Provide immediate support to changing laboratory priorities through effective cross-training and broad methodological understanding.
  • Maintain water purification system through addition of required chemical constituents and changes of membranes and filter cartridges.
  • Maintain clean and organized laboratory spaces of shared work areas including materials stocking and glassware washing.
  • Perform routine preventive maintenance on laboratory instruments and provide immediate communication to Environmental Chemist of any instrument or material needing more skilled repairs.
  • Performs routine analysis of quality control samples and has a keen understanding of abnormal data outliers.
  • Functions as a member of the City's TNI (formerly NELAC) Drinking Water Bacteriological operation.
• Internal Support
  • Participates in City wide annual chemical inventory review and assists in preparing preliminary Tier II report generation.
  • Performs credit card purchases of up to $3,000 without approval from supervisor.
  • Assists with customer complaints, giving information and direction when needed.
  • Assists with maintaining inventories.
• Implementation
  • Assists in the technical writing of technical standard operating procedures, controlled documents, and forms development.
  • Assists in the physical analysis of developing and improving analytical methods, such as calibrations, method detection limits, and routine performance evaluation samples.
  • Learns new technologies and techniques as new instruments and methods are developed.
• Professional Development
  • Sets goals for continuous improvement of key analytical skills through training internally and externally with organizations such as American Chemistry Society (ACS), TWUA, and TNI training.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Requires an Associate’s Degree in one of the Physical Sciences, Chemistry preferred, and a minimum of two years of analytical chemistry laboratory experience. Possession of a Bachelor’s Degree in one of the Physical Sciences may be substituted for laboratory experience. Must work to obtain a Class “C” Water/Wastewater Certification. Alternately, candidates with four years of water or wastewater operator experience with a focus on process control analysis may be considered in-lieu of collegiate experience. Meeting the TNI Technical Manager requirements is not required for this position; however, it is encouraged as a valuable opportunity for continuing education and long-term professional success. Valid Texas Driver’s License required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Ability to operate all analytical equipment consistent with the operation of a modern, full service environmental laboratory.
• Ability to operate data entry spreadsheets and operate within a LIMS platform.
• Ability to read and comprehend standard operating procedures and follow direction.
• Ability to operate computers for data entry and word processing.
• Ability to operate and repair misc. laboratory equipment.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills as development of technical documentation is required.
• 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 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 30 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. The employee must also walk, balance, climb, crawl, crouch, stand, kneel, stoop, sit, hear, feel, finger, grasp, handle, pull, push, reach, speak, see, and talk. It also requires the ability to make rational decisions and perform repetitive motions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment is mostly in an indoor laboratory setting with mandatory use of essential PPE. The employee works in a dynamic environment that requires being sensitive to change and responsive to changing goals, priorities, and needs. Must be able to work in a laboratory setting where observation and workplace safety are considered priority.

APPROVALS

Incumbent:

Date:

Supervisor:

Date:

Department Head:

Date:

Division Director:

Date:

HR Director:

Date:

EFFECTIVE DATE:

5/23/05

DATES MODIFIED:

6/13, 7/8/16, 6/15/26

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 806-378-4294.