Chemist

Posting Close Date: 

Applicants must submit their completed application by 02-22-2026 at 11:59 p.m. MST

Application and Special Instructions

As part of the online application process, all applicants are required to submit an updated resume and encouraged to submit a cover letter at the time of application. Resumes and cover letters received after the application closing date will not be considered.

Applications received that do not contain a resume will be considered incomplete and will not be considered further in this recruitment process.

If submitting a cover letter, please include relevant instruments used and methods performed.

If you possess any of the preferred qualifications listed and wish to receive consideration for the experience, the information must be verifiable in your resume and/or cover letter.

ABOUT THIS JOB

Position Specific Description

The Chemist position in the City of Tucson’s Water Department performs chemical analysis and associated duties on drinking water, groundwater, reclaimed and surface water utilizing United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and Standard Methods approved and licensed methodologies in the Water Quality Laboratory. Duties include analyzing samples, processing analytical data, and preparing reports in compliance with local, state and federal laws regarding drinking water, groundwater, and surface water requirements.

This position will report to the Chemist Supervisor. This position does not supervise.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Performs Analysis of water samples by the following methods: Metals by EPA Methods 200.7 and 200.8 by ICP/OES and ICP/MS, Mercury by EPA Method 245.1 by Flow Injection, Anions by EPA Method 300 by Ion Chromatography, 1,4-Dioxane by EPA Method 522 by GC/MS, Volatile Organic Compounds by EPA Method 524.2 and 8260B by GC/MS, PFAS by EPA Method 533 by LC/MS/MS, TOC by Standard Method 5310C by TOC/UV, Solid Phase Extraction with EPA 522 and EPA 533 methodologies. 

• Processes data for initial calibrations, on-going calibration verification and sample data results utilizing Chromeleon for IC, Agilent ICP/MS MassHunter, Agilent ICP/OES Expert, Agilent GC/MS MassHunter and Tekmar TekLink software. Performs upload and review of data to Element Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS). 

• Prepares reagents and dilutions.  Prepares calibration and working standards for analysis.  Replaces compressed gas tanks and Argon dewars on instrumentation.

• Prepares and maintains instrumentation.  Upkeeps maintenance, analysis, standards and reagent logs. Prepares and maintains Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Maintains a safe working environment for all staff.

• Performs Bench review and Peer review for qualified analyses and findings in the respective units. 

• Performs all other duties and tasks as assigned. Assists with special projects and assignments as required.

All duties and responsibilities listed are subject to change.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education
Bachelor’s degree

Experience
Two (2) years of relevant experience

Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in chemical, biochemical, spectroscopy or related science fields.
Masters/PHD degrees are desirable but not required.
Experience performing analytical testing using ICP/OES, ICP/MS, IC, GC/MS and LC/MS.
Familiar with EPA Methods 200.7/200.8 for Metals, EPA Method 300 for Anions, EPA Methods 524.2 and 8260B for VOC analysis, and EPA Methods 522 and 533 for 1,4-Dioxane and PFAS analysis.
Experience with Inductively Coupled Plasma instrumentation.
Experience with Ion Chromatography
Experience with manual and/or automated Solid Phase Extraction (SPE) techniques.
Experience with Electron Impact ionization (EI) mass spectral interpretation.
Experience with Isotope Dilution quantitation technique.
Experience with Agilent GC/MS MassHunter, ICP/MS MassHunter and ICP/OES Expert instrument software.
Experience with Chromeleon IC Software
Experience with Clinisys Element Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).

POSITION DETAILS

Job Profile

J4018 - Chemist

To view the full job profile including classification specifications and physical demands click https://www.tucsonaz.gov/Departments/Human-Resources/Tucson-Talent.

Compensation Grade

G107

Hourly Range

$26.57 - 39.86 USD

The City of Tucson considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, and internal equity.

FLSA

Exempt

Position Type

Regular

Time Type

Full time

Department

Water Utility, ZBUDG HIER - Recurring

Department Link

https://www.tucsonaz.gov/Departments/Water

Background Check:  This position has been designated to require a criminal background check.  The City of Tucson is a Second Chance Employer.

ABOUT US

Benefits: The City of Tucson offers a generous benefits package for benefit-eligible positions. The comprehensive, flexible, and affordable coverage is designed to optimize health and well-being, security and future, and peace of mind. Benefits begin with medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and FSA coverage, surpassing your standard 401(k) program by offering a rich pension plan plus optional Roth and pretax deferred compensation savings. With your well-being in mind, our paid time off program provides new hires with 38 paid days off in the first year of employment, with time off increasing steadily in subsequent years. We offer twelve weeks of paid parental leave, paid tuition reimbursement, student loan repayment, off- and on-the-job training, and opportunities to forge connections with peers and the community through employee resource groups and paid volunteer hours. You can learn more about our benefits at https://www.tucsonaz.gov/Departments/Human-Resources/Employee-Benefit-Snapshot.

Citizenship: The City of Tucson employs only U.S. Citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. Citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Status. The City of Tucson does not offer visa sponsorship.

City of Tucson is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation, gender identity, and pregnancy), national origin, veteran status, age, disability, genetic testing, or any other protected status.  If you believe you have been a victim of discrimination, you may file a complaint with the City of Tucson's Office of Equal Opportunity Programs, U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or Arizona Attorney General's Office of the Civil Rights Division (ACRD).  Click for more information from ACRD about employment discrimination and how to file a complaint with ACRD 

The City of Tucson is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities or who require religious accommodation; please contact Human Resources at [email protected] or 520-791-2619.   

Recruiter Name

Munerra Acosta (202167)

Recruiter Email

[email protected]

For Human Resources general questions please contact 520-791-4241.