Description

Job Description

Waters Chemist

Location: Laboratory

Supervisory duties: None

Status: Full-Time, Non-exempt, M-F

Reports To: Laboratory Director/Operations Manager

Range: Level I – R113, Level II – R114, Level III – R115, Level VI – R116

Job Summary:

Chemists work to assist our Agronomists in the field on how our food producers can increase yields, improve quality, and reduce costs. The accuracy of the tests that are run in the lab are key for our Agronomists as this is how they determine what advice to give to our clients. Chemists will perform analyses of samples while following all appropriate protocols – including, but not limited to: safety measures and quality control.

Duties/Responsibilities:

Level I

• Conduct experiments using proper lab equipment, prepare test solutions, and analyze/report test results. 
• Upon completion of DOCs (Demonstration of Capability), Chemists may be responsible for one or more of the following analyses or instruments depending on the training records and qualifications: Autotitrator (pH, EC, Alkalinity, Acidity) as well as manual pH/EC and Alkalinity, pH Titration, COD, BOD, Ammonia, TKN, TOC, Total Coliforms & E. Coli., Solids (TS, TDS, TSS, Settleable Solids, Volatile Residue), Color, Odor, and Turbidity. 
• All personnel involved in water analysis must demonstrate competence in their area of responsibility. Qualifications are based on education, training, experience, and demonstrated skills for each specific task.
• Any activity performed by the personnel must have constant, close supervision (by personnel who have already satisfactorily completed training and an updated DOC) until a satisfactory DOC is completed and approved by management. 
• All personnel are responsible for complying with all quality and data integrity policies and procedures that are relevant to their area of responsibility.
• Must be able to follow SOPs and accurately follow regulations set forth by ELAP and Dellavalle Laboratory, Inc. without deviation unless clearly specified by the Laboratory Director/Technical Manager and properly documented. 
• Must be aware of all quality controls related to each method as well as the acceptance criteria.
• Ensure samples are analyzed within hold times and resultant data has been evaluated and processed in a timely manner, free of errors. Must notify management if unable to meet Dellavalle Laboratory Inc turnaround time. 
• Prepare all required reagents as stated in the method, documenting the preparation as necessary.
• Perform all required maintenance as stated by the manufacturer, maintain current logbooks regarding maintenance.
• Record temperatures of all refrigerators, incubators, and ovens daily. Document the temperature in the appropriate logbooks and alert management if any settings need to be adjusted or thermometers replaced. 
• Maintain refrigerators for all water samples by rotating shelves in order received and Sample ID. 
• On a quarterly basis, calibrate all automatic pipettes and document in the appropriate logbook.
• On a quarterly basis, calibrate all bottle top dispensers and document in the logbook.
• On a biannual basis, perform scale calibrations using different weight sets.
• Maintain cleanliness to prevent contamination or analyte carryover. 
• Dispose of all waste appropriately.
• Must be aware of toxic and or hazardous materials in the laboratory. Know the proper protocol for dealing with common spills, leaks, etc.
• Communicate with supervisors, Soil & Tissue Manager, Water Quality Manager, and Laboratory Director/Technical Manager as needed.
• Ensure all information being entered into Element is accurate.
• Be capable of maintaining an Inventory of all consumables and submit requests for supplies applicable to task(s) as needed and ahead of time. 
• Annually, all employees shall be given a refresher ethics and data integrity training and are required to sign off on the Ethics & Data Integrity Policy
• As documents such as the Quality Manual or SOPs are revised, employees must attest through signature that they have read, understood, and agree to abide by the latest version of the documents or other policies that they are responsible for following.
• Additional training may be added specifically to the tasks or functions the employee is assigned to.
• Attending outside training as necessary. 
• May assist or cover duties typically performed by other employees.
• Other duties as assigned and qualified for, as determined by management.

Level II

Additional duties as listed under Level I.

Chemists may be responsible for one of the following analyses or instruments depending on the training records and qualifications: IC (Anions) or ICP (Metals). Must have DOCs on one of the sophisticated instruments (IC or ICP).

Level III

Additional duties as listed under Level II.

Chemists must have the ability to run both of the following analyses or instruments depending on the training records and qualifications: IC (Anions), ICP (Metals) plus DOCs on both sophisticated instruments (IC and ICP). 

Level IV

Additional duties as listed under Level III.

Take on additional duties, train members of the waters department, and handle quality control.

Requirements

Essential Job Functions: 

Analytical and skilled at reading facts, statistics and other data.

Excellent and precise data entry and typing skills.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Regular and Reliable attendance.

Ability to work with hands 100% of the day.

Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite Excel, Word, Outlook or related software.

Ability to work in a fast paced – multicultural environment.

Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. occasionally.

Ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.

Good organizational skills and attention to detail is a must.

This position may require overtime during our busy season and hours may fluctuate.

Ability to keep information confidential.

Ability to work independently.  

Education and Experience:

High School Diploma or GED Required

Full Time

Medical/Dental/Vision

Vacation

EOE