Chemist

J  o  b    D  e  s  c  r  i  p  t  i  o  n

Job Information

Title:

Chemist

Market Range:

MR18

Approved Date:

3/26/2021 10:25:12 AM

FLSA:

Exempt

EEO Code:

PROFESSIONALS

Career Level:

P3

Career Level Description:

Professional Level 3

Job Code:

100094

Job Family:

Environmental Services

Sub Family:

Water Quality

Primary Purpose

Completes standardized and certified chemical analysis of samples to protect residents from contaminants that may be present in drinking and recreational waters and to ensure clean water resources. Develops, updates, and maintains the Standardized Operating Procedures for the laboratory. Develops, coordinates, and maintains the laboratory Proficiency and Competency Testing Programs. Maintains and calibrates equipment. Monitors and maintains contracts with vendors. Performs special projects as assigned.

•

Analyzes environmental samples for physical, chemical, and biological components and reports results

1

40%

•

Maintains laboratory certification within State and Federal requirements

2

10%

•

Coordinates and supervises the sampling schedule for a variety of analyses

3

10%

•

Standardizes, calibrates, and operates laboratory instrumentation such as atomic absorption spectrometer (AA) with graphite furnace, UV/V is spectrophotometer, selective ion analyzer (ISE), and other, less complex laboratory equipment. Coordinates repairs or replacement as needed.

4

10%

•

Evaluates customer needs and delivers customer-oriented reports and technical assistance

5

10%

•

Develops standardized testing procedures for biological, chemical, and physical analyses on environmental samples of water and recreational waters

6

10%

•

Manages and maintains contracts with vendors for sample analysis and supply purchases

7

10%

Position(s) may perform other duties in addition to the above as assigned by management.

*IMPORTANT* In the event of an emergency, as determined by the County Manager or designee, participation in preparedness and response operations should be expected. Employee may be required to fill a temporary assignment in a role different from standard duties, work hours and/or work location in preparation for, during and after the emergency. Employee may also be required to participate in relevant exercises and regular preparedness training.

Career Level Dimensions

Career Level:

P3

Career Level Description:

Professional Level 3

•

Plans and manages projects that have significant impact on Work Group and Division results OR works as a technical expert within a Medical or Scientific Discipline.

•

Shares insights and analyses that inform new processes, and/or operational plans.

•

Responsible for making improvements in processes, systems, or standards to enhance performance of the Work Group.

•

Works to influence parties within and outside of the Work Group and Division regarding projects and procedures.

•

May be responsible for providing guidance, coaching and training to other employees within the Work Group.

•

Requires advanced knowledge of the Work Group and Division typically obtained through advanced education combined with experience. May have practical knowledge of project management.

•

Within Medical or Scientific Disciplines, typically requires a doctoral degree.

Qualifications

•

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or related physical science field

•

Four years of experience in sample analysis

•

Valid Driver's License and "safe" driving record

•

Equivalent education and experience are accepted

•

Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the analytical methods used for environmental sampling of water quality.

•

Operate and maintain general and analytical instrumentation, such as spectrophotometers, formulation and QC lab, preventative maintenance and calibration. Batch, fill, evaluate samples, evaluate the product and perform QC.

•

Strong listening skills to understand a customer perspective and provide services that meet expectations.

•

Good laboratory housekeeping practices and adherence to safety regulations.

•

Ability to communicate effectively in written and oral formats to explain technical information to the public.

•

Proficient in the use of a computer for mathematical, word processing, and database functions

An individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily to perform this job successfully. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Competencies

Analysis

Examines data to grasp issues, draw conclusions, and solve problems.

Attention to Detail

Thoroughness in accomplishing a task through concern for all the areas involved, no matter how small. Monitors and checks work or information and plans and organizes time and resources efficiently.

Quality Assurance

Produces results or provides service that meets or exceeds organizational standards. May audit the work of others to ensure quality standards are met.

Customer Service

Balances interests of a variety of clients, and readily readjusts priorities to respond effectively to pressing and changing demands for information, advice and assistance.  Anticipates and meets the needs of clients; achieves quality end products; and commits to continuous improvement of services.

Project or Program Management

Structures and directs others’ work on projects or programs.

Problem Solving

Builds a logical approach to address problems or opportunities or manage the situation at hand by drawing on one's knowledge and experience base, and calling on other references and resources as necessary.

Integrity

Act with honesty, transparency and respect in our interactions with co-workers and those we serve. Adhere, without exception, to laws, policies, procedures and professional standards.

Accountability

Establish high-quality standards for work. Add value. Measure results and hold self and others accountable for making progress toward desired outcomes. Take a logical and data-driven approach to decision-making.

Diversity

Believe that different backgrounds and experiences strengthen the organization and produce better results. Value inclusion across race, gender, age, religion, identity and experience, and strive to reflect in our workforce the diversity of our community.

Collaboration

Foster a work culture in which different ideas and opinions are encouraged and expected. Listen carefully and speak thoughtfully. Work together toward shared goals with mutual respect and cooperation.

Continuous Improvement

Continuously improve work processes and products. Provide a safe environment to be innovative and creative and try new things. When things don't go as planned, use it as an opportunity to learn, regroup and begin again. Provide time and resources for individuals to grow and develop both personally and professionally.

Wellness

Take proactive steps to be physically fit and healthy, emotionally strong, financially secure and socially fulfilled, while inspiring and empowering others to do the same.

Service Orientation

Commit to making a difference within the community. Actively engage in and enjoy our work. Deliver services that exceed expectations, with courtesy, politeness and sensitivity to the experiences, concerns and feelings of all co-workers and customers.

ADA Checklist

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions

Standard ADA Selection:

Office Environment

Standing

X

Walking

X

Sitting

X

Lifting/Carrying 0-10 pounds

X

Lifting/Carrying 10-20 pounds

X

Lifting/Carrying 20-50 pounds

X

Lifting/Carrying 50-100 pounds

X

Pushing

X

Pulling

X

Climbing

X

Balancing

X

Stooping

X

Kneeling

X

Crouching

X

Crawling

X

Reaching

X

Handling

X

Grasping

X

Fingering

X

Feeling

X

Talking

X

Hearing

X

Visual Perception

X

Repetitive Motions

X

Eye/Hand/Foot Coordination

X

Memorization/Concentration

X

Learning/Knowledge Retention

X

Preparing/Analyzing Numerical Figures

X

Use of Interfaced Commmunication Devices (Phone, Computer, Radio etc.)

X

Analyzing/Examining/Testing Data

X

Emotional/Behavioral Self-Regulation

X

Interacting with Others

X

Comprehension

X

Organization

X

Decision Making

X

Comprehension

Understand complex problems and collaborate to explore alternative solutions

Organization

Organize and prioritize individual work schedule to manage multiple tasks and/or projects

Decision Making

Make decisions that have significant impact on a department's credibility, operations and/or services

Communication

Communicate in-depth information for the purpose of interpreting and/or negotiating

Extreme cold

X

Extreme heat

X

Humid

X

Wet

X

Noise

X

Hazards

X

Temperature Change

X

Atmospheric Conditions

X

Vibration

X

Computers/Monitors

X