Chemist I/Ii

THE POSITION:The Alameda County Water District, in Fremont, California, is seeking to hire a Chemist to join the team of analysts providing sample collection and water quality data for proper operation of facilities treating surface water, blending groundwater, and desalinating brackish groundwater, monitoring the distribution system, and reporting to regulatory agencies. The laboratory is staffed with a supervisor, senior chemist, three chemists and three laboratory technicians and, maintains ELAP accreditation for over forty (40) potable water parameters. The incumbent will report to the Laboratory Services Supervisor with duties that include but are not limited to the following:

• perform analyses on drinking water using simple and/or sophisticated instruments or equipment such as colorimeters, balances, burets, ICP-MS, GC-MS, ion chromatograph and TOC analyzer,
• maintain knowledge and proficiency with tests for bacteriological, chemical, and physical parameters in the laboratory and at District facilities such as chlorine residual, TDS, pH, hardness by titration, turbidity, coliform presence/absence, and HPC.
• review and authorize analytical data generated by laboratory staff by verifying batch quality control parameters are acceptable, necessary documentation is complete and correct, results are reasonable, and samples are representative.
• apply basic statistical tools to verify accuracy and precision of analytical results and identify possible bias or trends.
• monitor the work of technicians to ensure sampling and analyses are performed as scheduled and following documented procedures,
• respond to queries and complaints from the public regarding water chemistry, microbial content, taste, and odor; partners with District engineers to determine if operational factors may be impacting water quality, investigates issue, and provides explanation to customer.
• provide training on sampling techniques and analytical methods for laboratory staff and other District employees,
• participate in the purchase, implementation, periodic calibration and maintenance of instruments and general use laboratory equipment and supplies,
• speak with Districts customers who call with complaints regarding appearance of water (e.g., unusual color, particles) taste, and odor.

Examples of Duties

The Chemist I is the entry-level class in the professional Chemist series. Under general supervision by the Laboratory Services Supervisor within a framework of established policies and procedures, incumbents learn and perform a variety of routine and specialized laboratory tests and analyses. As experience and proficiency are gained, assignments become more varied and complex.
The Chemist II is the experienced, journey-level class in the professional Chemist series. Under direction within a framework of established policies and procedures, incumbents perform the full range of more difficult and complex laboratory tests and analyses and may provide some work direction and training to technicians and less experienced chemists. There is significant latitude for independent judgment and action in well-defined areas of work.
This classification is distinguished from the Senior Chemist in that the later has expect level knowledge and skill in performing water quality analyses.

Typical Qualifications

Education and Experience
All Levels: Possession of a Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university with a major in chemistry, or a related field.
Chemist I: In addition to the above, no work experience required.
Chemist II: In addition to the above, two (2) years of full-time experience as a professional chemist, which includes at least one year in water or wastewater analysis.
Additional Requirements: Must possess a valid California Driver’s license and a satisfactory driving record.
SALARY: Depending on qualifications and experience, this position may be filled at any level. The annual salary ranges for the respective levels are as follows: Chemist I $103,374- $125,659, and Chemist II $114,865- $139,627, plus excellent benefits.

Selection Procedure

1. Application materials must be submitted online at www.acwd.org no later than 5:00 p.m., on March 29, 2024. Application materials must include a completed Alameda County Water District Employment application AND Supplemental Questionnaire. Incomplete applications will not be given further consideration.
2. All applications will be evaluated, and candidates who present the best job-related qualifications will be invited to participate in the interview process.
3. Employment offers are normally made following conduct of reference checks and are always contingent upon successful completion of a pre-employment physical exam, as well as a security background check.
4. Employment is made contingent upon verification of identity and legal right to work in the U.S.A. pursuant to federal law, and the signing of a loyalty oath, pursuant to the state law.

Health Insurance: Coverage is provided through the CalPERS Health program. Employees contribute 1.0% of salary toward the cost of their medical benefits. Under the Cafeteria Plan, employees will receive a flex dollar allowance to purchase healthcare coverage, and qualifying voluntary products.
Dental and Vision: Coverage for the employee and eligible dependents is fully paid by the District.
Retirement: California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) benefit depends on whether the employee is a "new" member or "classic" member under state law.
Classic member: Employee who is a member of PERS or reciprocal agency within six months of hire at ACWD. 2.5% @ 55 with 8% employee contribution. $5000 Retired Death Benefit, 3% Annual Cost-of-Living Allowance Increase, Post-Retirement Survivor Allowance to Continue After Remarriage, Pre-Retirement Death Benefits to Continue After Remarriage of Survivor, Additional Opportunity to Elect 1959 Survivor Benefits, 1959 Survivor Benefit Level 4, Unused Sick Leave Credit, Public Service Credit for Peace Corps, AmeriCorps VISTA, or AmeriCorps Service, Military Service Credit as Public Service, Final Compensation 1 Year, Post-Retirement Survivor Allowance, Prior Service. The District picks up 2.5% of the CalPERS retirement contribution.
New member: Employees hired after 12/31/12 who were not members of PERS or a reciprocal agency within the last six months of hire at ACWD. 2% @ 62 with 7% employee contribution. Effective 7/1/23 PEPRA employee contributions will increase to 7.75%. $5000 Retired Death Benefit, 1959 Survivor Benefit Level 4, 3% Annual Cost-of-Living Allowance Increase, Additional Opportunity to Elect 1959 Survivor Benefits, Final Compensation 3 Years, Military Service Credit as Public Service, Post-Retirement Survivor Allowance, Post-Retirement Survivor Allowance to Continue After Remarriage, Pre-Retirement Death Benefits to Continue After Remarriage of Survivor, Pre-Retirement Option 2W Death Benefit, Prior Service, Public Service Credit for Peace Corps, AmeriCorps VISTA, or AmeriCorps Service, Unused Sick Leave Credit.
Social Security/Medicare: The District does not participate in Social Security, but provides a 1.45% matching Medicare contribution.
Retiree Health Benefits: Coverage is provided through the CalPERS Health program. The District's contribution for retiree coverage shall be the PEMHCA minimum contribution as determined by CalPERS on an annual basis. Please refer to the Memorandum of Understanding for various eligibility and plan details.
Employees hired on or after January 1, 2019 will receive a defined-contribution benefit into a retiree health savings account.
Life Insurance: The District provides you with Basic Life Insurance and Basic AD&D Insurance of one and one half times your annual salary to a maximum of $250,000. There is no cost to employee for this insurance.
Long Term Disability: The District provides you with Long Term Disability Income Insurance of 66 2/3% of monthly earnings with a maximum monthly benefit of $15,000.
Short Term Disability: Coverage is provided through the District for employees working more than 20 hours per week at 66 2/3% of base weekly earnings for the first 12 weeks up to a weekly benefit maximum of $2,350.
Deferred Compensation: Optional deferred income plans allowing tax sheltering of current income and payment later as supplemental retirement income. The District pays a match of up to $1,750 per year to the employee's 401(a).
Vacation: 10 days first year, increasing to 25 days after 20 years.
Holidays: 11 days per year.
Sick Leave: 12 days per year
Management Leave: 80 hours to 96 hours of Management Leave per calendar year (depending on classification).
Employee Assistance Program: Up to 6 sessions for employees and family members for professional consultation and short-term counseling for personal problems.
Tuition Reimbursement: The District will reimburse 100% of the total tuition and textbook costs incurred in taking courses outside of normal working hours related to District employment up to an annual maximum of $5,250.