Organic Chemist

Overview

The purpose of this position is to plan, direct and perform complex applied research in the identification and quantitative analyses of chemical compounds present in water or other substances using highly sophisticated laboratory instruments; performs routine and unusual chemical or physical analyses of water, particulates, and other materials; and performs other related duties as required. The individual guides and trains technicians and other chemists assigned to well-defined areas of the research.

 

WaterOne is an independent public water utility. We've been proudly serving the Johnson County, Kansas area since 1957. Every day, nearly 455,000 customers rely on WaterOne to provide fresh, clean water on demand. It's a responsibility we deliver on. Our passion is water, because water touches everything we care about: family, health, safety, and community. We serve our community by bringing award-winning water to their homes, businesses, and public places.

 

WaterOne provides competitive benefits and compensation ranges.  Selected candidates are placed in the position's pay range based on their qualifications.

Pay Range:  From $38.61/hr

Responsibilities

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

 

• Operates GC-MS, LC-MS/MS or other instruments and their associated data processing components; receives and applies comprehensive technical training in the operation, maintenance and safety of the instruments.
• Develops or modifies technical procedures in the operation of the GC-MS, LC-MS/MS or other instruments and in other analytical procedures; plans and organizes applications and makes recommendations on the scope and goals of assigned research; plans and develops research.
• Validates and evaluates instrument capability, and makes appropriate adjustments or modifications to procedures; performs maintenance and repair to a variety of complex laboratory instruments and equipment; establishes maintenance schedules for instruments and equipment.
• Performs research on assigned projects with established goals; performs complex chemical and related analyses on environmental samples, especially drinking water and source waters.
• Uses the GC-MS, LCMS/MS or other instruments to detect, identify and quantify various organic or inorganic compounds; evaluates the potential impact.
• Maintains records of scientific data and other documents; prepares technical reports, memoranda and other documents.
• Recognizes potential or actual problems which may occur in analytical procedures or processes; applies known procedures or confers with others to find solutions.
• Assures compliance with quality assurance standards and safety program requirements; implements improvements to work procedures, methods, and forms.
• Makes calculations, completes forms, maintains records, and prepares oral and written reports of work performed.
• Enters data into and uses output from a laboratory information management system (LIMS).
• Interprets analytical data, recognizing problems that may occur in the process; determines causes of problems and recommends and implements corrective measures to be taken.
• Provides necessary information and evaluation on process control changes in order to improve efficiency or product quality.
• Assists in developing specialized applied research projects, designing experiments, modifying equipment, creating monitoring programs, and recommending goals and timetables.

 Other Duties

 

• Confers with other WaterOne employees, government representatives, customers (commercial or private), and others on work-related matters.
• Perform all duties pertaining to hazardous waste operations in accordance with all applicable requirements.
• Performs other job duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required Education, Skills & Experience

 

• College graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry, preferably with emphasis in organic, environmental or analytical chemistry.
• Minimum of three (3) years professional chemistry experience in conducting complex quantitative chemical analyses of organic compounds, one (1) year of which must have included independent applied research using GC, GC-MS, HPLC, LC/-MS/MS, or closely related technology. A Master's degree involving use of two or more of the above technologies may be substituted for two years of the required experience. Note: An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered in meeting qualifications 1 and 2.
• General knowledge of principles of water & wastewater treatment (or ability to learn); environmental regulations affecting analytical programs and requirements; data acquisition, processing and evaluation procedures as applied to the solution of laboratory problems; chemical characteristics of and standard methods for the analysis of environmental samples; sample management procedures; equipment and instrumentation used for the analysis of water samples.
• Thorough theoretical knowledge of analytical Organic Chemistry; principles, practices, and quantitative methods of Organic Chemistry; advanced scientific research methodology; statistical analysis; laboratory methods and safety; chemical composition of organic compounds.
• Skill in applying theoretical Organic Chemistry to scientific research; conducting scientific research using modern, complex, and sophisticated instruments; operating conventional as well as highly complex laboratory equipment or instruments; isolating, identifying, and quantifying organic compounds; accurately compiling scientific data; analyzing scientific data; synthesizing scientific findings into logical conclusions; preparing technical reports; making appropriate recommendations and planning and performing special applied research projects.
• Adapt analytical methods and equipment to obtain accurate test results; setting up, using, calibrating and performing routine maintenance on complex analytical instruments; make accurate calculations; keep accurate records; make clear and concise reports; prepare media and reagents to exact specifications.
• Develop and validate new methods of organic analysis including sampling methods; write standard operating procedures; or adapt existing methods to new or unusual problems.
• Make decisions under high stress situations and to continuously show good judgment in routine decisions.
• Ability to adhere to and provide recommendations to improve process control and laboratory quality assurance programs.
• Must have experience with or have the ability to learn and apply all applicable requirements pertaining to hazardous waste operations
• Skill in analyzing complex problems, interpreting laboratory and plant operating data, data mining, report generation, reaching sound conclusions, and making appropriate recommendations.
• Requires very good communication skills, both oral and written. Must be a good listener.
• Knowledge of personal computer technology and applications (i.e., Excel, Access, Word, Outlook, and Windows). Demonstrated proficiency with spreadsheets and word processing is required.
• Ability to work individually or in a team setting; ability to work effectively with the public.
• Must have a valid driver's license and continuously meet WaterOne driving standards.
• Must pass post offer medical exam, including drug screen and background verification (may not apply to current employees).

 Preferred Education, Skills & Experience

• Experience with laboratory information management system and database use.
• Experience with enterprise resource planning software, such as SAP.
• Approaching

 

Physical Requirements

 

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.

 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee may occasionally lift/or move up to 100 pounds and frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. The employee must be able to use a computer for multiple hours a day. The employee must be able to move occasionally from one location to another or be able to remain in a stationary position for up to several hours a day.  The employee must be able to use office productivity equipment such as a personal computer, calculator, printer, and copy machine. The employee must be in possession of a licenses and be able to operate a vehicle at any given time. The employee must be able to occasionally position self-collect samples, use equipment, perform analyses and be able to work in outdoor weather conditions. The employee must be able to distinguish colors. The employee must meet qualifications for using air purifying and air supplied respiratory protection.

 

Work Environment

 

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

 

Protective equipment, including but not limited to personal protective equipment for eyes, face, head and extremities, protective clothing, respiratory devices, and protective shields and barriers, may be required and shall be maintained in the sanitary and reliable condition wherever it is necessary by reason of hazards of process or environment, chemical hazards, or mechanical hazard encountered in a manner capable of causing injury or impairment in the function of any part of the body through absorption, inhalation or physical contact.

 

Equal Opportunity Employer

WaterOne is an equal opportunity employer and upholds a non-discrimination policy. We prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, religion, disability, age, military status, or marital status in making employment and business decisions. We also prohibit harassment and retaliation in the workplace and in our dealings with the public. We encourage and welcome diversity of backgrounds in our workforce. WaterOne complies with the Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA).

 

Complete job description is available upon request and will be provided during the selection process.

 

 

Employment Type: OTHER