Water Plant Chemist - Utilities

WATER PLANT CHEMIST - UTILITIES
112
$53,449.00 - 68,147.50

APPLICATION DEADLINE: 5/6/2024

JOB SUMMARY

This position performs complex laboratory analyses of water samples to ensure quality assurance/quality control of the finished drinking water supplied by the City's Water Treatment facilities and distribution sites; assists in a variety of complex chemical and physical analyses on samples collected from designated areas through the distribution system; develops and modifies technician procedures and trains of other professional staff in the operation of laboratory equipment; rotates per on-call schedule; and performs related technical work as assigned. The incumbent works within broad policy and organizational guidelines and does independent planning and implementation, reporting progress of major activities through periodic conferences and meetings.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Performs a variety of complex chemical and physical analyses on distribution samples;
• Prepares laboratory reports as required by the City, DHEC, and other agencies;
• Assists in troubleshooting and performing maintenance and minor repairs of laboratory equipment;
• Cleans and maintains laboratory instruments;
• Assists in maintaining inventory of laboratory equipment, supplies and materials;
• Maintains accurate and complete work records;
• Assists in maintaining laboratory certification and in ensuring laboratory operations are in compliance with applicable policies, procedures, regulations and standards of quality and safety;
• Receives and responds to inquiries, requests for assistance and complaints from City employees and customers in areas of responsibility;
• Performs general clerical work as required, including but not limited to preparing reports and records, completing forms, entering and retrieving computer data, preparing spreadsheets, copying and filing documents, answering the telephone, etc.;
• Assists in building reports and entering data into WIMS laboratory data management system;
• Responsible for meeting QA/QC requirements as per DHEC;
• Acts as leader of laboratory in the absence of the Laboratory Manager;
• Attends training, meetings, seminars and/or workshops to enhance job knowledge and skills; and
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO PERFORM WORK:

• Bachelor's degree in laboratory science, chemistry, biology or closely related field;
• Three (3) years of relevant prior experience;
• Valid South Carolina Class "D" Driver's License.

Knowledge, Skills andAbilities:

• Knowledge of basic algebra involving variables and formulas and/or basic geometry involving plane and solid figures, circumferences, areas and volumes, and/or computing discounts and interest rates;
• Ability to coordinate or determine time, place or sequence of operations or activities based on analysis of data or information and may implement and report on operations and activities;
• Ability to supervise or lead others by determining work procedures, assigning duties, maintaining harmonious relations and promoting efficiency;
• Ability to lead, operate or repair complex machinery or equipment that requires extended training and experience, such as light or heavy construction equipment and trucks, plant equipment, shop equipment, etc.Involves operations of limited scope;
• Ability to perform supervisory work involving policy and guidelines, solving both people- and work-related problems;
• Ability to read technical instructions, procedures, manuals and charts to solve practical problems; composing routine reports and specialized reports, forms and business letters with proper format; speaking compound sentences using normal grammar and word form;
• Ability to perform specialized technical or entry-level professional work requiring general understanding of operating policies and procedures and their application to problems not previously encountered; application of specialized technical or professional principles and practices or the use of a wide range of administrative methods in the solution of problems; requires normal attention with short periods of concentration for accurate results and occasional exposure to unusual pressure.; and
• Ability to make decisions, affecting most segments of the organization and the general public; works in a highly dynamic environment; responsible for establishing goals, objectives and policies.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Rotates per on-call schedule.