Chemist I

DIVISION: Operations

DEPARTMENT: Laboratory Services, Quality Assurance

UNION/GRADE: Unit 9/Grade 18

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BASIC PURPOSE:

Performs a variety of moderately complex chemical analyses on water, wastewater and air, using prescribed procedures.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

Works under the general supervision of a Laboratory Supervisor, WQCHM, I, II, III.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

None.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Performs a wide range of moderately complex chemical analyses and tests and operates all related equipment, assuring adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Assists in research studies and in the investigations of alternative procedures and equipment by performing analyses and tests, and the appropriate preparation data.
• Provides technical direction to technicians and laboratory support personnel by reviewing and confirming the results of routine tests, and providing instruction to assure conformity to SOPs.
• Performs minor troubleshooting, maintenance and calibration duties on a variety of standard instrumentation and instructs or oversees technicians in their performance of routine equipment maintenance duties.
• Maintains current knowledge of analytical procedures and equipment.
• Follows SOPs to maintain accurate reliable data, and to affect the efficient transfer of the data to the LIMS and or other data management systems.
• Utilizes standard applications software and prepares accurate statistical and graphics displays, as instructed.
• Prepares purchase requisitions to reorder standard supplies and materials, and may lead or perform duties to take inventory of supplies and equipment parts.
• Provides instruction to technicians in laboratory safety, assures that safety procedures are followed, and maintains clean and safe work areas.

SECONDARY DUTIES:

• Performs related duties as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Experience:

• A Bachelor's degree in chemistry or a related field is required; and
• At least one (1) year of experience in chemical analysis, quality control and statistical techniques; or
• Any equivalent combination of education and experience.

Necessary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Thorough knowledge of state of the art modem chemical laboratory methods, procedures, materials and equipment.
• Thorough knowledge and experience in proper sampling techniques and analytical procedures.
• Skill in the operation of the listed tools and equipment.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• A valid Massachusetts Class D Motor Vehicle Operators License.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED:

Laboratory equipment and instruments, telephone, personal computer including word processing and other software, copy and fax machines.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

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 duties.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to reach with his arms and use hands to handle, finger, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls. The employee is regularly required to stand and walk. The employee is regularly required to sit, stand and walk. The employee is occasionally required to climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl and smell.

The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move more than 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close, distance, color and peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in a laboratory environment. The employee regularly works near moving mechanical parts, is frequently exposed to outdoor weather conditions, and occasionally works in high, precarious places and is exposed to fumes and airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals and the risk of electric shock.

The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet in the laboratory and moderately loud in field settings.

Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, disability, sex or gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or veteran status.