Analytical Chemist

City of Fort Wayne

Analytical Chemist

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Job Code: 2025234 Posted On: Tuesday, 20th May 2025 Category: Regular Full Time Department: WPC Plant Shift: 7:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., may vary Location: Fort Wayne, IN

200 E. Berry Street

Pay Rate: $26.6101 - $37.2543 per hour

Job Description:

SUMMARY

Performs chemical analysis on water and wastewater. The incumbent is expected to exercise good judgment, independence, initiative, and professional expertise in conducting day-to-day operations. All work duties and activities must be performed in accordance with City and department policies and procedures as well as federal, state, and local regulations.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned as reasonably expected.

• Assembles and operates instruments and equipment for analytical and research work on wastewater;
• Prepares chemical reagents, test solutions and standards used for chemical analysis of plant influent and effluent, sludge, industrial, samples and various grab samples for numerous organic and inorganic components of wastewater;
• Cleans and maintains laboratory instruments, equipment and work area;
• Generates quality control charts and statistical analysis of results both manually and using computer programs;
• Collects samples from rivers, ponds, process spills, and wastewater lines;
• Updates the CSO Hotline;
• Performs Quality Assurance Testing on a quarterly basis and analyzes EPA Performance Evaluation samples annually;
• Prepares and preserves samples;
• Assists operations with in-plant sample collection;
• Assigns, schedules and coordinates lab projects;
• Evaluates sampling and data validity, assembles data and maintains records;
• Specifies and procures lab supplies and equipment, handles related paperwork, handles replacement parts, warranty repairs and supply problems;
• Evaluates new methods and procedures and applies advanced methods and theories involving new developments in the field and makes professional recommendations;
• Prepares O&M and CIP budgets annually
• Compiles and analyzes data, maintains records, files, logs and prepares reports;
• Performs complete, detailed chemical, bacteriological and physical analysis of samples;
• Monitors and evaluates process data and recommends changes in the process as necessary;
• Determines priority requests and manages priority conflicts;
• Operates personal computer for data entry and performs verification of data entry;
• Assists in training of other employees;
• Directs work of employees assigned to assist;
• Assists with the duties of the Pretreatment Inspector when directed;
• Assists the Program Manager in project management;
• Ensures that data meets local, state and federal requirements;
• Provides input and information for O&M and Capital budgeting processes;
• Performs duties in accordance with City of Fort Wayne safety rules and operating regulations;
• Ability to pass post-offer screen for this position;
• Communicates effectively both orally and in writing.

PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS

The incumbent is responsible to manage their performance in accordance with this job description and the performance expectations provided to them by management. If at any time the incumbent is unsure of their role or specific responsibilities, it is the incumbent's responsibility to refer to their job description and ask for clarification from their supervisor. Management will work with the incumbent, as needed, to ensure performance expectations are clearly communicated and performance goals are achieved.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Incumbent works in a self-directed work group that involves chemical testing, data production, and process sampling. Incumbent supervises a summer intern.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below 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.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

Bachelor's degree (B.S.) from four-year college or university; or one to two years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE

• Twenty hours of college chemistry including laboratory classes;
• Two years or equivalent of analytical experience in a chemical testing laboratory;
• General knowledge of the practices of sampling, analysis, and the ability to apply the full range of generally accepted and commonly used methods and procedures;
• General knowledge of the uses and operation of automated analytical instrumentation;
• Familiarity with EPA analytical methods;
• Full range of generally accepted and commonly used principals, theories, methodology and precedents dealing with chemical testing and instrumentation;
• Two year experience and working knowledge of computers and related scientific software.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents. Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community. Ability to write speeches and articles for publication that conform to prescribed style and format. Ability to effectively present information to top management, public groups, and/or boards of directors.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

Ability to apply advanced mathematical concepts such as exponents, logarithms, quadratic equations, and permutations. Ability to apply mathematical operations to such tasks as frequency distribution, determination of test reliability and validity, analysis of variance, correlation techniques, sampling theory, and factor analysis.

REASONING ABILITY

Ability to apply principles of logical or scientific thinking to a wide range of intellectual and practical problems. Ability to deal with nonverbal symbolism (formulas, scientific equations, graphs, musical notes, etc.,) in its most difficult phases. Ability to deal with a variety of abstract and concrete variables.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

• Valid Indiana Driver's License;
• Class II Indiana Wastewater Treatment License within 4 years of hire;
• Class IV Indiana Wastewater Treatment License within 6 years of hire;
• CPR and First Aid Certification;
• Confined Space Entry Certificate.

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 functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. Deemed physically fit to wear respirator.

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.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to fumes or airborne particles and toxic or caustic chemicals. The employee is frequently exposed to outside weather conditions. The employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions and moving mechanical parts. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Employee is frequently exposed to wastewater, septage and associated pathogens.

Apply Online

All applications for currently posted positions will be submitted on line at www.cityoffortwayne.org. Applicants must be 18 years of age or older. Reasonable accommodations for persons with a known disabling condition will be considered in accordance with State and Federal Law.

(Those individuals who accept employment with the City and live outside one of the six contiguous Indiana counties that border Allen County (DeKalb, Whitley, Noble, Huntington, Wells, and Adams) will have six (6) months from their start date to become residents of either Allen County or one of the six counties listed above. Policy and Procedure Number 204 Page: 1 of 1).

Equal Opportunity Employer

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regards to age, race, color, religion, sex, disability, veteran's status, national origin, or sexual orientation. Reasonable accommodations for persons with a known disabling condition will be considered in accordance with State and Federal Law.