Chemist 3

Do you possess expertise working with Laboratory Information Management Systems within an environmental laboratory? We have the ideal career opportunity for you!!

This role works closely with the LIMS DBA with implementation, administration, and maintenance of the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) for the Pinellas County Utilities Water Quality Laboratory.

This is professional scientific work providing technical oversight within an environmental laboratory, requiring a high level of experience and expertise in performing complex chemical, biological,bacteriologicaland physical analysis of fluids and solids in the Utilities Laboratory. Employees in this class exercise a high degree of independent judgment and skill in the development, performance and evaluation of scientific analyses. Work requires a high level of expert knowledge of the current regulations and the methods used for collection and analyses of samples. Work is performed under the general direction of an administrative superior.

What Will You Do?

Provide expert technical oversight in the performance of scientific analyses, including the utilization of specialist techniques or complex laboratory instrumentation.

• Troubleshoots complex analytical problems.

• Oversees and reviews routine and complex chemical, biological and bacteriological examinations.

• Interprets laboratory data for county, state and federal officials, judges, and attorneys.

• Develops, modifies and maintains procedures for laboratory certification.

• Calibrates, maintains and operates all manual and automated laboratory instrumentation.

• Trains laboratory personnel in conjunction with other key staff.

• Serves as back-up for various duties within the laboratory Business Section.

What Do You Need?

Experience: Environmental laboratory analysis including the understanding of automated analysis and instrumentation.

Degree: Microbiology, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Sciences, Physical Sciences or Engineering with a minimum of 16 college semester credit hours in general microbiology and biology.

• 8 years' experience as described above.

• Associates' degree and 6 years experience as described above.

• Bachelors' degree and 4 years experience as described above.

• Masters' degree and 2 years experience as described above.

• Doctoral degree and some experience as described above.

• An equivalent combination of training and experience.

• Possession and maintenance of a valid State of Florida Driver's License upon hire with eligibility based upon evaluation of a Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) driving report.

• Assignment to work a variety of work schedules including compulsory work periods in special, emergency, and/or disaster situations.

LIMS Application: Implementation, Administration, and Maintenance

o Involved in the development and implementation of new functionalities and systems.

o Acts as LIMS Administrator in conjunction with LIMS DBA.

Creates new or modifies existing clients, submitters, sites, etc.

Creates new or modifies existing projects, test plans, etc.

Creates errors in database.

Troubleshoots problems.

Modifies LIMS procedures.

Monitors LIMS performance.

Monitors instrument/equipment downloads into LIMS.

o Performs LIMS maintenance as needed for daily operations.

Assists with upgrades, patches, etc.

Assist with troubleshooting communication issues with LIMS, software, or hardware.

o Performs or provides technical oversight for sample submission process.

Oversees staffing in receiving and report areas.

Works with clients to ensure sample receipt and scheduling of laboratory tests is done accurately, including all related paperwork.

o Miscellaneous LIMS duties such as:

Enters or approves field/other data.

Maintains up-t-date Work Order Listing.

Coordinates sample disposal.

o Trains laboratory personnel in LIMS operations.

o Monitors regulatory requirements applicable to LIMS.

Reporting

o Generates and conducts in-depth review of a high volume of standard laboratory reports and invoices.

o Generates and conducts in-depth review of specialized reports.

o Generates data dumps.

o Generates, conducts in-depth reviews of, and corrects/edits complex reports.

o Compiles new report formats as needed by customers and/or regulators.

o Monitors regulatory requirements related to reporting.

o Monitors laboratory's throughput and reporting performance.

o Prepares various reports, graphs, presentations for lab performance evaluation, for troubleshooting, or per management request.

Miscellaneous Duties

o Coordinates shipping of contract laboratory samples, including all required documentation.

o Manages Chain of Custody to ensure proper protocols are followed and samples are properly documented.

o Develops, modifies, and maintains procedures; recommends improvements to ensure optimal efficiency.

o Oversees computer inventory supplies and assets; recommends purchases.

o Assists with laboratory computer backups as needed.

o Provides technical advice to management regarding LIMS, samples receipts, sample shipping, report, etc.

o May monitor and evaluate vendor services related to LIMS contracts and technical services.

o May act as a contact for technical services related to LIMS.

o Keeps manager informed on a routine basis regarding projects, workload, problems, etc.

o Performs other related job duties as assigned.

Highly Desirable

A bachelor's degree in the chemical, environmental, biological sciences, physical sciences or engineering, with at least twenty-four (24) college semester credit hours in chemistry and at least two (2) years of experience in the environmental analysis of representative inorganic and organic analytes for which the laboratory seeks or maintains accreditation.

• Experience working in a TNI certified Environmental and/or Drinking Water laboratory.

• Experience with all aspects of environmental testing, along with experience in the operation, maintenance and troubleshooting of automated instrumentation.

• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.

• Supervisory experience.

• Exhibit strong interpersonal skills and leadership abilities to support and achieve organizational goals.

• Experience working with Laboratory Information Management Systems and proficient in the use of Word, Excel, Outlook, Power Point and other applicable computer software applications.

Why Choose Pinellas County?

When you join Pinellas County, you're not just taking on a job-you're investing in your future. We believe in supporting our employees with exceptional benefits that help you thrive both professionally and personally. Here's why our benefits stand out as some of the best in the area:

• Comprehensive Benefits Package: Enjoy affordable medical, dental, vision, life insurance, flexible spending accounts, and more that meet the needs of you and your family.
• Florida Retirement System (FRS): Secure your financial future with a robust retirement plan that gives you peace of mind as you plan for tomorrow.
• Generous leave time: Take advantage of time off to recharge and enjoy life outside of work.
• Wellness Program: Access to county gyms 24/7 and wellness programs as part of our commitment to employee wellness.
• Deferred compensation: Build your savings and plan for the future with flexible deferred compensation options tailored to your financial goals.
• To learn more, see What We Offer

Want to Learn More?

Please review the full classification description with the Physical/Mental Demands and Working Conditions at the below link.