Water Quality Chemist

Its a great time to join the City of Boulder!

Application Deadline:

September 8, 2025

Compensation Details:

Full Pay Range64,001.60 - 92,872.00Generally, the hiring range is from the minimum up to 80% of the range.This is a full-time salaried position.

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

40

Benefit Eligibility Group:

Non Union (30+ Hours)

Locate the Benefit Eligibility Group value on the Employee Benefit Eligibility document to identify the benefits offered for this job.

Job Description Summary:

Under general supervision, performs analytical testing, data analyses, and method evaluation of wastewater, stormwater, water (raw, potable), biosolids, industrial wastewater, and other materials. Accurately documents work and adheres to QA/QC protocols for the laboratory. Administers the Quality Assurance program and takes the lead in proficiency testing. Serves as a subject matter expert, providing scientific, analytical, and technical assistance to support city utilities operations and compliance and to positively impact local water quality. This position plays an essential role in an innovative, flexible, and motivated laboratory team.

Job Description:

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Performs Advanced Analytical Testing
  • Conducts chemical and microbiological testing on wastewater, water, stormwater, industrial wastewater, and biosolids, , staying up to date on regulatory requirements, new methods, and best practices to ensure compliance and to maintain a high level of expertise in the relevant areas of work. Develops new methods and writes new Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), as needed.
  • Performs NPDES permit-requirement and/or Drinking Water sampling and analyses.
  • Performs troubleshooting and maintenance on laboratory and field instruments/equipment, as needed. Prepares reagents.
  • Utilizes all laboratory instrumentation necessary to complete analyses, including, but not limited to ICP-MS , IC, TOC, digestion equipment, ammonia analyzer , etc .
  • Provides analytical training to new analysts.
  • Data Collection and Interpretation
    • Collects data, performs calculations, interprets data, and prepares routine and special purpose reports to communicate results of laboratory analyses to operations staff, other city staff, and the public. Proactively monitors data and trends to identify potential problems and recommend solutions.
    • Enters data into LIMS in timely fashion.
    • Evaluates analytical data for appropriate applicability to new and upcoming regulations.
    • Prepares and presents compliance reports to regulatory agencies as required.
    • Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC)
      • Takes lead role in the laboratory Quality Assurance program by maintaining procedures and guidelines and facilitating adherence to approved procedures. Ensures quality requirements are met.
      • Evaluates data generated for accuracy, quality, and compliance with the quality assurance program.
      • Maintains records that meet quality control and chain of custody documentation requirements for laboratory certification and/or proficiency testing.
      • Collaborates with other staff to meet QA/QC goals.
      • Ensures written Standard Operating Procedures for advanced analyses are current and in compliance with applicable laboratory certification and/or proficiency testing.
      • Maintains applicable laboratory certification and/or proficiency testing, as required.
      • Takes supporting role in annual and quarterly calculation and verification of MDLs.
      • Other Duties
        • Assists with maintenance and cleaning of laboratory glassware, equipment, and facilities.
        • Assists with laboratory supply inventory and future laboratory supply needs.
        • Works closely with staff to select and order the proper supplies and equipment as needed.
        • Takes proper safety precautions to prevent accidents. Responsible for the safety of self, others, materials, and equipment. Takes a lead role in ensuring that all staff are using all required safety equipment and following all safety regulations, policies and procedures. Reports all accidents and damage to city property.
        • Performs field sampling support, as needed.
        • Responsible for knowing and complying with all city and department policies, participating in professional trainings and development, and adhering to attendance and workplace attire policies.

      MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

      • Ability to clearly communicate technical information and provide written and verbal presentations. Can adapt style and level of detail to fit the needs of a variety of audiences.
      • Ability to effectively utilize LIMS database and work with data reports.
      • Ability to perform analyses and generate reports using a variety of computational tools, including spreadsheets and enterprise software.
      • Ability to proactively identify issues in daily lab functions and identify data trends.
      • Ability to safely perform advanced analytical testing on various water samples with a high degree of accuracy and precision using spectrophotometer, ammonia analyzer, TOC analyzer, IC, ICP-MS, or similarly complex instruments.
      • Ability to use all required safety equipment and follow all safety procedures.
      • Ability to work accurately and efficiently with minimal supervision.
      • Knowledge of advanced analytical laboratory techniques and procedures, laboratory QA/QC, and method development. Knowledge of Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater.
      • Knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
      • Skill in analytical method development.
      • Valid driver's license and ability to maintain an acceptable motor vehicle record.
      • Have and maintain acceptable background information, including criminal conviction history.

      PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

      • Ability to anticipate future needs of lab and proactively identify and develop new analytical capabilities.
      • Knowledge in developing and implementing laboratory QA/QC programs.
      • Knowledge of 40 CFR Part 136 or Part 141(approved analytical methods, hold times, QA/QC requirements, etc.).
      • Knowledge of MDL calculation procedures and requirements.
      • Knowledge of state laboratory certification and/or proficiency testing processes and requirements.
      • Knowledge of wastewater and/or water treatment processes and ability to advise on process issues using analytical results.
      • Skill in attention to detail and can map out processes, meet deadlines and effectively track progress while also being able to navigate changing priorities and evolving approaches.
      • Skill in evaluating, troubleshooting, and repairing advanced analytical equipment including ICP-MS, IC, TOC, ammonia analyzer, etc.
      • Certified Water Professional (CWP).
      • Water Quality Analyst Certification.

      REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

      • Bachelor's degree in chemistry, environmental or physical sciences, or a related field.
      • Four (4) years of equivalent experience in the analysis of wastewater and/or water, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

      SUPERVISION

      Supervision Received: Water Quality Manager

      Supervision Exercised: None

      WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

      • Physical and Mental Effort: Regularly requires standing, walking, lifting, kneeling, carrying, sitting, and occasional climbing. Occasional lifting of up to 50 lbs. Requires visual acuity, manual dexterity in measuring samples and calibrating equipment.
      • Work Environment: Works on occasion in a loud or noisy work area with exposure to fumes, chemicals and hazardous materials. Occasional exposure to outdoor weather conditions, including exposure to adverse weather.

      Additional Job Description:

      Last updated: 8/19/2025

      The City of Boulder is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, age, or other legally protected statute. For individuals with disabilities who would like to request an accommodation, please send a request to riskmanagement@bouldercolorado.gov.