Chemist/Bacteriologist

POSITION SUMMARY:
Under general supervision the Chemist/Bacteriologist will perform work of moderate difficulty in chemical, physical or biological testing of air, water, wastewater, and sludge samples; performs related work as required.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Performs chemical, physical and biological analyses of air, water, wastewater, and sludge samples.
• Samples air, water, wastewater and/or sludge sources utilizing appropriate sampling techniques and apparatus.
• Performs a variety of tests including, but not limited to, turbidity, hardness, alkalinity, residual chlorine, carbon dioxide, oxygen, fluoride, conductivity, calcium, magnesium, phosphate, sodium, sulfate, dissolved solids, non-filterable solids, chlorides, chrome, ammonia, nitrate, dissolved oxygen, biochemical oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand and threshold odor number.
• Performs analyses, identification and comparison of natural and manufactured substances and materials such as grease, oil and other petroleum products, polymers and metals.
• Performs counts for standard plate, total coliform, fecal coliform and fecal streptococcus.
• Performs quality assurance/quality control for all testing conducted.
• Following well-defined and established procedures determines and regulates chemical dosage in water treatment operation and instructs operators as to proper feed rates.
• Calibrates, repairs and modifies equipment and instruments as necessary and operates field and laboratory facilities used to chemically identify various parameters.
• Evaluates new products and equipment and makes recommendations regarding purchase of same.
• Controls and standardizes new sampling and analyzing procedures and modifies existing procedures to meet program and federal and state requirements.
• Maintains manual and computerized records, prepares reports, and evaluates and interprets data relative to laboratory functions.
• Prepares standardized laboratory reagents and media.
• Cleans glassware and related equipment and working area.
• May direct or oversee para-professional staff in conducting routine chemical or bacteriological analyses.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
Knowledge of:

• Theories, principles and practices of the field of chemistry, biology, and/or bacteriology.
• Laboratory procedures.
• Laboratory equipment, instruments, supplies and materials.
• Algebra, calculus and statistics.

Skill in:

• Performing routine chemical, biological, and/or bacteriological analyses quickly and accurately.
• Maintaining detailed records and preparing reports.
• Communications, both verbal and written.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationship with others.

Ability to:

• Work with individuals of diverse backgrounds.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with subordinates, peers, superiors, vendor representatives and clients.

REQUIRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND CERTIFICATIONS:

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry or Biology and one (1) year of experience in chemical or bacteriological analysis.

PREFERRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND CERTIFICATIONS:

• None

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands described within this job description 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.
In this position, the employee will frequently stand. This employee will occasionally walk, sit, stand, lift, push, pull, drag and/or carry up to 15 pounds. The employee will constantly walk-in all-weather conditions. Occasional stooping and crouching may occur with this position. Speaking and listening are constant essential functions of this position.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The work environment described within this job description will be encountered while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The employee is frequently indoors and outdoors. The noise level in the work environment is moderate. This employee will occasionally work in conditions where fumes, mists, dust, odors and gases are present.

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Class Code: Chemist/Bacteriologist (5322)