Chemist

Employment Type
Full Time

Full Hourly Pay Range
$26.33 - $39.50

Job Summary
The City of Olathe is seeking a motivated and collaborative candidate to join our Environmental Services team as a Chemist working at the Environmental Laboratory. Using both wet chemistry and analytical instrumentation, Chemists analyze water and wastewater samples in accordance with state and federal regulations so data may be used for Safe Drinking Water and Clean Water Act compliance. Chemists also play an important role in providing support to field laboratories located at the water and wastewater plants and work as part of a multi-functional team to provide excellent customer service to both internal and external partners.

For more job details, review the full job details and requirements below.

• Prepare and analyze water and wastewater samples for chemical and microbiological contaminants while adhering to safety protocols and quality control requirements. Perform metals analysis using ICP-OES and ICP-MS. Proficient in water/wastewater analysis using ion chromatograph, TOC analyzer, discreet analyzer, auto-titrator, and purge & trap gas chromatograph. Analyze water and wastewater samples for Total coliform and E. coli. Perform routine maintenance on assigned instrumentation.
• Learn and follow the requirements of the Laboratory Quality System. Establish and maintain acceptable performance via demonstrations of capability and acceptable performance on proficiency tests. Participate in corrective actions and laboratory improvement initiatives. Perform routine quality control checks in the microbiology laboratory including checks on material and reagent lots. Maintain laboratory DI and 18.2 Mohm water systems.
• Utilize the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) to track chains of custody, receive samples, batch out analysis, record standard and reagent preparation, enter results, review data, and track instrument maintenance.
• Track and receive laboratory inventory. Coordinate with supervisor and laboratory manager to maintain appropriate levels of consumables.
• Respond to City of Olathe water customer concerns related to water quality. Participate in field and customer concern sampling when needed. Provide technical support to field laboratories at the water and wastewater plants. Perform ancillary laboratory activities such as bottle preparation, sample receipt, sample disposal, answering phones, and SOP review/editing.
• Participate in weekend and on-call work, as necessary.

Experience and Education Guidelines: Any combination of experience and education that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is acceptable. A typical way to obtain the knowledge, skills and abilities would be:

Experience: A minimum of five years progressive experience in a laboratory environment, and three years' experience running and reporting water quality data from automated analytical instrumentation.

Education: Bachelor's degree in chemistry, biology, environmental science, or other physical or biological science. Experience may be substituted for education.

Licenses and Certificates: Possession of a Class III Water or Wastewater Laboratory Analyst Certification within 24 months of hire. Possession of a valid driver's license.

Supervised by: Laboratory Supervisor.