Chemist

City-of-Yuma,-A; Yuma (AZ); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Yuma is seeking a Chemist for the Wastewater Laboratory Division within the Utilities Department. The role involves performing chemical, physical and microbiological analyses of wastewater and related samples to ensure compliance with Federal and State standards.

The candidate will oversee QC/QA activities, develop SOPs, train staff, and prepare regulatory reports. A strong background in laboratory instrumentation and regulatory knowledge is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Science, Microbiology, or related field; AND four years of W/WW analytical laboratory experience; OR an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
• Regulatory knowledge of US EPA, SDWA, CWA, ADEQ, AZPDES, APP and biosolids standards.
• Arizona DOH laboratory certification standards and safety requirements.
• Strong analytical and regulatory knowledge with attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Performs professional level chemical, physical and microbiological analyses of W/WW samples.
• Maintains QC/QA and data management; develops SOPs and training materials; validates data.
• Interprets regulatory rules for drinking water, wastewater, biosolids, and lab procedures.
• Prepares regulatory reports for Federal and State agencies.
• Trains Laboratory Analysts and ensures safety protocols are followed.
• Calibrates and maintains laboratory instrumentation.

Skills

Technical standards

Regulatory knowledge

Data analysis

QC/QA

Laboratory instrumentation

Safety practices

Communication

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Science, Microbiology, or related field

Tools

Laboratory instrumentation

Job description

**Open until filled with a 1st review date of October 19, 2026**

Are you looking to join a team that values Professionalism, Accountability, Integrity, and Responsiveness? Do you want to be a part of a strong team dedicated to serving our community, building relationships, and creating opportunities? Then this might be the opportunity for you!

We are looking for someone to join Team Yuma as a Chemist working with the City of Yuma Utilities Department – Wastewater Laboratory Division. The ideal candidate will be an experienced W/WW laboratory professional with strong analytical and regulatory knowledge, attention to detail, and the ability to provide technical guidance and support to the laboratory team.

Under general supervision, performs skilled technical and professional duties in the environmental laboratory; tests and analyzes water, wastewater, biosolids, and industrial discharges for the City's Water and Wastewater (W/WW) treatment systems and operating plants; assures work is in compliance with state and Federal environmental regulations and standards, and City policies, procedures and goals.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

-- Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed below; reasonable accommodations will be made as required. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change at any time by the employer. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Performs professional level chemical, physical and microbiological analyses of W/WW from various sources in accordance with state and Federal laws and regulations, and City policies and procedures.
• Performs quality control/quality assurance (QC/QA) and data management functions; develops and updates standard operating procedures, and QC/QA manual and training materials; validates data and corrective actions; maintains computer data bases and spreadsheets for analytical data.
• Reviews, and interprets regulatory rules for drinking water, wastewater, biosolids, analytical analysis procedures, and laboratory licensure.
• Maintains inventory of laboratory supplies.
• Interprets a variety of laboratory test results, and assists in the preparation and submittal of analytical and compliance reports for Federal and State regulatory agencies.
• Provides training and technical assistance for Laboratory Analysts in the performance of daily work assignments; verifies employees follow safety protocols, and properly maintain equipment and facilities.
• Prepares laboratory for operation, including maintenance and calibration of laboratory instrumentation.
• Collects and prepares water, wastewater, and other environmental samples for laboratory analysis.
• Assists in the development of new analytical methodology; and reviews and updates existing methods.
• Responds to customer inquiries and complaints.
• Provides technical assistance to W/WW operations staff; supervises Laboratory in absence of Laboratory Supervisor.
• Supports the relationship between the City and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with citizens, visitors, and City staff; promotes the City goals and priorities, vision, values and the “Yuma Way”, and complies with all City policies and procedures.
• Maintains absolute confidentiality of work-related issues and City information; performs other duties as required or assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education, Training and Experience Guidelines

Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Science, Microbiology, or related field; AND four years of W/WW analytical laboratory experience; OR an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Knowledge of:

• City policies and procedures.
• Principle of biology, microbiology, chemistry and environmental science.
• Federal and State regulations for water, wastewater and biosolids, including United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA), the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), the Clean Water Act (CWA), Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ), Arizona Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (AZPDES), Aquifer Protection Permits (APP) and biosolids compliance standards.
• Laboratory certification standards for the Arizona Department of Health Services.
• Principles and techniques of bacteriology and chemistry laboratory procedures, including calibration and maintenance of specialized laboratory instrumentation.
• Water/Wastewater treatment plant operations and procedures.
• Safe work practices, occupational hazards and safety precautions in a laboratory environment.

Skill in:

• Interpreting and applying technical standards and procedures, Federal and state rules and regulations, and City policies and procedures.
• Observing, comparing, and monitoring data to determine compliance with state and Federal standards.
• Performing laboratory techniques according to standardized methods and procedures for a variety of physical, chemical, and biological parameters in accordance with Federal and State standards.
• Collecting and analyzing technical data, performing mathematical and statistical calculations, and preparing quality control charts.
• Preparing analytical and regulatory reports.
• Safely utilizing specialized laboratory and sampling equipment, and laboratory instrumentation.
• Promoting and enforcing safe work practices.
• Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with co-workers, and representatives from other local, state and Federal agencies.
• Assessing and prioritizing multiple tasks, projects and demands.
• Operating a personal computer utilizing standard and specialized software.
• Communicating effectively verbally and in writing.

LICENSE AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

A valid Arizona State Driver's License is required. Specific technical training and certifications may be required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed on location at City W/WW plants and in the field, with moderate physical requirements; may be exposed to safety hazards, and dangerous tools, equipment, pathogens, and chemicals. Full manual dexterity and visual acuity is required for laboratory work.