P-131-26, Junior Chemist I – Providence Water Supply Board

City of Providence; Providence (RI); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Providence seeks a Junior Chemist I for the Providence Water Supply Board. This role performs highly technical laboratory work certified by the Rhode Island Department of Health, including equipment maintenance, calibration, QC/QA, and record keeping, under supervision.

Responsibilities include daily chemical analysis of water samples, sample collection from treatment plants and distribution systems, and maintaining laboratory instruments and safety procedures.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry or related field.
• Strong math skills are essential and computer skills are required.
• Knowledge of laboratory methods and techniques.
• Ability to perform complete chemical analysis and maintain records (electronic and paper).

Responsibilities

• Calibrates lab equipment and conducts QC/QA on a daily basis.
• Performs daily chemistry analysis of water samples from various locations.
• Collects samples from treatment plant, distribution system, and watershed.
• Maintains instrument cleanliness and supplies inventory; assists with reagent ordering.
• Works weekends/holidays as needed and participates in overtime when required.

Skills

Laboratory techniques

Math skills

Computer skills

QA/QC record keeping

Education

Bachelor’s degree in chemistry or related field

Tools

Laboratory equipment

Job description

P-131-26, Junior Chemist I – Providence Water Supply Board

Job Type: Union

Job No.: P-131-26

Department: Water Supply Board

Grade: 25

Posting Dates: 09/28/2026 – 10/09/2026

The City of Providence welcomes and encourages diversity in our workforce at all levels of the organization. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit hiring discrimination of any type. All City hiring decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Job Summary

Under supervision of up-line management, is responsible for performing highly technical work in a Rhode Island Department of Health certified laboratory. Responsible for all technical aspects of the laboratory work including, but not limited to, equipment maintenance, instrument calibration, QC/QA, glassware and facility cleanliness, reagent preparation and standardization, sample collection, and record keeping.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Calibrates laboratory equipment used in the analysis of water samples on a daily basis. Prepares, conducts, and records QC/QA of the same daily.
• Performs daily chemistry analysis on water samples collected from the treatment plant, distribution system, and watershed as well as from other locations as may be required.
• Routine sample collection and testing responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
• RI Department of Health Performance Testing program analysis.
• Consumer complaint testing.
• Watershed brook/system and reservoir testing.
• Treatment plant sampling and testing.
• Distribution system sampling and testing.
• Prepares and standardizes chemical reagents and solutions.
• Obtains daily water samples, sometimes in adverse/inclement weather conditions from numerous sample points within the distribution system, water treatment plant, and watershed lands and transports samples to the laboratory. Performs chemical field analysis on-side during collection of samples. Responsible for related electronic and paper record keeping and chain of custody forms as required by regulation.
• Maintains condition and cleanliness of instruments, glassware, materials, and related appurtenances within the laboratory.
• Assists with chemical reagent supply ordering and restocking, laboratory chemical inventory control, and other duties as assigned.
• Available to work scheduled weekends and some holidays on a rotating overtime basis, as well as unscheduled emergency overtime.
• Performs duties, tasks, and testing without close supervision; work is reviewed daily by management for progress and accomplishment. Must work well in a team setting.
• Adheres to all Providence Water safety procedures.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major courses in chemistry, biological sciences, or a closely related scientific discipline.
• Knowledge of all laboratory equipment used in performance of duties.
• Technical knowledge of and ability in scientific laboratory methods and techniques. Strong math skills essential; strong computer skills required.
• Working knowledge of the principles of chemistry including both qualitative and quantitative analysis as related to water purification.
• Must be able to perform complete chemical analysis including QA/QC record results neatly in logbooks and maintain both electronic and paper records, as needed.
• Must be able to perform duties without close and continuous supervision.
• Must possess and maintain a valid State Driver’s License and is responsible to maintain all vehicles maintenance logs.
• Must be able to perform all essential functions of the job.

Training Requirements

Upon Appointment:

• Customer Service Training.
• Sexual Harassment, Sensitivity, and Diversity Training.
• Successful completion of Hazmat certification training within one (1) year of appointment.

Sustainment:

• Participation in customer service training every 24 months.
• Must maintain a valid State Driver’s License.
• Must maintain Hazmat certification.

The term “limited” means that the successful candidate will perform the job for an undetermined length of time. The position may or may not become permanent.