Wastewater Microbiology Lab Chemist — 4‑Day Week

New York Times; Tucson (AZ); Hybrid; USD 37,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Pima County’s CRAO Laboratory seeks a Wastewater Microbiology Unit Laboratory Chemist to perform chemical and microbial analyses on water samples collected from Water Reclamation Facilities.

Responsibilities include operating IC, AAS, AFA, GC/MS, ICP/MS, ICP‑OES, preparing standards, and maintaining records to support regulatory compliance. The role involves a rotating schedule with 6:00 am–4:30 pm hours and weekend coverage as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, microbiology, environmental science, biology or related field with two years of professional laboratory experience.
• Substitution allowed: two years with Pima County as Laboratory Technician.
• Experience with water/wastewater analysis and regulatory compliance preferred.

Responsibilities

• Performs chemical and microbial analyses.
• Operates analytical instrumentation such as IC, AAS, AFA, GC/MS, ICP/MS and ICP/OES.
• Obtains water samples and maintains records and logs.
• Prepares samples using extraction and digestion techniques.
• Ensures QA/QC procedures meet licensure requirements and safety plans.

Skills

Chemical analysis

Water sampling

Field methods

Documentation

Education

Bachelor's degree in chemistry or related science

Two years as Laboratory Technician (Pima County)

Tools

Ion chromatography (IC)

Atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS)

Atomic fluorescence

GC/MS

ICP/MS

ICP-OES

Job description

Pima County’s CRAO Laboratory seeks a Wastewater Microbiology Unit Laboratory Chemist to perform chemical and microbial analyses on water samples collected from Water Reclamation Facilities.

Responsibilities include operating IC, AAS, AFA, GC/MS, ICP/MS, ICP‑OES, preparing standards, and maintaining records to support regulatory compliance. The role involves a rotating schedule with 6:00 am–4:30 pm hours and weekend coverage as needed.