Water Quality Chemist

Metro Water Recovery; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 57,000 - 94,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Water Quality Chemist to join their dedicated team in Denver. This role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to the health and environment of the community by performing critical laboratory analyses of water and wastewater. Candidates will work in a dynamic environment, utilizing their knowledge of laboratory instrumentation and safety protocols. The position provides a chance to develop new procedures and mentor junior staff, all while enjoying a supportive workplace that values stability and flexibility. If you are passionate about making a difference in water quality, this position is for you!

Qualifications

• Knowledge of laboratory procedures and techniques for water analysis.
• Ability to effectively communicate and manage time in a lab setting.

Responsibilities

• Perform laboratory analyses of water and wastewater samples.
• Follow safety protocols and maintain accurate records.

Skills

Laboratory instrumentation

Effective communication

Chemical handling

Recordkeeping

Time management

Attention to detail

Team collaboration

Technical instruction following

Education

Bachelor's degree in chemistry

Bachelor's degree in biology

Equivalent in related fields

Tools

MS Office software

Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS)

Job description

Water Quality Chemist I / II ( Multi - Level Position )

Metro Water Recovery in Denver, CO -a nationally recognized leader among clean water utilities, provides wastewater conveyance and treatment services for 2.2 million people in the Denver Metro area.

At Metro, we help you be your best so we can do our best. You will join a team that offers stability, flexibility, and the opportunity to make a difference. We take pride in being part of an industry-leading team who serves the community by protecting the region’s health and environment.

This position will be filled at one of the following levels depending upon the candidate's qualifications:

Water Quality Chemist I ($57,532.80-$80,246.40 Annually)
Performs laboratory analyses for chemical, biochemical, physical, and microbiological properties of water, wastewater, biosolids and soil samples. Works under the direct supervision of a Laboratory Supervisor.

Water Quality Chemist II ($67,100.80-$93,600.00 Annually)
Performs laboratory analyses for chemical, biochemical, physical, and microbiological properties of water, wastewater, biosolids and soil samples. Works under the direct supervision of a Laboratory Supervisor.

Qualifications:

Water Quality Chemist I
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
Knowledge of:

• Basic understanding of laboratory instrumentation, procedures and techniques
• Basic mathematics
• Basic understanding of Laboratory QA/QC processes
• Basic chemical handling and lab safety
• MS Office software and general office processes and procedures

Skilled at:

• Effective communication
• Working in a laboratory performing chemical, biochemical or microbiological analyses
• Recordkeeping
• Efficient management of time to meet deadlines and hold times for analyses

Ability to:

• Follow technical instructions accurately
• Pay attention to detail in executing laboratory procedures
• Complete work in a timely manner
• Perform effectively in a collaborative team environment
• Demonstrate ethics, integrity, and a respectful attitude towards co-workers
• Work in a dynamic environment, adapting to changing priorities and multitasking efficiently
• Show consistent self-direction and initiation of tasks

Education
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in chemistry, biology, or related fields. Valid driver license.

Water Quality Chemist II
Knowledge of:

• Laboratory instrumentation, procedures, and techniques
• Laboratory troubleshooting methods
• Basic mathematics
• Laboratory QA/QC processes
• Laboratory safety, chemical handling, and hazardous waste disposal
• MS Office software and general office processes and procedures

Skilled at:

• Operation and maintenance of laboratory equipment
• Written and oral communication, including scientific writing, recordkeeping and maintaining accurate documentation
• Working in a laboratory performing chemical, biochemical or microbiological analyses
• Training and mentoring staff
• Efficient management of time to meet deadlines and hold times for analyses
• Using Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS)

Ability to:

• Provide leadership and oversight in a technical or analytical laboratory area
• Develop new laboratory procedures and/or bring instrumentation on-line
• Provide technical expertise, and train and mentor laboratory analysts I and II
• Develop and maintain efficient and effective workflows in assigned areas
• Troubleshoot and resolve basic issues related to laboratory instrumentation and equipment and demonstrate good judgment
• Work in a dynamic environment, adapting to changing priorities and multitasking efficiently
• Effectively communicate and interact with peers, management, and others both orally and in writing
• Show consistent self-direction and initiation of tasks
• Perform effectively in a collaborative team environment

Working Conditions:

Frequent inside laboratory setting including use of hot ovens and inside cold walk-in refrigerators; outside environment in all Colorado weather conditions and temperatures when collecting samples; frequent exposure to direct sun; wet/humid conditions; residential and commercial wastewater/biosolids; variety of floor surfaces including concrete, gravel, asphalt, dirt, tile, loose stones, uneven surfaces, slippery surfaces, wet surfaces; frequent work with acids and other chemicals; lighting conditions including natural light, fluorescent, incandescent, and low light; vibration; moving equipment such as carboys, sample sticks, trays; driving vehicles.

Body Position Demands: Standing; walking; sitting; climbing stairs; reaching forward and overhead; balancing; object handling; simple hand/firm hand grasping; operating controls; sitting; stooping; crouching; typing; fine hand coordination and movements.

Physical Demands (max forces are expected to be infrequent): Max weight lifted: 35 lbs; Max weight carried: 35 lbs; Max force pushed: 22 lbs; Max force pulled: 80 lbs.

Sensory Requirements: Wide field of view; perception - spatial; olfactory (smelling); vision – frequently near and far and going between; depth perception; perception identifying objects in space and by sight; color discrimination amongst liquids; feeling without seeing; speaking; hearing.

Metro Water Recovery is an Equal Opportunity Employer.