Water Quality Chemist I

Metro Water Recovery; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

Metro Water Recovery in Denver, CO, is seeking a Laboratory Analyst to perform chemical, biochemical, physical, and microbiological analyses of water, wastewater, biosolids and soils under supervision. The role focuses on accurate testing, QA/QC, safety, and data management in a dynamic lab setting.

The position requires a Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biology, or related fields, with strong attention to detail and solid communication skills.

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Performs standard wastewater laboratory analyses which may include E. coli, total suspended solids, biochemical oxygen demand, COD, TOC, Kjeldahl nitrogen, ammonia, phosphorus, dissolved solids, and metals.
• Collects process control samples in accordance with schedules to support analytical testing.
• May perform routine analyses using wet chemical methods and instruments such as IC, GC, GC/MS.
• Maintains accurate laboratory records and uploads results into LIMS for reporting.
• Calibrates laboratory instrumentation and performs basic troubleshooting and routine maintenance.
• Performs routine data handling using laboratory and instrument‑associated software.
• Follows quality control procedures to ensure accurate and reliable results.
• Maintains a safe working environment and adheres to safety protocols.
• Participates in continuous improvement projects and teams.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills

Effective communication

Recordkeeping

Time management

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's degree in chemistry or biology

Job description

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.

Work Schedule: Wednesday through Saturday, four (4) 10-hour shifts.

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.

Examples of Duties

1. Performs standard wastewater laboratory analyses which may include E. coli, total suspended solids, biochemical oxygen demand, COD, TOC, Kjeldahl nitrogen, ammonia, phosphorus, dissolved solids, and metals. This includes related tasks such as preparation of any necessary standards and reagents and washing glassware.
2. Collects process control samples (plant pickup) in accordance with established schedules and protocols to support analytical testing. Sampling occurs daily and is integral to performing required analyses.
3. May perform routine analyses using complex wet chemical methods and/or instruments such as ion chromatograph (IC), gas chromatograph (GC), gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer (GC/MS) to conduct complex testing on digester gas, and other compounds.
4. Maintains accurate and organized laboratory records and uploads results into Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) for reporting.
5. Calibrates laboratory instrumentation and equipment. Performs basic troubleshooting and routine maintenance on laboratory instrumentation and equipment as needed.
6. Performs routine data handling using laboratory and instrument-associated software.
7. Follows quality control procedures to ensure accurate and reliable results.
8. Maintains a safe working environment while adhering to established safety protocols.
9. Participates productively in continuous improvement projects and teams.
10. Performs other duties as assigned.

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.

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 site; Color discrimination amongst liquids; Feeling without seeing; Speaking; Hearing.

Metro Water Recovery is an Equal Opportunity Employer.