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

Metro Water Recovery; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 39,000 - 63,000; Full time

Job summary

Metro Water Recovery in Denver is seeking a Water Quality Chemist at multiple levels to perform comprehensive analyses on water, wastewater, biosolids and soil samples. The role reports to a Laboratory Supervisor and emphasizes accuracy and teamwork.

Qualifications include a bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biology, or related fields and a strong attention to detail. Work schedule is four 10-hour shifts on Wednesday through Saturday, offering stability and a chance to contribute to the

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in chemistry, biology, or related fields.
• Valid driver license is preferred for sample collection.

Responsibilities

• Perform chemical, biochemical, physical, and microbiological analyses of water, wastewater, biosolids and soil samples.
• Operate laboratory instrumentation and ensure QA/QC compliance.
• Maintain accurate records and support timely reporting of results.

Skills

Lab instrumentation

Lab safety

Math basics

QA/QC

MS Office

Recordkeeping

Communication

Time management

Teamwork

Ethics

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in chemistry, biology, or related fields

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.

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

Water Quality Chemist I ($28.21-$39.35 Hourly)

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 ($32.91-$45.90 Hourly)

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.

This position is being posted at multiple levels. For Example of Duties, please select the appropriate job description below and wait for pop-up on the right of the screen.

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/Skills/Abilities

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 analyst Is and IIs.
• 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.

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent with major course work in chemistry, biology, or related fields and a valid driver’s license are required.

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.