Chemist & Quality Assurance Officer

Company: City of Boynton Beach, FL
Location: Boynton Beach
Posted on: July 30, 2022

Job Description:

Purpose of Classification The purpose of this classification is to perform advanced chemical testing/analysis of water samples to monitor water quality for raw water, process water and finished water samples and to ensure laboratory compliance with the The Nelac Institute (TNI) standards. An employee in this position exercises a high degree of independent judgement, skill and initiative in the performance of scientific analysis. Work is performed under the supervision of the Laboratory Supervisor. Essential Functions The following duties and functions, as outlined herein, are intended to be representative of the type of tasks performed within this classification. They are not listed in any order of importance. The omission of specific statements of the duties or functions does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned.Performs chemical, biological and physical analysis of raw water, water in process stages, and finished water, wastewater, industrial waste and other waters, for physical, chemical, and biological contaminants. Sets up and coordinates obtaining TNI proficiency test samples for processing. Performs analysis on TNI proficiency test samples to maintain laboratory certification for drinking water and non-potable water in accordance with the latest TNI accreditation standards. Some of the testing required is in the areas of microbiology, trace metals, nutrients, minerals, inorganic disinfection by-products, volatile organic compounds, pesticides, herbicides, and other tests as necessary to maintain certification. Sets up and coordinates TNI audits with external entities. Writes and reviews Standard Operating Procedures. Performs all related quality control tests as required by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Palm Beach County Health Department, Florida Department of Health, or as required by other federal/state regulations. Oversees all quality assurance activities including qualification of analysts, training of laboratory analysts and interns, review of raw data, performance of periodic internal audits, setting of quality standards, and review of compliance reports; participates actively in TNI laboratory inspections ensuring compliance with TNI Standards. Serves as Laboratory Hygiene Officer; prepares and implements laboratory safety and procedure program. Calculates and records results of tests, including quality control/assurance tests; compares results against standards. Maintains records of testing results and laboratory activities in compliance with state reporting requirements; enters data for laboratory reports into computer; updates/maintains sample and quality control spreadsheets/charts and databases.Analyzes quality control procedures and data to maintain the required limits of precision and accuracy. Operates a variety of machinery, equipment and tools associated with laboratory operations, which may include a utility vehicle, graphite furnace, analytical balance, autoclave, gas chromatograph, gas leak detector, ion analyzer, spectrophotometer, conductivity meter, digital burettes, laboratory glassware, meters, testing instruments, and scientific calculator.Performs general cleaning/maintenance tasks necessary to keep vehicles, equipment, and tools in operable condition, which may include inspecting equipment, calibrating laboratory equipment, washing/cleaning laboratory paraphernalia, sterilizing/decontaminating containers, performing basic repair of laboratory equipment and instruments, and cleaning shop/work areas; monitors equipment operations to maintain efficiency and safety; reports faulty equipment. Follows safety procedures, utilizes safety equipment, and monitors work environment to ensure safety of employees and other individuals. Maintains inventory levels of laboratory equipment, chemicals, and supplies; initiates requests for new or replacement materials. Provides input and recommendations regarding division budget. Prepares or completes various forms, reports, correspondence, charts, data sheets, chain-of-custody forms, test result reports, quality control reports, or other documents. Receives various forms, reports, correspondence, chain-of-custody forms, quality control charts, data sheets, invoices, customer complaint forms, material safety data sheets, standard methods, instrument operation manuals, policies, procedures, textbooks, manuals, catalogs, reference materials, or other documentation; reviews, completes, processes, forwards or retains as appropriate. Operates a computer to enter, retrieve, review or modify data; utilizes word processing, spreadsheet, database, or other software programs. Answers the telephone; provides information and assistance; takes and relays messages or directs calls to appropriate personnel; returns calls as necessary. Responds to complaints and questions related to water quality issues; provides information, researches problems, and initiates problem resolution. Works closely with Laboratory Supervisor in keeping water treatment plant staff and if necessary Utilities management staff informed of any discrepancies, irregularities or questionable data in a timely manner and as per local, state and federal requirements for drinking water. Communicates with supervisor, employees, other divisions, other departments, vendors, the public, outside laboratories, outside agencies, and other individuals as needed to coordinate work activities, review status of work, exchange information, or resolve problems. Maintains current knowledge of applicable laws/regulations; maintains an awareness of new trends and advances in the profession; reads professional literature; attends workshops and training sessions as appropriate. ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS Performs the duties of laboratory supervisor in his/her absence. Provides assistance or coverage to other employees as needed. Participates in on call rotation responding to water and sewer emergencies. Performs other related duties as required. Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor degree in Chemistry or closely related field; and
• Three (3) years previous experience involving utility laboratory analysis, chemistry, and quality assurance; and
• Must possess (or able to obtain within fourteen (14) days of hire) and maintain a valid Florida driver's license.PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Experience with utility laboratory operations including compliance with TNI Standards. Supplemental Information COMMUNICATION COMPETENCIESThe ability to clearly communicate Department and City Goals, Policies, Strategic Plans and other key information to employees and peers using multiple communication platforms including e-mail and social media. Effectively communicates with supervisor, employees, other departments, contractors, engineers, utility companies, vendors, outside agencies, the public, and other individuals as needed to coordinate work activities, review status of work, exchange information, or resolve problems. Accurately and expeditiously receives and delivers messages and information to the appropriate individuals. Ability to prepare accurate and thorough written records and reports. Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions and to complete assigned tasks with minimal direction. Ability to understand and quickly and accurately follow brief oral and written instructions on moderately complex matters. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES (KSA's) Knowledge of department and division operations, policies, procedures, practices and all applicable codes, laws, rules and regulations.Knowledge of and the ability to ensure compliance with safety policies, procedures, practices and regulations pertaining to laboratory operations.Knowledge of sampling, analysis, quality assurance, recordkeeping and reporting procedures.Knowledge of TNI standards.Knowledge of quality control tests as required by EPA, HRS, or other federal and state regulations.Knowledge of, and the ability to, perform mathematical computations as related to laboratory tests and analyses.Ability to operate an assigned vehicle.Ability to supervise and evaluate the work of laboratory personnel, including root cause analysis and corrective measure implementation, and identify and resolve staff issues and concerns.Ability to coordinate, plan and prioritize work assignments to achieve optimum effectiveness in staff utilization. Ability to oversee the inspection and repair/replacement of malfunctioning laboratory equipment.Ability to troubleshoot and resolve customer issues and complaints related to water quality.Ability to write and review Standard Operating Procedures. Ability to utilize word processing, spreadsheets and other software programs to enter, retrieve, review and modify data.PHYSICAL AND SENSORY REQUIREMENTS / ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS Physical Ability : Tasks require the ability to exert very moderate physical effort in light work, typically involving some combination of stooping, kneeling, crouching and crawling, and which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of moderate weight (20 pounds). Sensory Requirements : Tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate colors or shades of colors, odor, depth, and visual cues or signals. Tasks require the ability to communicate orally. Environmental Factors : Performance of essential functions may require exposure to adverse environmental conditions, such as odors, machinery, electric currents, traffic hazards, toxic agents, disease, or pathogenic substances.The City of Boynton Beach, Florida, is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (42 U.S. C. 12101 et. seq.), the City of Boynton Beach will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. A review of this position has excluded the marginal functions of the position that are incidental to the performance of fundamental job duties. All duties and responsibilities are essential job functions and requirements are subject to possible modifications to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbent(s) will possess the abilities and aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat of significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. Requirements are representative of the minimum level of knowledge, skills, and ability.VETERANS' PREFERENCE Certain servicemembers and veterans, and the spouses and family members of such servicemembers and veterans, receive preference and priority in the City's hiring process. Additionally, certain servicemembers may be eligible to receive waivers for postsecondary educational requirements in employment by the City.

Keywords: City of Boynton Beach, FL, Boynton Beach , Chemist & Quality Assurance Officer, Other , Boynton Beach, Florida