The purpose of this position is to perform a variety of routine and complex physical and chemical analyses of water, particulates, and other materials. The Chemist I use a variety of laboratory instruments and equipment and performs related work as required. As experience and proficiency are gained, assignments become progressively more diversified and challenging, with independent judgment increasingly exercised.

WaterOne is an independent public water utility. We’ve been proudly serving the Johnson County, Kansas area since 1957. Every day, nearly 455,000 customers rely on WaterOne to provide fresh, clean water on demand. It’s a responsibility we deliver on. Our passion is water, because water touches everything we care about: family, health, safety, and community. We serve our community by bringing award-winning water to their homes, businesses, and public places.

WaterOne provides competitive benefits and compensation ranges.  Selected candidates are placed in the position’s pay range based on their qualifications.

Pay Range:  From $31.25/hr

Essential Functions

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Performs laboratory analysis of samples (source, finished water; particulates, etc.) related to the treatment, quality control, and distribution of drinking water.
• Interprets analytical results from chemical or physical testing and computer analysis; learns to recognize problems which may occur during the process; determines the cause for and recommends corrective measures.
• Sets up, calibrates, operates and performs minor maintenance and repair of a variety of basic laboratory instruments and equipment; may perform minor maintenance and repair of more complex instrumentation under the guidance of an advanced scientific professional or supervisor.
• Assists with applied research projects, designing experiments, and modifying equipment; assists in developing monitoring procedures, goals and timetables.
• Makes calculations, completes forms, maintains records, and makes oral and written reports of work performed.
• Follows proper quality assurance procedures and all applicable safety practices and procedures; recommends improvements to work procedures, methods and forms.
• Prepares standard chemical solutions and reagents; cleans glassware, workspace and specialized equipment.
• Enters data into and uses output from a laboratory information management system (LIMS).

Other Duties

• Help in the training of other staff members.
• Collects water or other samples as assigned. Prepares and stores samples for analysis by commercial laboratories.
• Inspects various sample sites at treatment facilities or in the distribution system.
• Takes samples, computes quantities and inspects various sample sites in the treatment plant or distribution system.
• Aid as requested in the evaluation of laboratory services and equipment, and may assist in creating specifications and selecting equipment. Maintains an inventory of laboratory equipment and supplies; assists in developing recommendations for the purchase of equipment and chemicals.
• Assists in responding to emergency situations as assigned, which may include field testing and biological/bacteriological testing.
• Confers and consults with other employees, government representatives, external customers, and others.
• Perform all duties pertaining to hazardous waste operations in accordance with all applicable requirements.
• Performs other job duties as assigned.

Required Education, Skills & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry or closely related field.
• Working knowledge of general chemical quantitative and qualitative analysis, and of standard laboratory equipment and its uses.
• General knowledge of, or the ability to learn, the chemical, biochemical, and physical characteristics common to source water and treated water.
• Ability to analyze and interpret the results of routine laboratory tests of water; keep accurate records and prepare complete and concise reports of work performed; make rapid and accurate calculations; and perform standard laboratory support work.
• Develop skills & abilities necessary to perform difficult and precise analyses of water according to established procedures.
• Learn to adapt analytical methods and equipment to obtain accurate test results; setting up, using, calibrating and performing routine maintenance on complex analytical instruments.
• Prepare reagents to exact specifications.
• Read, interpret and understand technical operations manuals and standard operating procedures.
• Work within, and contribute to, a team of skilled employees.
• Make quality decisions under demanding circumstances and to continuously demonstrate good judgment.
• Adhere to process control, laboratory quality assurance, and safety program requirements.
• Learn and apply all applicable requirements pertaining to hazardous waste operations.
• Strong communication skills, both oral and written. Must be a good listener.
• Demonstrated proficiency with personal computer technology and applications including the MS Office suite (particularly Excel, Access, Word, Outlook, and Windows) is required.
• Possess a valid driver's license and continuously meet WaterOne driving standards.
• Must be available for occasional overtime and emergency call-out. Must be able to work a schedule that includes periodic weekends and holidays.
• Must pass post offer medical exam, including drug screen and background verification (may not apply to current employees).

Preferred Education, Skills & Experience

• Education with emphasis in the environmental or analytical chemistry field.
• A minimum of 23 credit hours of Chemistry must be part of the educational background or 2 years of relevant environmental laboratory experience. Previous experience in environmental analysis or interest in the environment.
• Knowledge of sources of information in fields related to water analysis and of the standard methods for the analysis of water, sampling techniques and statistical analysis, and principles of water treatment.
• Experience with enterprise resource planning software such as SAP.
• Experience with a laboratory information management system.
• Experience with analytical method development.
• Instrumentation troubleshooting experience.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The employee must be able to move or transport items weighing up to 25 Ibs. occasionally. The employee must be able to move from one location to another frequently but must also be able to remain in a stationary position for several hours a day as well.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee may occasionally lift/or move up to 75 pounds and frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. The employee must be able to use a computer for multiple hours a day. The employee must be able to move occasionally from one location to another or be able to remain in a stationary position for up to several hours a day. The employee must be able to use office productivity equipment such as a personal computer, calculator, printer, and copy machine. The employee must be in possession of a licenses and be able to operate a vehicle at any given time. The employee must be able to occasionally position self to collect samples, use equipment, perform analytical procedures and be able to work in outdoor weather conditions. The employee must be able to distinguish colors. The employee must be able to meet qualifications for using air purifying and air supplied respiratory protection.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Protective equipment, including but not limited to personal protective equipment for eyes, face, head and extremities, protective clothing, respiratory devices, and protective shields and barriers, may be required and shall be maintained in the sanitary and reliable condition wherever it is necessary by reason of hazards of process or environment, chemical hazards, or mechanical hazard encountered in a manner capable of causing injury or impairment in the function of any part of the body through absorption, inhalation or physical contact.

Equal Opportunity Employer

WaterOne is an equal opportunity employer and upholds a non-discrimination policy. We prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, religion, disability, age, military status, or marital status in making employment and business decisions. We also prohibit harassment and retaliation in the workplace and in our dealings with the public. We encourage and welcome diversity of backgrounds in our workforce. WaterOne complies with the Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA).