Chemist

Career Opportunity
The city of Las Vegas is accepting applications for Chemist.This positioncollects samples; performs chemical and bacteriological analyses necessary for determining the efficiency of the chemical and biological processes of wastewater treatment in accordance with established methods; and performs a variety of technical tasks relative to assigned area of responsibility.

Water Pollution Control Facility Plant Tour: https://youtu.be/9EN8oHwFq-A

The purpose of this recruitment is to establish an eligible list for current and/ or future openings city-wide, which may include part-time or full-time positions.

Supervision Received And Exercised

Receives direction from the Environmental Laboratory & Compliance Manager or higher-level management.

May act as a lead worker, exercising functional and technical supervision including scheduling and assigning tasks, providing guidance, ensuring work is completed according to proper procedure, monitoring work progress, and reviewing results.

May receive technical instruction and direction from Sr Chemist or higher level staff.

Examination Process
A civil service examination will be conducted in accordance with the Civil Service Rules of the city of Las Vegas. The supplemental questions are the examination. Falsification of information may result in disqualification from a recruitment or removal from a City position. Additional information will not be accepted after the closing date. The supplemental questions are weighted 100% for placement on an eligible list, and must be worked on individually by the applicant only.The supplemental questions of all qualified applicants will be reviewed for placement on an eligible list.

Eligible List
You must score 70% or higher on the examination to be placed on the eligible list. The eligible list will remain in effect for a period of 6 months from the date of certification and may be extended for a period of up to 2 years.

Selection Process
Final candidate selection will include list placement and may include hiring interview (if applicable). Any individual offered employment will be required to pass a pre-employment drug test, complete background check,and may be required to demonstrate the ability to perform the physical requirements of the job.Some positions may require preliminary background checks.

Essential Functions:

1. Collects a variety of samples from various stages of the wastewater treatment process, including collection from satellite Reuse Facilities; maintains full chain of custody.
2. Analyzes samples for physical, chemical and microbial constituents; calculates and evaluates results; completes documentation; enters data into databases and spreadsheets.
3. Analyzes and interprets data; prepares reports on routine sampling and analyses, special projects and quality control.
4. May serve as a lead, providing functional and technical oversight and training to assigned staff; assigns, plans, directs, coordinates and schedules assignments; monitors work progress and reviews work results; ensures safe work practices are followed.
5. Performs physical, chemical, bacteriological and biochemical investigations and research to develop and improve sampling and laboratory procedures and methods, and to improve treatment or process control.
6. Conducts field and laboratory experiments to determine the effects and suitability of chemicals used in wastewater treatment.
7. Devises, adapts and recommends standard and complex tests, procedures and sampling methods; writes and revises standard operating procedures.
8. Prepares technical reports on routine analyses, special projects, quality control and other operational issues to ensure that quality standards, efficiency and schedules are met.
9. Evaluates statistically complex data; confers with professional and technical staff to interpret test results.
10. Attends meetings with city staff and other agencies; represents the city in discussions related to wastewater treatment, laboratory procedures, biomonitoring, ambient monitoring and the watershed.
11. Prepares standard solutions; performs stoichiometric calculations.
12. Determines the cause(s) of problems with wastewater processes; provides corrective action recommendations to manager and wastewater treatment plant staff.
13. Cleans glassware and equipment; performs laboratory housekeeping.
14. Performs quality assurance and quality control tasks related to State of Nevada laboratory certification requirements; ensures that quality assurance and quality control procedures and measures are followed; calibrates instruments; participates in ensuring the laboratory maintains its certification.
15. Operates amotor vehicleand transports a sampling boat and trailer to other treatment facilities, Lake Mead and various other sites to collect deep water samples and conduct analyses. Operates boat according to proper procedure.

Marginal Functions:

1. Operates sampling compositors equipment and replaces tubing as needed.
2. Maintains adequate stock of lab chemicals, supplies and equipment.
3. Performs related duties and responsibilities as required.

Experience:

Three years of technical lead in chemical and/or bacteriological testing and instrumentation experience in a water or wastewater laboratory. Experience involving one or more of the following areas: troubleshooting and method development for complex laboratory instruments, microbiological or zooplankton identification is desired.

Training:

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major in chemistry, biology, microbiology, environmental science or a closely related science field.

A combination of formal education and directly related work experience may substitute for the degree. The city assesses 1.5 years of fulltime experience as equivalent to one year of education.

Any work experience, paid internships, work study, or volunteer assignments in the area of chemistry, biology, or environmental science is acceptable.

License or Certificate:

Possession of an appropriate, valid driver's license within 6 months of appointment, and maintenance thereafter.

Possession of a State of Nevada Division of Wildlife Safe Boating certificate within 6 months of the date of appointment, and maintenance thereafter.

Possession of a Wastewater Quality Analyst Restricted certificate from the Nevada Water Environment Association within 9 months of the date of appointment.

Possession of a Grade 1 Wastewater Quality Analyst certificate from the Nevada Water Environment Association within 1 year of the date of appointment.

Possession of a Grade 2 Wastewater Quality Analyst certificate from the Nevada Water Environment Association within 2 years of the date of appointment.

Possession of a Grade 3 Wastewater Quality Analyst certificate from the Nevada Water Environment Association within 3 years of the date of appointment, and maintenance thereafter.

Knowledge of:

Principles of organic, inorganic, and physical chemistry.
Principles of qualitative and quantitative analysis.
Chemical laboratory procedures, techniques and equipment.
Principles of biochemistry.
Permit requirements and regulations related to the analysis of wastewater.
Modern laboratory procedures, methods and computer equipment.
Applicable sampling procedures and field equipment.
Validation procedures.
Pertinent federal, state and local laws, codes and regulations.
Occupational hazards and standard lab and applicable sampling safety practices.

Skills in:

Interpreting and explaining laboratory policies and procedures.
Conducting complex research projects.
Using and maintaining laboratory equipment.
Developing sampling plans.
Analyzing, interpreting, and applying the results of laboratory testing.
Coordinating the activities of a technical laboratory.
Interpreting, applying and explaining applicable city, department and division policies and procedures.
Producing written documents with clearly organized thoughts using proper sentence construction, punctuation, spelling and grammar.
Performing competently in the use of spreadsheet, word processing, email and other applicable software applications.
Using computers and a variety of complex computer software programs.
Preparing clear, concise and technical reports.
Working independently with minimal supervision.
Using a Global Positioning System (GPS).
Swimming at a sufficient level to ensure personal safety while taking water samples.
Communicating clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, including City officials and the general public.

Competencies:

Core Workforce Competencies

Professionalism – Demonstrates core values by being honest, respectful and positive.

Effective Communication – Expresses verbal and written thought in a clear and understandable manner.

Customer Focus – Demonstrates genuine concern and satisfies external and/or internal customers based on the CLV core purpose and values.
Competencies (continued):

Adaptability – Able to effectively modify behavior to suit changing workforce demands.

Problem Solving – Solves problems by considering all causes, solutions and outcomes.

Productive Partnerships – Develops, maintains and strengthens partnerships with others.

Technical and Safety Expertise – Possesses a depth of knowledge, skill and ability in a technical (job) area.