Water Quality Chemist

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Ute Water Conservancy District

Job Description

Job Title:                              Water Quality Chemist

Job Code:                              Professional/Technical

Salary Range:                      $38.13 – $58.66 hourly

Location:                                Onsite, 3975 Rapid Creek Road, Palisade, CO 81526

Department:                        Treatment & Source   

Reports To:                          Laboratory Manager

FLSA Status:                       Exempt

Compensation Factor(s):      Education, Training & Experience; Merit System; Seniority

Prepared Date:                    January 2021

Revised Date:                         May 2026

SUMMARY

This position reports to the Laboratory Manager and is responsible for performing professional-level chemical and bacteriological water quality duties and responsibilities to support the water quality laboratory programs in pursuit of the District’s objectives by performing the following duties. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Performance of duties follows standards, policies, and plans established by the District as well as applicable federal, state, and local regulations.

Laboratory Operations and Technical Analysis

• Perform sampling and analysis in accordance with the District’s Monitoring Plan and Colorado Primary Drinking Water Regulations.
• Perform professional-level chemical, bacteriological, and physical water quality analyses in support of laboratory and treatment programs.
• Weigh out and add method specific preservatives to sample vials and collected samples.
• Prepare compliant sample collection kits for shipping to various entities so that collected and returned samples meet compliance standards.
• Operate laboratory instruments and equipment with accuracy and precision, including GC, GC/MS, IC, ICP-MS, and TOC analyzers.
• Conduct testing using approved EPA and Standard Methods, including but not limited to EPA 524.3, 552.2, 300.0, 200.8, SM 5310.
• Produce compliance and special-purpose analytical data to support District efforts.
• Perform complex chemical, mathematical, and statistical calculations to evaluate analytical results and identify potential problems.
• Maintain clean and organized work areas.

QA/QC and Method Development

• Comply with and support laboratory QA/QC programs.
• Conduct and pass required proficiency exams annually to ensure valid Laboratory certification.
• Prepare for and participate in CDPHE Laboratory audits and Sanitary Surveys as required.
• Maintain knowledge and records of sample holding times, preservatives, and preparation requirements to ensure regulatory compliance.
• Troubleshoot analytical issues and recommend or implement corrective actions related to sampling, transport, storage, or testing.
• Diagnose equipment malfunctions and support instrument performance through routine maintenance and calibration of laboratory instruments to ensure data accuracy and regulatory compliance.
• Assist in reviewing and updating analytical methods; research, develop, and implement new methods as needed.
• Develop, review, revise, and follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

Data Management, Documentation, and Reporting

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of sampling, analytical results, investigations, customer complaints, and corrective actions.
• Update spreadsheets and laboratory records with field and analytical data.
• Prepare compliance and noncompliance reports for review and submission.

Laboratory Administration

• Assist the Laboratory Manager with daily laboratory operations.
• Perform Laboratory Manager duties during absences or as assigned.
• Participate in budget development and provide recommendations for equipment and supply purchases.
• Track laboratory inventory, materials usage, and related documentation.
• Order laboratory supplies and assist with invoicing and consumable management.
• Maintain instrument calibration logs for both laboratory instruments and laboratory tools such as scales, pipets, and thermometers.

Treatment and Distribution Support

• Assist in monitoring and reporting water quality issues within the distribution system.
• Coordinate with District staff on activities such as flushing.
• Work with District staff to sample tanks, source water sites, designated sample stations, and customer locations as required.
• Collect and analyze routine distribution system samples, including weekly heterotrophic plate count (HPC) samples.
• Calibrate and maintain select online analyzers at the water treatment facility.

Safety and Chemical Management

• Work safely around chemicals and maintain a safe laboratory environment.
• Oversee and maintain the laboratory Safety Data Sheets (SDS) program.
• Update SDS records and notify Risk Management of changes.

Additional Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Investigate water quality complaints, document findings, and ensure appropriate follow-up.
• Assist with cleaning of facilities and vehicles.
• Operates a motor vehicle.
• Operates a boat, off-highway vehicles, such as four-wheelers, side-by-sides, etc.
• Regular or continuous public contact. Interacts respectfully and professionally with all District employees, board members, and non-employees such as the public, customers, vendors, contractors, consultants, etc.
• Demonstrates reliable and consistent job attendance.
• Performs the essential functions listed on pages 1 to 6 of this job description.

GENERAL DUTIES

• General duties may be assigned. May assist in other areas as assigned.
• Management retains the discretion to change the duties of the position at any time.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• This job has no direct supervisory responsibilities on a regular basis.
• Performs all essential functions and responsibilities of the Laboratory Manager during absences or as assigned.
• May direct the work of casual seasonal employee(s).
• When required, this position will perform supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the District’s policies and applicable laws.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, and/or REGISTRATIONS

Required:       

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in chemistry, biology, or a science-related field.
• A minimum of five (5) years of laboratory experience.
• A valid Colorado Driver's License, in good standing, with insurability under District standards.
• A valid State of Colorado Class “D” Water Treatment Operator certification or obtain such certification within two (2) years from the date of hire into the position.

Preferred:       

• Water quality laboratory experience.
• A valid State of Colorado Class C, B, or A Water Treatment Operator certificate.

Any equivalent combination of certifications, education, or experience that provides the required skills, knowledge, and abilities of the position.

HOURS

• This is an exempt position.
• Must work a 40-hour work week or as required based on workload demand.
• As assigned or needed, this position is required to be on-call and respond to emergency situations.