Chemist I: $107,161.60 - $137,196.80 AnnuallyChemist II: $115,460.80 - $147,721.60 AnnuallyChemist III: $124,259.20 - $159,057.60 AnnuallyOverview:Do you want to make a difference in your community by helping to ensure that over 1.9 million people get clean water every day? Do you have a passion for chemistry? Valley Water is looking for a highly capable Chemist I/II/III to join our Laboratory Services Unit! This position is in the professional chemist series of Valley Water's state accredited laboratory. The focus of this position is to perform analytical testing activities primarily in the inorganic chemistry section meeting all requirements of the Laboratory's quality assurance program, adhering to the regulatory requirements, and following specific U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Methods and/or Standard Method for water and wastewater analysis. The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience in environmental testing, associated quality control and quality assurance requirements, instrument troubleshooting, sample collection and sample receiving procedures, and use of Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS). In addition, this position will be responsible for handling, storing, and managing hazardous material and hazardous waste, following all environmental health and safety policies and procedures, and be able to work well with team members.
About Valley Water:Valley Water is a public agency with an operating and capital budget of $964 million, and over 900 employees. With headquarters in San José, Valley Water provides water supply, enhances streams and watersheds through creek restoration and habitat protection, provides flood protection for homes, schools, businesses and roadways, and partners with other agencies to provide trails and open space for the community.
Our Commitment: Racial equity, diversity and inclusion are integral to Valley Water. We are committed to building and sustaining an inclusive and equitable working environment for all. We believe every member of our team enriches our diversity, contributes to inclusion, and strengthens belonging by broadening our perspective and collective understanding of the world around us to accomplish our mission to equitably provide safe, clean water, natural flood protections, and environmental stewardship.
Key Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:- Conduct laboratory tests as assigned to evaluate water quality.
- Follow all quality assurance and quality control requirements per the State regulations and laboratory quality manual.
- Calibrate, operate, and perform maintenance on analytical instrumentation and participate in proficiency testing programs.
- Assist with chemical purchasing, storage, and disposal. Meet all quality assurance requirements and maintain records.
- Enter and review analytical data in Laboratory Information Management System
- Assist with sample collection, receiving, login, preservation, and shipping.
Ideal Candidate's Background Includes:Applicants whose experience and background best match the ideal experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, and education are considered ideal candidates for the position. To determine the top candidates, each applicant will be assessed based on the ideal candidate criteria as listed below.
Ideal Skills and Abilities:Chemist I:- Perform a wide variety of professional analytical and technical duties involved in the analyses of water, wastewater, and related material samples for inorganic or organic constituents.
- Conduct research and data analysis including literature review.
- Learn operational characteristics of laboratory and electronic instruments and equipment.
- Learn methods and techniques of water sampling, preservation, extraction and storage requirements.
- Learn methods and techniques used in laboratory quality assurance programs.
- Learn methods and techniques of handling and storing hazardous materials.
- Learn pertinent federal and state laws, codes, and regulations such as California regulations for drinking water.
- Learn to enter data and navigate the Laboratory Information Management System.
- Learn to maintain and conduct minor maintenance on various laboratory equipment.
- Learn to adhere to Valley Water policies and procedures.
Chemist II:- Provides analytical support for water quality investigations, such as, distribution systems, source water reservoirs, treatment plant processes, and recycled water.
- Assist in the development of applied research projects; develop and review test equipment, products, methods, and procedures; recommend operational and equipment modifications to ensure delivered water meets regulatory requirements.
- Maintain and conduct minor maintenance on various laboratory equipment.
- Develop, implement, and continuously optimize all analytical measurements.
- Enter data and navigate the Laboratory Information Management System.
- Perform a variety of duties in the analysis of drinking water, recycled water, and groundwater samples.
- Learn to perform and interpret water analysis test results.
- Adhere to Valley Water policies and procedures.
Chemist III:- Provides analytical support for water quality investigations, such as, distribution systems, source water reservoirs, treatment plant processes, and recycled water.
- Assist in the development of applied research projects; develop and review test equipment, products, methods and procedures; recommend operational and equipment modifications to ensure delivered water meets regulatory requirements.
- Maintain and conduct minor maintenance on various laboratory equipment.
- Develop, implement, and continuously optimize all analytical measurements.
- Enter data and navigate the Laboratory Information Management System.
- Perform a variety of duties in the analysis of drinking water, recycled water and groundwater samples.
- Learn to perform and interpret water analysis test results.
- Learn to identify and analyze existing and potential laboratory demands and management challenges.
- Learn to administer budget, personnel, and administrative issues.
- Learn to analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals.
- Learn to conduct complex water quality studies and review, analyze, and interpret the results.
- Prepare clear and concise reports.
- Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
- Adhere to Valley Water policies and procedures.
Ideal Knowledge:Chemist I:- Principles and practices of chemistry measurement techniques for various water matrices.
- Principles and practices of laboratory quality assurance and quality control.
- Operation of analytical instrumentation and operating systems.
- Calibration, operation, and minor maintenance and repair of instrumentation.
- Accuracy and precision studies (MDL’s, MRL’s).
- Common desktop applications and software.
- Some knowledge of pertinent federal and state laws, codes, and regulations such as California regulations for drinking water.
Chemist II:In addition to the qualifications for Chemist I:Some Knowledge of:- Operational characteristics of laboratory and electronic instruments and equipment.
- Methods and techniques of water sampling, preservation, extraction, and storage requirements.
- Methods and techniques used in laboratory quality assurance programs.
- Principles and practices of applied research projects.
- Troubleshooting and maintenance of analytical instrumentation.
- Methods and techniques of handling and storing hazardous materials.
- Pertinent federal and state laws, codes, and regulations such as California regulations for drinking water.
Working Knowledge of:- Principles and practices of chemistry measurement techniques for various water matrices.
- Operation of analytical instrumentation and operating systems.
- Calibration, operation, and minor maintenance and repair of instrumentation.
- Drinking water regulations and monitoring requirements.
- Interpretation of test results for water quality determinations.
- Accuracy and precision studies (MDL’s, MRL’s).
Chemist III:In addition to the qualifications for Chemist II:Working Knowledge of:- Principles, practices and responsibilities involved in leading the work of assigned staff.
- Principles and practices of laboratory quality control and quality assurance.
- Methods and techniques of public speaking.
- Principles and practices of applied research projects.
- Pertinent federal and state laws, codes, and regulations including drinking water regulation and monitoring requirements, TNI Standard, and ELAP Regulations.
Ideal Training and Education:Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, environmental chemistry, chemical engineering, or a related field. Or directly related experience may be substituted for the college requirement on the basis of one and one-half years of experience for one year of education to a maximum of four years.
Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid California driver's license. Individuals who do not meet the driver's license requirement due to a disability will be considered for a reasonable accommodation on a case-by-case basis.
To review the Classification Specification, please click here
Laboratory Service Unit (Position Code 267)
Valley Water Telework Program: Eligibility for telework will depend on the type of work performed, operational needs, and the ability for the employee to perform the essential functions of their job duties while teleworking. Employment with Valley Water requires employees to live within 150 miles of their primary physical work location located in San Jose, California by their start date.
This position is eligible for a hybrid telework schedule, typically working 10%-20% remotely.(1) The selection process may include one or more of the following: application review, application assessment, performance exercise, written exercise and/or interview.
(2) The Employment Application, Qualifying Information Questions and/or Supplemental Questions will be evaluated based on the ideal candidate criteria listed above. Resumes are highly recommended.
NOTE: Position and start date is subject to availability of funds. Valley Water retains the right to repost this position as deemed necessary.
Consideration may be given to existing applicant pools within the same classification.
Valley Water's Equal Opportunity Non-Discrimination Policy is available for review upon request.
Valley Water will make reasonable efforts in the examination process to accommodate persons with disabilities. Please advise Human Resources in advance of any special needs by calling 408-630-2260.
Please be aware that once submitted all application materials become the property of Valley Water and will not be returned. Human Resources staff are not authorized to make copies of application materials for applicants.
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