Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Some nights, weekends, and holidays.
Position Location: Silver Spring
Position Summary: The general duties of the Chemist/Microbiologist include, but are not limited to, chemical and microbiological procedures requiring the use of basic to advanced laboratory instrumentation. Incumbents may oversee the work of the laboratory staff within a specific analytical team and provide technical support to laboratory personnel and the Quality Assurance/Quality Control Section.
Essential FunctionsServes as a subject matter expert for Laboratory staff.Conduct primary analyses and serve as alternate for other analyses.Uses instrumentation such as GFAA, ICP, Hg Analyzers, Flow Injection Analyzers, BOD Analyzers, TOC Analyzers, Sulfate Analyzers, ICP-MS, UV VIS, COD Analyzers, FlowCAM, Microscopes, GC, or other technical equipment for the determination of microbiological organisms, physical properties, metals, and inorganic and organic chemical constituents.Performs a variety of analyses, reviews data to ensure all required quality control standards are met, and uploads data to the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).Monitors, reviews, evaluates, and validates data produced by analysts to detect or assess problems and to determine compliance with acceptable standards.Performs and oversees the preparation of samples for subsequent analyses, including filtration, digestion, and extraction.Provides cross-training and guidance to laboratory personnel on instrumentation, procedures, and methodologies.Assists in achieving compliance with new regulations that may affect WSSC Water's water and wastewater treatment facilities.Prepares and maintains reports to validate data and satisfy the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) requirements for environmental test procedures.Provides technical advice and assistance to the Laboratory Operations Section Manager or Laboratory Division Manager.Researches new technological advancements in instrumentation and methodologies for laboratory use.Conducts special projects research for the Laboratory Operations Section Manager or Laboratory Division Manager.Successfully analyzes quarterly and annual Proficiency Testing samples for assigned analyses.Updates all required laboratory QA/QC and safety records at pre-scheduled intervals.Assists in writing and updating Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).Performs routine preventative maintenance on analytical instrumentation.Assists Sr Chemist/Microbiologist with sample preparation.Assists Laboratory Analysts I and II when workloads demand.Assists Sr. Chemist/Microbiologist with research and development of new methodologies.Drives a vehicle to conduct WSSC Water business.Other FunctionsServes on interview panels for selection of laboratory staff.Assists in investigations of customer concerns and questions.Assists in conducting visitor tours of the laboratory facility.Aids laboratory personnel in keeping the laboratory area safe, neat, and clean.Maintains sample storage areas including rotating storage areas and final disposal of samples.Participates in Stand-by and Call Back Program.Performs related duties as assigned.Work Environment And Physical DemandsWork is performed in a laboratory environment.
Required Knowledge, Skills, And AbilitiesThorough knowledge of theories and practices in the fields of chemistry, microbiology, or biology which are applied in analytical techniques.Skill in the operation of analytical instrumentation including routine maintenance and minor repairs.Skill in operating Hg, Flow Injection, BOD, TOC, COD, Sulfate analyzers, GC, ICP, ICP-MS, UV VIS, GFAA, FlowCAM, and microscopes.Skill in operating basic instrumentation such as pH, Conductivity, Turbidity, and Ion-Selective Meters, Balances, Autoclaves, Spectrophotometers, Ovens, Auto-Titrators, and Digestion Blocks.Skill in the use of laboratory computer programs including instrument software and LIMS.Knowledge of principles, practices, methods, and techniques of sample collection and preparation per State and Federal guidelines.Knowledge of EPA (Safe Drinking Water Act and Clean Water Act) and MDE applicable regulations and guidelines.Knowledge of environmental SOPs, EPA Approved Methods, and Standard Methods procedures.Thorough knowledge of proper laboratory procedures and good laboratory practices (GLP).Knowledge of Safety Data Sheets, Laboratory Safety procedures, and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).Ability to expand knowledge base to gain efficiency in new procedures and disciplines.Ability to prepare comprehensive analytical reports and interpret test results.Ability to accurately perform chemical, bacteriological, or biological tests with required acceptable quality control.Ability to train Laboratory personnel within their designated scope of knowledge, skills, and abilities.Ability to follow complex verbal and written instructions.Ability to guide and oversee the work of junior staff.Ability to effectively prioritize work and manage time to meet tight deadlines and continuous rush orders.Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing.Ability to interact with internal and external customers effectively and professionally.Minimum Education, Experience Requirements4+ years of laboratory experience that include:3+ years of environmental laboratory experience performing routine wet chemistry, microbiology, and advanced analyses of water and wastewater.1+ years of quality assurance program experience.Additional RequirementsPossession of a valid driver's license, with no more than 4 points, and the ability to obtain and maintain a WSSC Water driver's permit within 90 days of hire or transfer date.Able to work nights, weekends, and holidays.Employees in this position are designated or considered emergency personnel; therefore, the employee must report to work as scheduled or as directed by their supervisor when WSSC Water declares an event that requires emergency personnel to report to work.PreferencesAdditional experience is helpful.
Salary: $64,850 - $110,246
EEO StatementAN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
It is the policy of the Commission to select new employees and to promote current employees without regard to race, sexual orientation, sex, religion, national origin, marital status, or handicap. The Commission does not discriminate against qualified individuals with a disability and will make reasonable accommodation for any disability that does not result in undue hardship for the Commission.
Close Date09/10/2024
Open Until Filled: No
Special Instructions to ApplicantsAll applicants selected will be subject to drug screening and a background check/verification.
Supplemental QuestionsRequired fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
* Do you have a valid driver's license with no more than 4 points and with no restrictions (except eyeglasses/contact lenses)?YesNo* Will you, now or in the future, require sponsorship for employment visa status?YesNoAre you an eligible veteran of any branch of the armed forces who has received an honorable discharge or Certificate of Satisfactory Completion of Military Service, the spouse of an eligible veteran who has a service-connected disability or the surviving spouse of a deceased eligible veteran?YesNo
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