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Environmental Chemist/Microbiologist

Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission, Silver Spring, MD, United States


Monday – Friday (8 Hrs./Day)
8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
*Some holidays and weekends

Position Location

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; providing technical support to Laboratory personnel and the Quality Assurance/Quality Control Section; and training Laboratory personnel in the designated scope of knowledge, skills, and abilities.

The Chemist/Microbiologist serves as a subject matter expert in their area of expertise. They will be responsible for primary analyses and serve as alternate for other analyses; produce data of the best quality on time; and prioritize and schedule analyses at their discretion.

Essential Functions

Serves as a subject matter expert for Laboratory staff

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 Functions

Serves 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 Demands
Work performed in a laboratory environment.

Required Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

Thorough 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 IonSelective 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 knowledgebase 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 Requirements

4+ years of laboratory experience that include:
3+ years environmental laboratory experience

performing routine wet chemistry, microbiology, and advanced analyses of

water and/or wastewater

1+ year of quality assurance program experience

Additional Requirements

Possession 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

Preferences
Additional experience is helpful.

Salary
$85,214 - $145,095

EEO Statement
AN 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.

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