Job Description

Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago

Under general supervision, assists in the supervision and direction of a chemical laboratory; carries out chemistry-related research projects; and participates in complex and difficult tests and analyses.

Essential Job Functions

Essential job functions are fundamental, core functions common to positions in a classification. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class. Since class specifications are designed to be descriptive and not restrictive, incumbents may complete one or all of the job duties listed or tasks of similar kind not specifically listed here.

• Assigns, supervises, and reviews work of subordinate personnel; rewards, disciplines, directs, or adjusts grievances; recommends their hiring, transfer, suspension, layoff, recall, promotion or discharge.
• Supervises and participates in chemical and bacteriological work relating to sewage treatment process, or chemistry-related research on sewage and sewage treatment, industrial wastes, groundwater quality, stream pollution, sludge use and disposal.
• Checks analyses and computations made in laboratory. Assists in the establishment of analytical methods to be used in laboratory and research procedures to be applied to assigned project.
• Implements and evaluates laboratory quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) procedures; participates in development of appropriate QA/QC procedures.
• Troubleshoots and repairs analytical and monitoring equipment.
• Evaluates and verifies data generated by various analytical sections; prepares required or assigned reports.
• Participates in training of subordinate personnel.
• Assumes duties of section head in his absence.

Other Job Functions

• May perform the functions of the 90-day Hazardous Waste Storage Area Steward (Waste Steward) which involves maintaining the inventory, segregating chemicals based on compatibilities, conducting weekly inspections and notifying the Emergency Coordinator of any leaking containers, spills or releases.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Environmental Conditions

May involve exposure to a variety of chemical and biological materials, some of which may be hazardous or toxic. May involve exposure to fumes and noxious odors.

Desirable Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Considerable knowledge of wastewater and sludge treatment processes.
• Considerable knowledge of environmental chemistry, quality assurance, laboratory policies and procedures, and chemistry-related research methodology.
• Considerable knowledge of statistical methods used in data analysis and interpretation.
• Considerable knowledge of hazardous waste regulations and emergency procedures such as that obtained through 24-hour Hazardous Materials Specialist-level training (and annual 8-hour refresher training).
• Considerable knowledge of District waste handling procedures.
• Knowledge of analytical instruments and instrumentation systems.
• Some knowledge of computer spreadsheets and databases.
• Ability to manage several projects concurrently.
• Ability to compile, analyze and interpret a variety of data.
• Ability to plan and supervise the work of others in a manner conducive to full performance and high morale.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Graduation from a four year accredited college or university majoring in chemistry or chemical engineering, and four years of full time professional work in chemistry of which at least two years must have included chemical analyses of water, sewage, and industrial wastes and at least one year of which must have included supervision of chemists.

Substitution

Graduate study in chemistry or chemical engineering may be substituted for the required experience on a year-for-year basis to a maximum of three years.

Promotional Requirement

• One year of service with the District as an Environmental Chemist.
• Civil service status as an Environmental Chemist.

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