HomeMy WebLinkAboutChemistUpdated: March 2024
CITY OF IOWA CITY – JOB DESCRIPTION
Posi�on Title: Chemist
Department: Public Works
Division: Wastewater
Supervisor: Assistant Superintendent – Wastewater / Wastewater
Superintendent
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Civil Service: Yes
Pay Grade: 13
Job Number: 1301
Job Summary
Under direc�on, collects, analyzes, and compiles data on finished, environmental, geochemical,
industrial, petrochemical and wastewater samples to ensure compliance with state and federal
regula�ons and to ensure quality standards.
Essen�al Job Du�es and Responsibili�es
The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive
or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.
• Implements division goals, policies and procedures established by division
Superintendent.
• Manages and directs the ac�vi�es of the wastewater analy�cal laboratory.
• Performs complex chemical and physical analysis of samples, u�lizes specific laboratory
equipment and methods, determines composi�on and quality.
• Plans, coordinates, and assists in collec�on of wastewater and sludge samples to
determine the biological and chemical efficiency of the wastewater treatment plant and
local industries.
• Records and reviews test results and performs calcula�ons, prepares regular reports and
maintains records of work performed and results obtained for documenta�on purposes,
maintains computer files on all projects, researches problems.
• Oversees, trains, and instructs laboratory and opera�ons personnel in sample collec�on
and analysis, plans, schedules, and assigns work du�es of laboratory personnel.
• Writes standard opera�ng procedures for sample collec�on and other du�es as
necessary.
• Coordinates, monitors, samples, and tests landfill wells and creates reports on the
results.
• Ensures that quality assurance/quality control programs are in place and recommends
improvements to laboratory equipment and opera�onal standards when appropriate,
reviews analy�cal and quality control data obtained from the lab.
• Monitors and maintains laboratory cer�fica�on with the state, coordinates quality
control with the state and par�cipates in regular laboratory audits, ensures fulfillment of
audit recommenda�ons.
Updated: March 2024
• Inventories equipment and supplies in laboratory, including chemicals, maintains
laboratory equipment, troubleshoots, and repairs equipment and stocks spare parts to
ensure accuracy and maximum service life.
• Orders supplies and recommends replacement of major equipment as needed.
• Performs special projects on a regular basis such as collec�ng water samples for analysis,
rou�ne bacteriology analyses, wri�ng papers on experimental findings and industrial
monitoring.
• Performs research and literature searches for method development of special projects.
• Performs annual inspec�ons and audits of industries when assigned.
• Prepares writen reports to consultants, City departments and industrial clients.
• Updates the chemical hygiene plan.
• Responds to emergency situa�ons that arise.
• Conducts self in a manner which promotes and supports diversity and inclusivity in the
workplace and community.
• Performs other du�es as assigned.
Minimum Education, Experience, Certification/Licensure, Other
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited educational institution, or four years of related
experience and/or equivalent combination of education and experience. Degree in
Chemistry. Experience with advanced atomic absorption and gas chromatograph
laboratory equipment required and laboratory analysis.
• Valid State of Iowa driver’s license with sa�sfactory driving record. National Incident
Management System Training ICS 100, IS 700 within two years of hire. Must be 18 years
of age. Must pass criminal background check.
Preferred Education, Experience, Certification/Licensure, Other
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited educational institution and one year of related
experience, or five years of related experience and/or equivalent combination of
education and experience. Experience in wastewater operations.
• State of Iowa DNR Grade I Wastewater Operator cer�ficate.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abili�es
• Ability to apply concepts such as frac�ons, percentages, ra�os, and propor�ons to
prac�cal situa�ons.
• Ability to dis�nguish colors.
• Ability to effec�vely present informa�on and respond to ques�ons from groups of
managers, clients, customers, and the general public.
• Ability to interpret a variety of instruc�ons furnished in writen, oral, diagram, or
schedule form.
• Ability to maintain accurate detailed records and prepare clear and concise writen
reports and procedure manuals.
• Ability to read and interpret technical materials, professional journals, technical
procedures, or governmental regula�ons.
Updated: March 2024
• Ability to reliably and predictably carry out du�es.
• Ability to solve prac�cal problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in
situa�ons where only limited standardiza�on exists.
• Knowledge of advanced analy�cal and mathema�cal concepts and their applica�on in
conduc�ng chemical and physical analyses.
• Knowledge of complex chemical and physical analysis methodologies used to analyze
water, wastewater, environmental, petrochemical, geochemical, industrial, and
metallurgical samples.
• Skill in using computers and applicable software applications (Microsoft Office – Word,
Excel, Outlook).
• Skill in the opera�on, calibra�on, and maintenance of laboratory equipment.
Supervision
Involves leadership role such as regularly guiding, training, and providing direction to
permanent staff in completing basic, entry-level daily tasks and assignments. Does not carry out
disciplinary action, does not hire or fire, is not responsible for writing or delivering performance
review.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an
employee to successfully perform the essential duties and responsibilities of this job.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform
the essential duties and responsibilities.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The
employee is frequently required to sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands
and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk and stoop, kneel, crouch, or
crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision
abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception
and ability to adjust focus.
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee
encounters while performing the essential duties and responsibilities of this job. Reasonable
accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential
duties and responsibilities.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to moving
mechanical parts, high or precarious places, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic
chemicals, risk of electrical shock, vibration, and traffic hazards. The employee is occasionally
exposed to outside weather conditions, dampness, direct sunlight, dust, pollen, insect stings,
animals, and communicable diseases. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.
Involves some exposure to stress due to the work environment and/or crisis situations.
Updated: March 2024
Iowa City is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities
Act as Amended, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with
disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential
accommodations with the employer.
Reviewed/Approved by: Ron Knoche, Public Works Director (4/2024)
I have read and understand the duties and requirements of this job description, and I
agree that I can perform the duties of this position with or without reasonable
accommodation.
Employee Date
________________________________ __________________