Job Details

Chemist I/II
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Position Number: 4311834
Location: Union City, CA
Position Type: Science - Chemistry

CHEMIST I/II

Chemist I - $55.56 – $67.54 Hourly
$115,564.80 - $140,483.20 Annually

Chemist II - $58.34 - $70.91 Hourly
$121,347.20 - $147,492.80 Annually

Final Filing Date: Sunday, 7/23/2023, 4:00 p.m

This posting will remain open until 100 applications have been received or until the deadline, whichever occurs first. Please apply as soon as possible to ensure your application is received.

USD is Building its Future – Join us and Build Yours, too!

Salary $115,577.49 - $147,509.65 Annually
Location Union City, CA
Job Type Full Time
Job Number 230017
Work Group Treatment and Disposal Services
Team RST
Opening Date 06/27/2023
Closing Date 7/23/2023 4:00 PM Pacific

USD Tri-City Wastewater (USD) is an award-winning, innovative independent special district formed in 1918 providing wastewater collection, treatment, and disposal services to the residents and businesses in the Tri-cities of Fremont, Newark, and Union City in southern Alameda County (south-eastern Bay Area). We offer a supportive environment to work in and a great work/life balance.

This is a great career opportunity to work in USD's state of the art laboratory. We are extremely proud of our diverse workforce of professionals. Due to a recent promotion, we are searching for a Chemist I/II to join our Research and Support Team (R&S). This is a terrific opportunity to do meaningful work and to contribute to your community.

Excellent Benefits
We also offer an excellent benefits package including:

CalPERS retirement 2.5% at 55 formula for Classic Members. (If new to CalPERS or not from an agency with reciprocity with CalPERS, the formula is 2% at 62 by pension reform law - PEPRA.)
Medical, dental and vision insurance substantially paid for by the District for the employee and family with most plans costing employees between $20 (single coverage) and $40 (family coverage) per month.
Two weeks' vacation per year (increasing with longevity), and 12 paid holidays per year, plus 26 hours for holidays of the employee's choice.
Short Term Disability, Long Term Disability and Life Insurance all paid by the District.
Educational Reimbursement, Student and Computer Loan programs for non-probationary employees.
Deferred compensation matching.
This position is a member of Bargaining Unit: SEIU 1021.
(For more information about our benefits, go to: (2023_Classified_Benefits_Summary (Download PDF reader))

Examples of Duties

As a Chemist I/II, you will perform a variety of routine and non-routine laboratory analyses and associated record keeping. Chemist I is an experienced journey-level position and fully competent to perform a variety of laboratory analyses and related tasks independently. Chemist II is a technical specialist position. Both levels require the ability to understand analytical laboratory procedures and practices, and exercise sound judgement.

The following are just some of the items you will be working on:

Perform assignments in a safe manner, consistent with District, work group and team safety rules, policies, and procedures; recognize and report safety hazards.
Collect representative samples using approved sampling procedures of wastewater, sludge, and other materials; collect environmental samples for use in special studies; preserve samples as required.
Perform careful and accurate physical, chemical, biological, and microbiological analyses of wastewater and related material, following approved procedures; accurately calculate and record results of analyses; investigate unusual samples and results.
Use highly specialized instruments, such as an ICP. Set up, calibrate, operate and perform minor maintenance and repair to a variety of laboratory instruments and equipment.
Follow quality assurance procedures for sampling, analyses, and recordkeeping.
Participate in reviewing, selecting, and/or developing analytical procedures.
Participate in special laboratory projects.

For more details on the position, click here: Class Specifications

Qualifications
Education, Experience and Certification: Any combination of education and experience that provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities indicated below. Other combinations of education and experience may fulfill the requirements. A typical way of gaining the knowledge, skills, and abilities is:

Chemist I - Completion of a Bachelor's degree with a major in chemistry and/or biology or its equivalent AND

One year experience in a laboratory performing environmental analysis.

Chemist II - Completion of a Bachelor's degree with a major in chemistry and/or biology or its equivalent AND

Two years' experience in a laboratory performing wastewater or drinking water analyses. Experience with a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) is highly desirable.

You must be detail-oriented, highly organized, able to balance multiple areas of responsibility, complete work of a highly detailed nature, possess strong computer skills, a proven track record of producing accurate, high-quality work in a fast-paced environment, and strong interpersonal communication skills. Additionally, you must be able to prioritize work according to changing situations and requirements.

The Ideal Candidate Will Demonstrate:

Knowledge of: The principles of chemistry, biology, microbiology, and bacteriology; algebra; standard approved laboratory practices and procedures; laboratory safety.

Skill in: Operating a variety of laboratory equipment including advanced instruments to perform careful and accurate laboratory analyses; interpreting chemical, microbiological, and bacteriological tests; working within District safety standards; compiling and evaluating laboratory data; performing mathematical calculations; writing clear and accurate reports; and prioritizing and coordinating multiple tasks/projects.

Ability to: Quickly learn standard laboratory operating procedures specific to the District; understand and carry out written instructions without close supervision; use a personal computer for data entry and retrieval; and troubleshoot equipment; understand and carry out oral and written instructions in English.

Interpersonal Effectiveness: Ability to work effectively in a team-based organization; establish and maintain effective relationships with customers, all levels of District staff, regulatory agencies, peers, and the public; demonstrate effective leadership, problem-solving, and two-way communication skills, including the ability to listen, explain, facilitate, ask for input, and provide recognition and encouragement.

Licenses, Certificates, or Credentials: Both the Chemist I and Chemist II must obtain the California Water Environment Association (CWEA) Grade II Laboratory Analyst certification within three consecutive exam cycles following appointment to the position.

Other Requirements:

Must possess the physical characteristics to perform the critical and important duties of the job.

Must be willing to work overtime as needed and to participate in the laboratory wet weather on-call program.

May be occasionally required to drive a motor vehicle or otherwise travel off site. If operating a District vehicle, must be insurable by the District.

Additional Information
Important Application Information - Please make note of all dates.

Applicants must apply online at http://www.unionsanitary.ca.gov. by 4:00 p.m., Sunday, 7/23/2023. Union Sanitary District is not responsible for the failure of Internet forms in submitting your application.

Candidates who meet minimum qualifications will be invited to an Online Written Exam scheduled for Tuesday – Wednesday, 7/25/2023-7/26/2023.

Applications of the highest scoring candidates will be reviewed by a panel of Subject Matter Experts. The best qualifying candidates will be invited to a Virtual Qualifications Appraisal Interview and Work Sample scheduled for Thursday, 8/10/2023.

Finalist Interviews are scheduled for Tuesday, 8/15/2023, in person at the District.

You will be contacted regarding all phases of this recruitment via email, so please check your inbox for correspondence regarding next steps and results through the exam process. Please ensure that the email address on your application is correct and current before submitting your application. Before appointment to the position the candidate must pass a Live Scan, a background check including DMV and pre-employment physical.

Disaster Service Worker
Employees of Union Sanitary District are, by state and federal law, Disaster Service Workers. In the event of a declaration of emergency, any employee may be assigned activities which promote the protection of public health and safety or the preservation of lives and property either at the District or within the local, or your own community.

Accommodation

Candidates with a disability who may require special assistance in any phase of the application or selection process should advise Human Resources by emailing kathleenk@unionsanitary.ca.gov upon submittal of application.

Union Sanitary District is an equal opportunity employer encouraging workforce diversity.

To apply, visit https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/unionsanitary/jobs/4099038/chemist-i-ii?pagetype=jobOpportunitiesJobs