Job Details

THE POSITION: The Alameda County Water District, in Fremont, California, is seeking to hire a Chemist to join the team of analysts providing sample collection and water quality data for proper operation of facilities treating surface water, blending groundwater, and desalinating brackish groundwater, monitoring the distribution system, and reporting to regulatory agencies. The laboratory is staffed with a supervisor, senior chemist, three chemists and three laboratory technicians and, maintains ELAP accreditation for over forty (40) potable water parameters. The incumbent will report to the Laboratory Services Supervisor with duties that include but are not limited to the following:

• perform analyses on drinking water using simple and/or sophisticated instruments or equipment such as colorimeters, balances, burets, ICP-MS, GC-MS, ion chromatograph and TOC analyzer,


• maintain knowledge and proficiency with tests for bacteriological, chemical, and physical parameters in the laboratory and at District facilities such as chlorine residual, TDS, pH, hardness by titration, turbidity, coliform presence/absence, and HPC.


• review and authorize analytical data generated by laboratory staff by verifying batch quality control parameters are acceptable, necessary documentation is complete and correct, results are reasonable, and samples are representative.


• apply basic statistical tools to verify accuracy and precision of analytical results and identify possible bias or trends.


• monitor the work of technicians to ensure sampling and analyses are performed as scheduled and following documented procedures,


• respond to queries and complaints from the public regarding water chemistry, microbial content, taste, and odor; partners with District engineers to determine if operational factors may be impacting water quality, investigates issue, and provides explanation to customer.


• provide training on sampling techniques and analytical methods for laboratory staff and other District employees,


• participate in the purchase, implementation, periodic calibration and maintenance of instruments and general use laboratory equipment and supplies,


• speak with Districts customers who call with complaints regarding appearance of water (e.g., unusual color, particles) taste, and odor.

The Chemist I is the entry-level class in the professional Chemist series. Under general supervision by the Laboratory Services Supervisor within a framework of established policies and procedures, incumbents learn and perform a variety of routine and specialized laboratory tests and analyses. As experience and proficiency are gained, assignments become more varied and complex.

The Chemist II is the experienced, journey-level class in the professional Chemist series. Under direction within a framework of established policies and procedures, incumbents perform the full range of more difficult and complex laboratory tests and analyses and may provide some work direction and training to technicians and less experienced chemists. There is significant latitude for independent judgment and action in well-defined areas of work.

This classification is distinguished from the Senior Chemist in that the later has expect level knowledge and skill in performing water quality analyses.

There is currently one vacancy for this position. The recruitment is being conducted at both levels of the classification series. The vacancy will be filled at one of the two levels.

SALARY: Depending on qualifications and experience, this position may be filled at any level. The annual salary ranges for the respective levels are as follows: Chemist I $103,374- $125,659, and Chemist II $114,865- $139,627, plus excellent benefits.

REQUIREMENTS: Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge, skills, and abilities would be the equivalent of: Education and Experience

Education and Experience

All Levels: Possession of a Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university with a major in chemistry, or a related field.

Chemist I: In addition to the above, no work experience required.

Chemist II: In addition to the above, two (2) years of full-time experience as a professional chemist, which includes at least one year in water or wastewater analysis.

Additional Requirements: Must possess a valid California Driver's license and a satisfactory driving record.

Knowledge of: Quantitative and qualitative analysis methods and techniques; standard laboratory equipment and its care and use; good analytical laboratory practices and aseptic techniques; basic physical, chemical, and microbial characteristics of raw and treated water and the fundamentals of water treatment; proper water sampling techniques; state and federal laws and regulations relating to water quality; laboratory quality assurance and quality control practices; basic statistical analysis calculations; the safe use of hazardous chemicals and electronic instruments; research methods; modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment and applications related to the work, including word processing, database, and spreadsheet software.

Skill and Ability to: set up, operate, and perform minor maintenance on a variety of laboratory equipment; perform and interpret the results of standard tests of water; perform accurate calculations; analyze complex technical water quality problems and arrive at reasonable conclusions; explain technical issues to non-technical persons; plan test procedures, set priorities, and organize work; prepare clear and concise written reports; operate modern office equipment including computer equipment and specialized software applications programs; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

SELECTION PROCEDURE:

1. Application materials must be submitted online at https://www.acwd.org no later than 5:00 p.m., on Friday, March 29, 2024. Application materials must include a completed Alameda County Water District Employment application AND Supplemental Questionnaire. Incomplete applications will not be given further consideration.


2. All applications will be evaluated, and candidates who present the best job-related qualifications will be invited to participate in the interview process.


3. Employment offers are normally made following conduct of reference checks and are always contingent upon successful completion of a pre-employment physical exam, as well as a security background check.


4. Employment is made contingent upon verification of identity and legal right to work in the U.S.A. pursuant to federal law, and the signing of a loyalty oath, pursuant to the state law.