The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink AboutChemistUpdated: August 2025 (Admin Review) CITY OF IOWA CITY – JOB DESCRIPTION Position 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 direction, collects, analyzes, and compiles data on ﬁnished, environmental, geochemical, industrial, petrochemical and wastewater samples to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations and to ensure quality standards. Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities 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 activities of the wastewater analytical laboratory. • Performs complex chemical and physical analysis of samples, utilizes speciﬁc laboratory equipment and methods, determines composition and quality. • Plans, coordinates, and assists in collection 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 calculations, prepares regular reports and maintains records of work performed and results obtained for documentation purposes, maintains computer ﬁles on all projects, researches problems. • Oversees, trains, and instructs laboratory and operations personnel in sample collection and analysis, plans, schedules, and assigns work duties of laboratory personnel. • Writes standard operating procedures for sample collection and other duties 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 operational standards when appropriate, reviews analytical and quality control data obtained from the lab. • Monitors and maintains laboratory certiﬁcation with the state, coordinates quality control with the state and participates in regular laboratory audits, ensures fulﬁllment of audit recommendations. Updated: August 2025 (Admin Review) • 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 collecting water samples for analysis, routine bacteriology analyses, writing papers on experimental ﬁndings and industrial monitoring. • Performs research and literature searches for method development of special projects. • Performs annual inspections and audits of industries when assigned. • Prepares written reports to consultants, City departments and industrial clients. • Updates the chemical hygiene plan. • Responds to emergency situations that arise. • Conducts self in a professional manner which demonstrates courtesy and respect for all community members and coworkers. • Performs other duties 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 satisfactory 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 certiﬁcate. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities • Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations. • Ability to distinguish colors. • Ability to eﬀectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public. • Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form. • Ability to maintain accurate detailed records and prepare clear and concise written reports and procedure manuals. • Ability to read and interpret technical materials, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Updated: August 2025 (Admin Review) • Ability to reliably and predictably carry out duties. • Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. • Knowledge of advanced analytical and mathematical concepts and their application in conducting 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 operation, calibration, 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: August 2025 (Admin Review) 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) 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 ________________________________ __________________