AMVETS Jobs

Salary:$68,710 - $82,452

Work Hours:Monday - Friday, 7:30 A.M. - 4:00 P.M. (EST) Hours may vary due to work assignments, or projects.

Work Location:455 Moccasin Bend Road, Chattanooga TN 37405

FLSA Status: This is an

Exemptposition.

Department:Wastewater

SUMMARY:

Incumbents in this classification are responsible for performing qualitative and quantitative analysis on a variety of wastewater, industrial and plant samples, including specialized interpretive skills for more complex analysis that requiresrequiring knowledge and experience operating multiple gas chromatograph/mass spectrometers (GC-MS) and other instrumentation as needed.

Duties include collecting and analyzing samples, preparing samples for analysis, managing GC-MS control data in the laboratory database, preparing and maintaining a variety of records, calibrating laboratory equipment, review of complex technical literature for application, and monitoring laboratory supplies and inventory. Involves working under limited supervision and the use of independent technical judgment and discretion. The Chemists primary responsibility is to provide technical administration and performance of quantitative analysis for volatile and semi-volatile organic pollutants in wastewater and monitoring well water samples.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: (The following duties ARE NOT intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by all employees in this classification, only a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.)

Analyzes wastewater samples by performing a variety of standard chemical, bacteriological and physical examinations requiring knowledge of and experience with EPA-approved test methods. Routine analysis includes determination of more than 100 organic compounds using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC-MS).

Develops quality control measures. Analyzes prescribed quality control samples and evaluates the results to ensure they are within required control limitsto ensure integrity of results. Applies statistical Quality Assurance / Quality Control techniques to evaluate analytical data and sample preparation steps. Analyze routine and non-routine environmental samples for the determination of contaminants and chemical parameters.

Assesses each quality control sample and reported sample against a combination of GC-MS EPA method limits and ongoing statistically-derived control limits. Performs GC-MS precision determinations. Documents quality control data and performs ongoing statistical evaluations to store in laboratory files, electronic and/or paper logs and/or the laboratory database. Investigates out-of-control data to determine, if possible, the cause. Takes corrective action to reduce or eliminate future occurrences of aberrant quality control data. Detects unusual situations in the application of established methods and recommends options to the supervisor. Determines approach and methods to use. This work typically involves conventional methods and techniques though it requires going beyond clear precedents, and requires adapting methods to the problems at hand and interpreting findings in terms of their scientific significance.

Operates, calibrates, and maintains complex equipment and instruments, including gas chromatograph/mass spectrometers and a purge and trap system.

Optimizes each calibration curve for each of more than 100 GC-MS compounds. Is responsible for contacting the manufacturer or other contracted experts for technical support, as needed, for complex problems and keeping instrument maintenance logs up-to-date.Determines need for upgrading and replacing instrumentation. Knowledge of mass spectrometry. This knowledge is usually developed after directed and hands-on training.

Prepares wastewater samples for GC-MS analysis via a pu ge and trap system or by performing organic extraction and concentration. Extraction methods may include separatory funnel liquid-liquid extraction (SFLLE) or continuous liquid-liquid extraction (CLLE). Assesses historical data along with required detection limits to determine the sample preparation technique that will best negate analytical interference.

Uses experience and knowledge of GC-MS gas chromatography mass spectroscopy instrument software to qualitatively and quantitatively interpret mass spectra observed in well water, storm water and wastewater samples. Prepares reports of analytical findings.

Collects and/or receives wastewater samples, industrial waste samples, storm water samples, landfill samples, and chemical samples; verifies and maintains chain-of-custody for samples in a way that maintains the legal defensibility of the records.

On-call, as needed, to initiate water quality testing after normal business hours. May be required to work even during trying times such as epidemics or pandemics and during times of emergency declarations, since much of the data generated is essential to regulatory requirements and for operational purposes.

Works with and around hazardous chemicals and wastewater, which may impose a risk of personal injury or contracting of infectious disease.

Primarily responsible for generating data used to determine compliance with State and Federal regulations and applicable environmental permits issued to the City. Signs an affidavit each month attesting to the truth, accuracy, and completeness of data produced with penalty of discipline up to and including termination.

Responsible for generating data used to determine efficient operation of the Citys wastewater treatment plant. Data produced are used to make adjustments to wastewater operations, as needed.

Required to pass an EPA-mandated proficiency study of blind samples annually; document any issues; make corrections and retest any parameters that are not within study acceptance limits.

Signs documents and keeps records in such a way that these may be used in a court of law, if necessary.