WATER CHEMIST

Recruitment #1712-1954DC-001

Introduction

What Milwaukee can offer YOU  

Located on the western shore of Lake Michigan, Milwaukee is an urban hub bursting with energy. Milwaukee provides a casual sophistication – big city appeal without the big-city hassles. We are accessible and affordable, and our residents are welcoming. Milwaukee has evolved through the years, bringing together its unsurpassed old world charm with a breathtaking Art Museum, top-flight arts and cultural attractions, professional sports, lakefront festivals, recreational opportunities and great restaurants.

Purpose

Under the direction of the Water Quality Operations Manager, the Water Chemist validates and verifies the precision and accuracy of online water quality processes and control instrumentation used throughout the water treatment process.

Essential Functions

  • Calibrate and perform regular and routine quality control/quality assurance evaluations to ensure maximum water quality is achieved.
  • Collect samples for water quality testing from public buildings and customer homes.
  • Maintain proficiency at water treatment plants and pumping stations, which includes monitoring different processes, instrumentation, and equipment.
  • Troubleshoot online instrumentation to regulate and continuously monitor the water treatment process.
  • Assure all water quality objectives and regulatory standards are met while maintaining proficiency for laboratory analysis.
  • Perform microbiology tests and maintain records in the absence of the microbiologist.
  • Maintain accurate records of test results with data logged in a timely manner, including computer generated reports and graphs.
  • Complete preventive maintenance work orders, and generate work orders for malfunctioning equipment or instrumentation.
  • Interpret and utilize technical data from calibration and verification checks to make accurate and timely assessments of instrument performance.
  • Prepare standards, materials, reagents, and solutions required to perform chemical tests, analyses and calibration examinations.
  • Assist operations personnel in the use of data to make water quality treatment adjustments.
  • Maintain a clean and organized work environment.
  • Train new employees in lab functions and water quality processes.  

Reasonable accommodations requested by qualified individuals with disabilities will be made in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, as amended by the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) of 2008.

Conditions of Employment

  • Must have the physical ability to differentiate and quantify colors and odor.
  • Must be able to work a rotating shift (rotating from 7-3:30 and 3-11:30 shifts every 4 weeks) and be subject to emergency call-out at any time.
  • Water Plant employees are considered “essential” and must report to work no matter the weather conditions or emergency event.
  • Must be able to lift and carry loads of water samples, containers and coolers up to 50 lbs.
  • Must be able to work in hot, cold, and humid environments.
  • Must be able to climb ladders and multiple stairs and enter and exit limited space areas.

Minimum Requirements

1.  Bachelor’s Degree in chemistry or a closely related field from an accredited college or university. 

OR  

Associate’s degree in chemistry, microbiology, water or wastewater technology plus two years of experience in an environmental laboratory performing chemical analyses.  

Note: Students in their last semester may apply for this position but may not be appointed until their degree has been completed and proof of completion is provided to the Department of Employee Relations.  

2.  Obtain a State of Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Surface Water Municipal Water Supply Operator Certification within six months of appointment and maintain throughout employment.

3.  Valid driver’s license at time of appointment and throughout employment.

IMPORTANT NOTE: To receive credit for college, transcripts are required and must be received by the application period closing date. College transcripts should be attached to your online application. Applications without transcripts attached will be considered incomplete and will be rejected.  Your transcript must be legible and include the following information:  the university or college name, your name, the degree completed (if applicable) and the date the degree was completed.  Student copies are acceptable.

Desirable Qualifications

  • Laboratory or operational experience in a surface water purification plant.
  • Knowledge of drinking water treatment principles and processes.

Knowledges, Skills, Abilities & Other Characteristics

  • Knowledge of proper sample collection and preservation procedures.
  • Knowledge of chemistry for dilutions, conversions and general lab practices.
  • Knowledge of mathematics such as ratios, units, dimensions, conversions, percentages, statistics and logarithms.
  • Problem solving skills to analyze data, trends and formulate hypotheses.
  • Oral communication skills to effectively communicate with co-workers, the public and management.
  • Written communication skills for compiling records and reports.
  • Interpersonal skills to maintain effective, positive relationships with the public and other City departments.
  • Customer service skills to effectively handle water quality concerns of citizens and to interact with customers in their homes.
  • Ability to work with laboratory equipment, including pH meters, colorimeters, and particle counting equipment.
  • Ability to interact with citizens in a helpful and courteous manner.
  • Ability to work cooperatively and effectively with coworkers and staff from other departments.
  • Ability to perform laboratory testing with third party blind and reference standards and use proper lab techniques including standard methods and department required protocols.
  • Ability to maintain appropriate lab hygiene to protect and ensure reliable results.
  • Ability to understand, interpret, apply and adhere to regulatory requirements.
  • Ability to utilize computer software, including databases and Microsoft Office products such as Word, Access, Excel and Outlook.
  • Ability to be flexible and work both independently and within a team structure.
  • Ability to follow safety guidelines and policies regarding personal protective equipment and other safety gear.
  • Ability to analyze reports, summarize findings, perform data entry and summarize spreadsheets.
  • Attention to detail to ensure accurate review and recording of test results.
  • High ethical standards in order to report accurate lab results to ensure regulatory compliance at all times.

Current Salary

THE CURRENT SALARY RANGE (Pay Range 2EN) for City of Milwaukee residents is $47,060 - $63,426 annually, and the non-resident salary range is $45,905 - $61,870.  Appointment above the minimum is possible based upon level of experience and other qualifications and is subject to approval.

Selection Process

THE SELECTION PROCESS will be job related and will consist of one or more of the following: education and experience evaluation; written, oral, or performance tests, or other assessment methods. The Department of Employee Relations reserves the right to call only the most qualified candidates to oral and performance examinations. Oral examinations may include written exercises. Selection process component weights will be determined by further analysis of the job.  

INITIAL FILING DATE - The examination will be held as soon as practical after January 9, 2018. Receipt of applications may be discontinued at any time after this date without prior notice.  However, recruitment may continue until the needs of the City have been met. Qualified applicants will be notified of the date, time, and place of the examination. Unless otherwise required by law, the City of Milwaukee will not provide alternative test administration. The applicant is responsible for attending all phases of the job selection process at the time and place designated by the City of Milwaukee.

Additional Information

APPLICATIONS and further information may be accessed by visiting www.jobaps.com/MIL.    

  • Applications and transcripts should be submitted no later than the deadline listed above.
  • If you would like assistance completing an application, please contact the Department of Employee Relations at (414) 286-3751 or staffinginfo@milwaukee.gov.
  • The Department of Employee Relations is located in City Hall, 200 E Wells St, Room 706, Milwaukee, WI 53202.  

BENEFITS

The City of Milwaukee provides a comprehensive benefit program which includes:

  • Defined Benefit Pension Plan
  • 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
  • Health and Dental Insurance
  • Comprehensive Wellness Program
  • Onsite Clinic Services
  • Onsite Employee Assistance Program
  • Alternative Work Schedules
  • Long Term Disability Insurance
  • Group Life Insurance
  • Tuition Benefits
  • Paid Vacation
  • 11 Paid Holidays
  • Paid Sick Leave and other paid leaves
  • Flexible Spending Arrangement
  • Commuter Value Pass  

For full details of the benefits offered by the City of Milwaukee, please visit http://city.milwaukee.gov/Benefits2017.

Conclusion

EEO = 206  

“The City of Milwaukee values and encourages diversity and is an equal opportunity employer.”