MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
Graduation from a recognized four-year college or university with a major in Chemistry or
Biochemistry, including coursework or experience utilizing at least two of the following
instruments.
a. Flow Injection Analyzer
b. Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer or Mercury Analyzer
c. Multi Element Oil Analyzer
d. Gas Chromatograph
e. High Performance Liquid Chromatograph or Ion Chromatograph
f. Inductively Coupled Plasma Spectrometer
g. Mass Spectrometer
h. X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometer
i. UV/VIS/Fluorescent Spectrophotometer.
***PLEASE NOTE***
An emergency appointment is not a regular appointment. It is a temporary appointment,
which does not require that you successfully compete in the Civil Service examination
process. Emergency appointments are subject to the approval of the Personnel
Department. No emergency appointment can exceed one year (City Charter Section
1013). In order for an appointment to be made permanent, a candidate must take and
pass an exam and receive a score that is high enough to be reachable (see attached
sheet for additional information).
***CANDIDATES MUST MEET THE MINIMUM ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS BY THE
APPLICATION DEADLINE DATE.***
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
A Chemist performs difficult organic, inorganic, and physical chemical analyses and research
studies in connection with water quality, wastewater, storm water, solid resources, and industrial
wastes. The Chemist I will operate the instrumentation used for chemical analysis, e.g., Gas
Chromatograph with different kinds of detectors such as electron capture detector (ECD), Mass
Spectrometer (MS), segmented flow analyzers, TOC instrumentation and other laboratory
instruments.. The Chemist I will perform chemical tests, which include testing for pesticides,
PCBs, herbicides, volatile organic compounds (VOC), lipids, BOD, COD, TOC, nutrient analysis,
and other environmental chemistry analyses.
Major duties are to perform sample preparation and analysis of water, wastewater, biosolids,
tissue, sediment, industrial waste, and other environmental samples. Duties of this Chemist I
may involve substantial use of organic solvents; set up of continuous liquid liquid extraction,
prepare organic and inorganic standards and reagents, and work standing in front of a
ventilation hood for a substantial amount of work hours during a normal workday. The Chemist I
may collect samples in the field. The Chemist I must be able to troubleshoot the problems of
instruments and methodologies; maintain the instruments, and be familiar with the quality
control requirements in chemical analysis. The Chemist I will support special studies with
scientific expertise, and help the lab maintain compliance with standardized testing methods.
The Chemist I will also help with data collection and data troubleshooting.
SKILLS, KNOWLEDGES, ABILITIES, AND PERSONAL QUALIFICATIONS
The Division is interested in candidates who possess the following skills, knowledge, and
abilities including, but not limited to the following:
- Must be able and willing to work with organic and inorganic chemicals and solvents.
- Must have knowledge of the principles of instrumental chemistry and laboratory
procedures.
- Ability to prepare laboratory standards, reference materials, and reagents.
- Must have good knowledge of standard QA/QC and safety issues related to chemical
analysis.
- Must have strong organizational skills to follow monitoring schedules and keep track of
programs and projects.
- Must have good oral and written communication skills.
- Must be proficient in computer skills including work experience with WORD, EXCEL,
LIMS and Access programs in preparing graphics, tables, and reports.
Physical Requirements: Strength to perform average lifting of less than 40 pounds and
occasionally over 60 pounds, arm, hand, and finger dexterity with both hands involving in
activities such as reaching and handling, and good eyesight.
License: A valid California Driver’s License is required.
