Chemist - Lab Director at Wastewater Treatment Plant

Pay Rate: $41.49 per hour.BENEFITS Veolia's comprehensive benefits package includes paid time off policies, as well as health, dental and vision insurance. In addition, employees are also entitled to participate in an employer sponsored 401(k) plan, to save for retirement. Pay and benefits for employees represented by a union are outlined in their collective bargaining agreement.Position Purpose: Responsible for all activities related to the collection and analysis of samples of streams, raw and treated wastewater, sludge, and other byproducts of wastewater treatment process to determine efficiency of plant processes and to assist Operations staff to ensure that plant effluent meets necessary NPDES permit requirements and client standards. Maintain accurate and thorough records of laboratory procedures and results; ensure compliance with government regulations; prepare analytical work sheets and reports. Assess laboratory equipment needs and train laboratory personnel in new equipment operation and ensure that all lab workers meet federal and state certification requirements. Coordinate the activities and operations of the laboratory and overseeing lower-level staff. Collect samples from the wastewater treatment plant, collection system and receiving waters. Maintain the lab’s inventory of chemicals and supplies. Troubleshoot, clean and maintain laboratory equipment and notify is new lab equipment is required. Provides advice, training, and assistance in the solution of new, difficult, unusual or emergency laboratory problems in all aspects of chemical analyses. Coordinates with Laboratory Technician to plan and schedule scientific investigations, unscheduled sampling and research. Evaluates, interprets, and reports all findings of tests and analyses into computer database. Performs related duties as assigned by Project Manager and Assistant Project Manager.Primary Duties/Responsibilities: Initiates changes in laboratory procedures and equipment in order to increase efficiency of laboratory and adhere to present and future State and Federal provisions.Directs laboratory personnel in prescribed laboratory techniques and routine tests.Provides lab training to plant personnel on proper lab methods, procedures, and techniquesManaged, perform and submit results for quality assurance/control program; Analyze laboratory data and recommend treatment modifications.Responsible for the collection and analysis of samples for NPDES and SDWA permit and quality monitoring and plant process control.Using standard laboratory equipment: Conducts tests for settleable solids, suspended solids, total solids, volatile solids, alkalinity, pH, biochemical oxygen demand, turbidity, and other analyses as required.Prepare reagents and glassware including general housekeeping duties.Undertakes quality control analysis by producing duplicate analysis; analysis standards, blanks and spike recovery.Ensures appropriate reagents and equipment are available and orders same in accordance with company procedures.Ensures compliance with all procedures for Laboratory accreditation including participation in regulatory inspections.Prepare reports and provide data in a form suitable for routine process review.Prepare Regulatory/ Commission reports in the absence of the Project Manager.Immediately reports analytical results to Operations team when abnormal results are found.Undertakes laboratory analysis to permit the Springfield Water and Sewer Commission to comply with its regulatory and financial requirements.Provides training and assistance in all aspects of laboratory analysis, and in the solution of new or emergency laboratory problems.Coordinates with Laboratory Technician to plan and schedule scientific investigations and research with internal and external entities. Evaluates, interprets and reports all findings.Other related duties are necessary.Work Environment:While performing duties the employee will be expected to work regularly in outside weather conditions.In the working environment there will be automatically starting mechanical and electrical with the associated risks. Odors and airborne particles are generated in the wastewater treatment process.Dangerous atmospheres can be encountered, and company/ regulatory precautions must be used in appropriate circumstances.Sampling outside the Springfield Regional WWTF as required is a duty of the post.There is a requirement to wear appropriate safety equipment.Safety shoesHigh visibility tunic outside plant buildingsProtective clothing and/or glovesHard HatEye protection / Ear protectionAppropriate protective laboratory clothing