Conventional Chemist 1

Job Description

Conventional Chemist I, (Entry Level) -

Job Summary:

Conventional Chemist I is an entry level position, responsible for performing a variety of analytical tests using standard methods and procedures. Works closely with the Conventional Lab Coordinator and Assistant lab coordinators to ensure timely delivery of results for municipal and industrial wastewater treatment facilities. Reports to the Conventional Lab Coordinator.

Typical Duties and Responsibilities:

Conventional Chemist I is an entry level Chemist position, potentially promotable to Chemist II when qualified for all first rotation tests. Must uphold all qualifications for tests in this rotation.

Perform the setup, reagents preparation, standard preparation, calibration, testing, calculation, reporting, and cleanup of parameters that are performed by the different rotations in the Conventional Lab.

Repair instrumentation and equipment as needed. Includes routine repairs, troubleshooting, and preventive maintenance.

Perform QA/QC as required within established Quality Manual guidelines and required standard methods.

Make standards and reagents as required by testing or requested by other facilities.

Maintain logbooks as required.

Documentation and validation of results of analysis using LIMS system and Excel spreadsheets.

Adhere to all laboratory safety requirements and protocols. Utilize required PPE.

Maintain proper stock of supplies, reagents, and standards.

Assist in the revision of SOPs and GOPs.

Responsible for coordinating with Lab Coordinators and Data Review Manager in verification of final reports and QA/QC performance expectation and review. Responsible to oversee work completed on time and meet all deadlines for reporting.

For pH rotation, collect water samples daily from local pipeline and bi-annually for the entire pipeline. Involves collecting sample, taking pH measurement, recording data, and disposal of water sample.

Communicate effectively with conventional team members with daily production meetings and weekly general meeting updates and reminders. Communicate effectively with all employee groups and capably present ideas, concepts, proposals, and results to both internal and external audiences.

Attend training sessions and required meetings for laboratory personnel.

Work overtime to manage quick turn-around customer request, to complete higher than normal volume of work, to cover for other analysts when they are absent, and to work on new/updated procedures, as necessary.

Adhere to the required on-call schedule.

Support calibration schedule of equipment.

Perform other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities:

Knowledge of basic chemistry.

Proficiency with use of Microsoft Office Suite: Word, Excel, Project, PowerPoint, Outlook.

Good organizational and time management skills.

Excellent customer service skills and interpersonal skills.

Ability to maintain sensitive and confidential information.

Ability to multi-task and handle changing priorities.

Knowledge/proficiency of LIMS software. Familiar with LIMS functionality.

Knowledge and experience operating general office equipment

Skilled in the use of office equipment including copy machine, calculator, and fax machine. Ability to properly use: a balance, a thermometer, hand tools (screwdriver, wrenches, pliers, etc.), drying ovens, tweezers and tongs, other lab equipment required by testing (as trained) and a pipette bulb. Ability to properly perform test methods assigned. Ability to read and follow methods for test procedures, reports, and QC. Ability to read and implement Instrument/Equipment manuals. Ability to read, comprehend, and implement test methods. Ability to read, write, and communicate orally in English in a fluent manner.

Environmental conditions:

Work is performed primarily indoors (lab environment).

Must be capable of travel, including driving, to and from remote facilities.

Work is occasionally performed outdoors in extreme heat (100 OF) and cold (32 OF) in all weather conditions.

Education, certification, and experience required:

Bachelor’s Degree in science related field or equivalent is required.

Demonstrated experience in analytical techniques and data review.

Valid Class "C" Texas Driver's License.

Pass site specific safety training requirements.

Physical requirements:

Ability to sit, stand walk, climb stairs, twist upper body while performing the job, possibly for extended periods.

Ability to kneel, crouch or stoop, squat, and climb as needed in performing the job or performing test procedures.

Ability to grasp with the hands to perform test procedures including using small tools, instruments, as needed for the job.

Ability to work with the hands in confined spaces (instruments/equipment) as needed for maintenance or performing the job.

Ability to go up and down stairs carrying 20 pounds for pH analysis on the pipeline. Ability to crouch to collect water samples for pH analysis. Ability to work in heat, cold, rainy, and possibly icy conditions outside. Ability to walk long distances to collect pipeline samples.

Ability to grasp and move gas cylinders with the hands (safely) for installation.

Ability to lift and push up to 40 pounds.

Ability to use material handling equipment (dollies, carts), as needed to relocate equipment as needed (such as gas cylinders).

Ability to visualize, recognize, hear, and respond to alarms.

Ability to use hands to run test procedure and enter data.

Ability to be fitted with respirator and safety glasses.

GCA offers a stable work environment and a competitive salary and excellent benefit package to the right individual but does not provide reimbursement for relocation expenses. Salary requirement and college transcript must be submitted with resume or application to be considered. Check our website at for additional information.

All inquiries remain confidential.

Company Description

Gulf Coast Authority is located in southeast Houston, Texas. Established by the Texas Legislature in 1969, GCA has for over 50 years been successfully protecting the waters of the State of Texas. GCA continues a significant role in improving water quality through environmentally sound, economically feasible and technologically advanced wastewater and water management practices.