Job Details

Water Chemist

The Norfolk Department of Utilities is seeking qualified candidates for a Water Chemist in our Water Quality Division. The person in this position will be responsible for ensuring water provided to all customers meets state and federal regulations; providing customer service to the citizens regarding water quality; collecting, testing, and analyzing water samples in the water treatment process; supporting various city agencies and divisions as required; maintaining various laboratory operations and certifications.

Essential functions include but are not limited to the following:

• Generates data through sample analysis by maintaining instruments, establishing written "standard operating procedure" manuals, preparing various monthly and quarterly reports, evaluating data from plant operation, raw water, and distribution system, and calibrating all chemical feeders for plants to ensure accurate chemical dosages in water treatment.
• Supports various divisions including Water Production and Water Distribution by calibrating and maintaining operators' lab equipment, preparing monthly reports, cross-training operators, troubleshooting treatment problems, determining chemical dosages, analyzing samples, preparing sample sites, and maintaining auto samplers.
• Collects water samples at various stages of treatment process and in the water distribution system.
• Provides customer service to other departments, municipalities, and area residents by tracking complaints, offering solutions to issues, and locating resolutions to various problems.
• Performs necessary quality control to maintain laboratory certification by purchasing lab supplies and equipment, maintaining hazardous waste and chemical hygiene programs, participating in safety programs, preparing and stocking reagents and supplies for operators' labs, and making graphs and charts for operators.
• Participates in special projects by maintaining equipment, completing data entry, preparing samples, and conducting analysis.

Work requires broad knowledge in a general professional or technical field. Knowledge is normally acquired through four years of college resulting in a Bachelor's degree or equivalent. Six months of laboratory experience. The desired candidate will possess a minimum of 6 months of field and/or laboratory experience.

Valid Driver's License required. Work Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Work Location: 6040 Waterworks Road, Norfolk, VA 23502. This position is designated as an 'Essential' position and you may be required to work extended, rotating, on call, nights, weekends, and/or holidays in response to emergencies or severe weather.