Water Quality Chemist

Job Description:

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Performs Advanced Analytical Testing
  • Conducts chemical and microbiological testing on wastewater water stormwater industrial wastewater and biosolids staying up to date on regulatory requirements new methods and best practices to ensure compliance and to maintain a high level of expertise in the relevant areas of work. Develops new methods and writes new Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) as needed.
  • Performs NPDES permit-requirement and/or Drinking Water sampling and analyses.
  • Performs troubleshooting and maintenance on laboratory and field instruments/equipment as needed. Prepares reagents.
  • Utilizes all laboratory instrumentation necessary to complete analyses including but not limited to ICP-MS IC TOC digestion equipment ammonia analyzer etc.
  • Provides analytical training to new analysts.

• Data Collection and Interpretation
  • Collects data performs calculations interprets data and prepares routine and special purpose reports to communicate results of laboratory analyses to operations staff other city staff and the public.Proactively monitors data and trends to identify potential problems and recommend solutions.
  • Enters data into LIMS in timely fashion.
  • Evaluates analytical data for appropriate applicability to new and upcoming regulations.
  • Prepares and presents compliance reports to regulatory agencies as required.

• Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC)
  • Takes lead role in the laboratory Quality Assurance program by maintaining procedures and guidelines and facilitating adherence to approved procedures. Ensures quality requirements are met.
  • Evaluates data generated for accuracy quality and compliance with the quality assurance program.
  • Maintains records that meet quality control and chain of custody documentation requirements for laboratory certification and/or proficiency testing.
  • Collaborates with other staff to meet QA/QC goals.
  • Ensures written Standard Operating Procedures for advanced analyses are current and in compliance with applicable laboratory certification and/or proficiency testing.
  • Maintains applicable laboratory certification and/or proficiency testing as required.
  • Takes supporting role in annual and quarterly calculation and verification of MDLs.

• Other Duties
  • Assists with maintenance and cleaning of laboratory glassware equipment and facilities.
  • Assists with laboratory supply inventory and future laboratory supply needs.
  • Works closely with staff to select and order the proper supplies and equipment as needed.
  • Takes proper safety precautions to prevent accidents. Responsible for the safety of self others materials and equipment. Takes a lead role in ensuring that all staff are using all required safety equipment and following all safety regulations policies and procedures. Reports all accidents and damage to city property.
  • Performs field sampling support as needed.
  • Responsible for knowing and complying with all city and department policies participating in professional trainings and development and adhering to attendance and workplace attire policies.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Ability to clearly communicate technical information and provide written and verbal presentations. Can adapt style and level of detail to fit the needs of a variety of audiences.
• Ability to effectively utilize LIMS database and work with data reports.
• Ability to perform analyses and generate reports using a variety of computational tools including spreadsheets and enterprise software.
• Ability to proactively identify issues in daily lab functions and identify data trends.
• Ability to safely perform advanced analytical testing on various water samples with a high degree of accuracy and precision using spectrophotometer ammonia analyzer TOC analyzer IC ICP-MS or similarly complex instruments.
• Ability to use all required safety equipment and follow all safety procedures.
• Ability to work accurately and efficiently with minimal supervision.
• Knowledge of advanced analytical laboratory techniques and procedures laboratory QA/QC and method development. Knowledge of Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Excel Word and PowerPoint.
• Skill in analytical method development.
• Valid drivers license and ability to maintain an acceptable motor vehicle record.
• Have and maintain acceptable background information including criminal conviction history.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Ability to anticipate future needs of lab and proactively identify and develop new analytical capabilities.
• Knowledge in developing and implementing laboratory QA/QC programs.
• Knowledge of 40 CFR Part 136 or Part 141(approved analytical methods hold times QA/QC requirements etc.).
• Knowledge of MDL calculation procedures and requirements.
• Knowledge of state laboratory certification and/or proficiency testing processes and requirements.
• Knowledge of wastewater and/or water treatment processes and ability to advise on process issues using analytical results.
• Skill in attention to detail and can map out processes meet deadlines and effectively track progress while also being able to navigate changing priorities and evolving approaches.
• Skill in evaluating troubleshooting and repairing advanced analytical equipment including ICP-MS IC TOC ammonia analyzer etc.
• Certified Water Professional (CWP).
• Water Quality Analyst Certification.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelors degree in chemistry environmental or physical sciences or a related field.
• Four (4) years of equivalent experience in the analysis of wastewater and/or water or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

SUPERVISION

Supervision Received: Water Quality Manager

Supervision Exercised: None

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

• Physical and Mental Effort: Regularly requires standing walking lifting kneeling carrying sitting and occasional climbing. Occasional lifting of up to 50 lbs. Requires visual acuity manual dexterity in measuring samples and calibrating equipment.
• Work Environment: Works on occasion in a loud or noisy work area with exposure to fumes chemicals and hazardous materials. Occasional exposure to outdoor weather conditions including exposure to adverse weather.

Additional Job Description:

Last updated: 8/19/2025

The City of Boulder is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race national origin gender gender identity sexual orientation protected veteran status disability age or other legally protected statute. For individuals with disabilities who would like to request an accommodation please send a request to