Chemist

As a Chemist within the Water Mission Area, Laboratory and Analytical Services Division, some of your specific duties will include:

• Reviews the background material submitted with the sample and agency reports on similar samples or situations in order to suggest and implement methods of analysis for each sample.
• Modifies the methods and procedures as needed to satisfy special requirements and to solve problems. Includes performing the analyses on known samples to validate the modification
• Writes custom reports, open-file reports, technical memoranda, data tabulations, descriptions of standard procedures, and other reports as required.
• Adapts and modifies currently used methods and procedures to improve them or extend their application to other substances or situations.
• Performs calculations and/or uses spreadsheet software for completing analyses and data reduction using personal computers and computer workstations.
• Act as an incidental driver when required.

Physical Demands: The work can be sedentary in addition to involving prolonged standing, walking, bending, and lifting of equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.

Work Environment: The work involves regular and recurring exposure to irritant chemicals. Special safety precautions, equipment and training are required. The chemist uses safety equipment such as radiation exposure badges, lab coats, safety glasses, fume hoods, and chemically resistant gloves.