ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION

Truckee Meadows Water Authority (TMWA) is a not-for-profit, community-owned water utility, overseen by elected officials and citizen appointees from Reno, Sparks and Washoe County. TMWA has a highly skilled workforce who ensure the around-the-clock treatment, delivery and availability of high-quality drinking water for more than 400,000 residents of the Truckee Meadows.

We are looking to hire two positions as ASSOCIATE CHEMIST or higher, to join our WATER QUALITY Department.

ABOUT THE POSITION

The Associate Chemist is responsible for collecting and conducting chemical analyses of raw and treated drinking water using EPA-approved methodologies and acceptable quality assurance procedures to ensure a potable supply that meets all regulatory requirements for the consumer. The incumbent will be expected to work independently and as a team while performing various tasks. This position requires the application of specific program knowledge, including but not limited to Microsoft Office, Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), Water Information Management System (WIMS), Enquesta, WaterWhere, and PI Vision. The incumbent performs chemistry and limited microbiology tasks, including sampling, water quality analyses, and data review and validation. This position required interaction with customers to resolve water quality issues, questions, and complaints.

The Chemist position’s primary role is to collect and conduct chemical analyses of raw and treated drinking water using EPA-approved methodologies and acceptable quality assurance procedures to ensure a potable water supply meets all regulatory requirements. The incumbent will be expected to work independently and as a team while performing various tasks. This position will operate and maintain complex scientific instrumentation, while also performing more routine instrumental and wet chemical analyses. The incumbent will participate in research and provide input on new and improved methodology and laboratory equipment that could improve water quality, monitoring capability, and/or reduce departmental expenses. This position requires the application of specific program knowledge, including but not limited to Microsoft Office, Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), Water Information Management System (WIMS), Enquesta, WaterWhere, and PI Vision. The incumbent will prepare technical and compliance reports for local and state government agencies. The incumbent will field and resolve simple and complex customer water quality issues, questions and complaints, and provide analytical support as needed to resolve all customer inquiries.

Progression from one position title, level, or designation is not automatic nor guaranteed and is based on business need.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
We believe that each employee makes a significant contribution to our success. That contribution should not be limited by the assigned responsibilities. Therefore, this job description is designed to outline primary duties, qualifications, and job scope, but not limit the incumbent nor TMWA to just the work identified. It is our expectation that each employee will offer his/her services wherever and whenever necessary to ensure the success of our endeavors.

• Assists Water Quality chemist in conducting simple and complex water quality (inorganic and organic) sampling and analyses (wet chemistry, IC, ICPMS, GC, GC-MS, and TOC) in a timely manner using EPA approved methodologies and acceptable quality assurance procedures which assure that all applicable chemistry certification requirements are met for both drinking water and pollution control samples.
• Assist Water Quality microbiologist in routine microbiological sampling and analyses as necessary.
• Participate in the Water Quality Laboratory’s biannual proficiency testing (chemical) and annual
• continuing demonstration of competencies (chemical and microbiological) for water supply, and water pollution methods.
• With the assistance of more senior laboratory staff, become proficient in troubleshooting water quality concerns using sound scientific judgment.
• Collects, updates and maintains data within LIMS or other databases.
• Become proficient in MAPs provided by Nevada Division of Environmental Protection and TMWA databases to assist chemist with ensuring all required compliance monitoring and reporting for chemistry are fulfilled.
• Follows approved laboratory safety policies set forth in chemical hygiene plan, OSHA regulations and other applicable sources of information. Participate in company safety programs.
• Under supervision of more senior chemistry staff, participates in chemistry audits conducted by the State of Nevada Laboratory Certification Program.
• Assists chemist with sample collection from distribution mains, tanks, pump stations and other facilities as necessary.
• With the assistance of more senior laboratory staff, handle customer complaints and questions via email, phone, or in person in a professional manner assuring both customer’s safety and satisfaction.
• Participate in the Water Quality staff’s “on-call” rotation (which requires 7 days of 24-h availability each rotation) to handle all water quality issues.
• Drive company vehicles using accepted safety practices

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the minimum requirements is:

Education & Training: Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, or closely related field.
Experience:  One (1) year of laboratory experience preferred.

Must have working-level knowledge of the English language including reading, writing, and speaking English.

CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSURE & SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

A valid Nevada (or California – depending on state of residency) Driver License at time of hire and continuing thereafter and ability to maintain insurability under TMWA’s vehicle insurance policy.

A State of Nevada Grade II Water Distribution Operator certification (D2) is required and must be obtained within a predetermined period.

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background investigation during hire and periodically thereafter during employment.

This position is considered a safety sensitive position and employment is contingent upon the results of drug and/or alcohol testing which includes screening for marijuana. The presence of marijuana or other screened for substances on any employment related substance test may result in a refusal to hire or termination of employment.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of:

• Advanced science and math.
• Basic knowledge of microbiology.
• Common laboratory equipment and practices.
• General computer literacy in commonly used programs including Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook), as well as how LIMS software is utilized.
• Aware of occupational hazards and take safety precautions applicable to maintenance of water quality.
• Awareness of federal, state and local drinking water quality standards.

Skill/Ability to:

• Ability to interact with customers, field crew members and operations and maintenance staff on issues regarding water quality and treatment.
• Respond to requests and inquiries from customers and TMWA staff in a timely and professional manner.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Represent and present utility policy, goals and values to customers and outside agencies.
• Learn simple to complex laboratory tasks to ensure compliance with water quality and environmental regulations.
• Assist more senior chemistry staff with the care of standard laboratory equipment.
• Read and interpret data as it associates with water quality regulations.
• Use a variety of water quality test equipment and instruments and become certified for various analytical methods.
• Maintain accurate records.
• Become certified in distribution system operations at the Grade 2 level within a one year period.
• Be punctual regarding work hours established by TMWA.
• Be mentally and physically alert during work hours.
• Effectively manage time and handle multiple simultaneous tasks.

TMWA is an equal opportunity employer. It is TMWA’s policy to provide equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race (including traits associated with race, such as hair texture and protective hairstyles), color, gender, religion, age, national origin, social or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, pregnancy, disability, military and/or veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law. TMWA’s commitment to equal opportunity includes all terms, conditions, and privileges of employment, including but not limited to recruiting, hiring, job placement, training, compensation, benefits, discipline, advancement, and termination.

All decisions affecting any terms and conditions of employment, including recruitment, hiring, assignment, training, compensation, promotion, salary, disciplinary action, and an employee’s caregiving responsibilities, will be made without regard to race (including traits associated with race, such as hair texture and protective hairstyles), color, gender, religion, age, national origin, social or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, pregnancy, disability, military and/or veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

TMWA complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact Human Resources at hr@tmwa.com or 775-834-8294.

TMWA is committed to providing a safe work environment and to fostering the health and well-being of our employees. That commitment is jeopardized when any of our employees illegally use drugs at home or at work, comes to work under the influence, possesses, distributes, or sells drugs in the workplace, or abuses alcohol on the job. As part of our commitment to safeguard the well-being of our employees and to provide a safe environment for everyone, TMWA has established a drug-free workplace policy.