WATER CHEMIST PROJECT LEADER

Located on the western shore of Lake Michigan, Milwaukee is an urban hub bursting with energy. Milwaukee provides a casual sophistication – big city appeal without the big-city hassles. We are accessible and affordable, and our residents are welcoming. Milwaukee has evolved through the years, bringing together its unsurpassed old-world charm with a breathtaking Art Museum, top-flight arts and cultural attractions, professional sports, lakefront festivals, recreational opportunities and great restaurants.    

The City of Milwaukee is proud to employ a diverse workforce that is committed to providing exemplary service to the City’s residents. If you have a passion for being a part of an inclusive team of public servants, please consider the following opportunity.  

The Water Chemist Project Leader works directly with the Water Quality Operations Manager to plan and coordinate programs, most notably all projects involving lead, in the analytical chemistry laboratory.

Method Development  

• Plan, develop and implement new methodology for regulatory compliance and research purposes.
• Draft and review Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for new methods, protocols and standard laboratory procedures.

Analytical Laboratory Skills  

• Operate, maintain and troubleshoot advanced instrumentation independently including gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer, inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometer, ion chromatography, total organic carbon, ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, centrifuges, balance and other ancillary equipment.
• Analyze water samples from surface water, finished water and tap water, especially lead samples, to prepare results for compliance, customer concern and research demands, and any other request that is within the scope of the Water Quality Section.  

Staff Coaching and Oversight

• Train and assist the water chemist staff in analytical proficiency of existing methods, troubleshooting, data processing, and reporting and QA/QC protocols.
• Ensure accuracy of test results by maintaining methods and instruments in optimal working order and by checking that quality control procedures have been followed daily.
• Assist in establishing work assignments, arranging duty schedules, training and continuing education for water chemist staff and interns.
• Maintain a safe working environment and respond to emergency situations in the analytical chemistry laboratory section.

Project Management  

• Assume responsibility for designated programs in the analytical chemistry laboratory section in absence of the Water Quality Operations Manager.
• Work closely with Water Quality Operations Manager to fulfill timely submission of results and compliance paperwork per regulatory agency mandates.
• Meet with the Water Quality Operations Manager and chemists to plan and coordinate section projects and to initiate, develop and establish new methods, projects and procedures.    

We welcome qualified individuals with disabilities who are interested in employment and will make reasonable accommodations during the hiring process in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, as amended by the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) of 2008.

Please be advised that new employees are required to have received either both doses of the Moderna or Pfizer or one dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine prior to their employment start date or have an approved religious or medical accommodation prior to their employment start date.  You can find further information relative to the City’s Covid-19 Vaccination Policy here. 

• Must successfully complete a Milwaukee Water Works background check.
• Must have the physical ability to differentiate and quantify colors and odor.
• Must be able to work a rotating shift (rotating from 7-3:30 and 3-11:30 shifts every 4 weeks) and be subject to emergency call-out at any time.
• Water Plant employees are considered “essential” and must report to work no matter the weather conditions or emergency event.
• Must be able to lift and carry loads up to 50 lbs. occasionally.
• Must be able to bend and stoop to conduct work.
• Must be able to work in hot, cold, and humid environments.
• Must be able to climb ladders and multiple stairs and enter and exit limited space areas.

1. Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, microbiology, environmental science, or a related field from an accredited college or university.
2. Two years of laboratory experience in a clinical, environmental, public health or private sector laboratory, including the operation, maintenance and troubleshooting of advanced laboratory instrumentation.  
3. Valid driver’s license at time of appointment and maintain throughout employment.   
4. Possession of a State of Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Surface Water Municipal Water Supply Operator Certification within nine months of appointment and maintain throughout employment.   

Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.  

IMPORTANT NOTE: To receive credit for college, transcripts are required and must be received by the application period closing date. College transcripts should be attached to your online application. Applications without transcripts attached will be considered incomplete and will be rejected. Your transcript must be legible and include the following information:  the university or college name, your name, the degree completed (if applicable) and the date the degree was completed.  Student copies are acceptable.

Master of Science degree in chemistry.

Experience as a supervisor or lead worker.

Experience in the operation, maintenance and troubleshooting of an inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometer.

Technical

• Knowledge of water sampling practices and procedures and ability to apply that knowledge to practical use.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, including Access and Excel.
• Skilled in mathematical operations such as frequency distribution, determination of test reliability and validity, analysis of variance, correlation techniques, sampling theory and factor analysis.
• Ability to read, analyze and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or government regulations.
• Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference, and fundamentals of plane and solid geometry and trigonometry.
• Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios and proportions to practical situations.
• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram or schedule form.  

Communication, Interpersonal and Leadership

• Written communication skills required to author reports, business correspondence and procedure manuals.
• Verbal communication skills required to present technical information and respond to questions from managers, clients, customers and the public.
• Leadership skills required to skillfully manage a staff of professionals and to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to work cooperatively and effectively with people whose backgrounds may differ from one’s own.
• Ability to be flexible and work both independently and within a team structure.
• Ability to build and maintain good working relationships with a multicultural and multi-discipline staff, outside agencies and the public.  

Problem Solving, Judgement and Accuracy

• Problem solving skills to analyze data, trends and formulate hypotheses.
• Ability to analyze reports, summarize findings, perform data entry and summarize spreadsheets.
• Attention to detail to ensure accurate review and recording of test results.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• High ethical standards to report accurate lab results to ensure regulatory compliance.

The current salary range (2HN) is $59,780-$78,342 annually, and the resident incentive salary range for City of Milwaukee residents is $61,574-$80,692 annually. Appointment above the minimum may be possible based upon level of experience and other qualifications and is subject to approval.   

BENEFITS

The City of Milwaukee provides a comprehensive benefit program that includes the following:

• Defined Benefit Pension Plan         
• 457 Deferred Compensation Plan         
• Health and Dental Insurance        
• Voluntary Vision Insurance         
• Comprehensive Wellness Program         
• Onsite Clinic Services         
• Onsite Employee Assistance Program         
• Alternative Work Schedules         
• Long Term Disability Insurance         
• Group Life Insurance         
• Tuition Benefits         
• Paid Vacation         
• 11 Paid Holidays         
• Paid Sick Leave and Other Paid Leaves         
• Flexible Spending Arrangement         
• Commuter Value Pass  

For full details of the benefits offered by the City of Milwaukee, please visit https://city.milwaukee.gov/der/benefits.

THE SELECTION PROCESS will be job related and will consist of one or more of the following: an evaluation of related education, experience and accomplishments, written tests, interview, or other assessment methods.  The Department of Employee Relations reserves the right to call only the most qualified candidates to oral, performance tests or personal interviews. Information from the selection process will be used to make a hiring decision. Selected candidates will be transferred and/or promoted to the position.    

INITIAL FILING DATE - The examination will be held as soon as practical after Thursday, April 21, 2022. Receipt of applications may be discontinued at any time after this date without prior notice. However, recruitment may continue until the needs of the City have been met. Qualified applicants will be notified of the date, time, and place of the examination. Unless otherwise required by law, the City of Milwaukee will not provide alternative test administration. The applicant is responsible for attending all phases of the job selection process at the time and place designated by the City of Milwaukee.

APPLICATIONS and further information may be accessed by visiting www.jobapscloud.com/MIL. 

• Applications and transcripts should be submitted no later than the deadline listed above.
• If you would like assistance completing an application, please contact the Department of Employee Relations at (414) 286-3751 or staffinginfo@milwaukee.gov.
• The Department of Employee Relations is in City Hall, 200 E Wells St, Room 706, Milwaukee, WI 53202.

EEO = 206  

The City of Milwaukee values and encourages diversity and is an equal opportunity employer.