CHEMIST

The City of Milwaukee is proud to employ a workforce dedicated to delivering exceptional service to its residents. If you have a passion for being a part of an inclusive team of public servants, please consider the following opportunity.

The Chemist independently performs lead and other chemical analyses of dust wipes, paint, water, and soil for Milwaukee Health Department (MHD) divisions and the City of Milwaukee and State of Wisconsin’s Childhood Lead Poisoning and Prevention Program.

Environmental Chemistry

• Conduct all activities in compliance with International Organization for Standardization ISO 17025, American Industrial Hygiene Association Laboratory Accreditation Programs (AIHA LAP, LLC), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) National Lead Laboratory Accreditation Program (NLLAP), and Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Laboratory Accreditation for drinking water under WI Code, Chapter NR 149.
• Receive and prepare samples related to lead testing, including Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) order and entry.
• Prepare chemistry standards needed for testing.
• Test household dust wipe samples, paint chips, soil, and any other material related to MHD’s lead abatement, using approved methods.
• Verify results and assist with reporting, per laboratory policy and federal accreditations.
• Conduct testing under the laboratory’s community soil program and report to customers.

Laboratory Operations

• Maintain inventory of supplies and coordinate orders.
• Utilize computer and laboratory information systems appropriately.
• Maintain records and monitor equipment to ensure proper functionality and safe operation
• Ensure lab safety by following and adhering to all laboratory policies, procedures, and protocols.
• Answer queries from clients by email and phone.
• Maintain a clean working environment and suggest operational improvements as needed.

Quality Assurance/Compliance

• Maintain appropriate quality control and safety measures per the state of Wisconsin and federal guidelines for implementing quality standards; ensure technical assistance at MHD laboratories.
• Document all appropriate information for quality assurance and improvement according to established protocol.
• Assist with preparation for regulatory inspections and other federal or state compliance.
• Assist in improving the quality and efficiency of laboratory procedures, policies, and processes.
• Review laboratory results and quality controls for accuracy and validity.
• Report nonconforming events (NCE) to senior staff in the Chemistry Division of the MHD Laboratory.

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.

The Chemist must be willing and able to do the following:

• Have the ability to differentiate and quantify colors and odors.
• Have the physical ability to stand and walk, stoop and kneel, and push and pull.
• Wear a surgical mask and/or particulate respirator (N95 or higher).
• Travel outside of the City of Milwaukee, including occasional overnight travel, for the purpose of attending conferences, workshops, and trainings.
• Participate in a 24-hour emergency on-call rotation schedule, including weekends.
• May be required to carry a mobile device during business hours.
• Successfully pass a thorough background check.

The required pre-employment tests include:

• Audiogram
• Vision (Color Blind Test)
• Medical evaluation for respirator
• Respirator fit test
• Pulmonary Function Test
• Non-DOT drug test

Pre-Employment Vaccination and Screening Requirements:

• Annual TB Test
• Annual Covid-19 and Influenza vaccinations
• Pre-employment immunity verification required for MMR, Varicella, and Hepatitis B
  • If not immune, vaccination or an approved exemption is required.
  • Vaccination series only needs to be done once.

1. Bachelor’s degree in physical chemistry, environmental chemistry, analytical chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry, chemical engineering, or a closely related field from an accredited college or university.
   OR
   Associate degree in physical chemistry, environmental chemistry, analytical chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry, chemical engineering, medical laboratory technician, or a closely related field from an accredited college or university; AND two years of experience performing analytical chemistry testing in a clinical, environmental, research, or other relevant laboratory setting. 

• Master’s degree in chemistry, analytical chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry, biophysical chemistry, geochemistry, environmental chemistry, or a closely related field from an accredited college or university.

Technical

• Knowledge of public health principles and practices.
• Commitment to public safety and disease prevention.
• Knowledge of chemistry (i.e., the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances); chemical processes, and safety (i.e., safety datasheet uses, interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal of chemicals).
• Knowledge of and ability to safely use the following methods for chemical analysis:
  • Flame AA
  • Graphite Furnace AA
  • Ion chromatography
  • Gas chromatograph mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and liquid chromatograph mass spectrometry (LC-MS)
  • Time-Resolved Fluorescence (TRF)
  • Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR)
  • Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS)
  • Optical emission spectroscopy (OES)
• Knowledge of and ability to safely use the following types of equipment for chemical analysis:
  • Flame ionization detectors (FIDs)
  • Electron capture detectors (ECDs)
  • Microplate readers
  • Nucleic acid sequencers (optional)
  • Microscopes
  • Centrifuge
  • Scales
  • Chemical fume hoods
• Ability to interpret mass spectral data.
• Knowledge of mathematical and statistical concepts.
• Ability to read and interpret professional journals, technical documentation, and laws and regulations.
• Ability to write reports, correspondence, and procedures.
• Skill in using computer applications such as MS Office software, spreadsheets, the Internet, and job-related databases (i.e., LIMS).

Interpersonal

• Ability to maintain effective, positive relationships with coworkers, other City departments, and the public.
• Ability to work well both independently and as part of a synergistic team.
• Ability to work cooperatively, effectively, and fairly with coworkers and residents whose backgrounds may differ from one’s own.

Critical Thinking and Professionalism

• Planning, organizational, and time management skills.
• Analytical, problem-solving, and research skills.
• Ability to meet quality and productivity standards.
• Ability to follow safety and security protocols, including guidelines and policies regarding personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Ability to manage departmental resources responsibly.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and ethically perform work.
• Ability to remain calm during emergencies.
• Willingness to pursue training and development opportunities to stay apprised of technical advances, regulatory standards, industry issues, and public health trends.

The current salary range (Pay Range 2JN) is $78,548-$95,390 annually, and the resident incentive salary range, for City of Milwaukee residents is $81,690-$99,206 annually. Appointment above the minimum is possible based upon level of experience and other qualifications and is subject to approval.

BENEFITS

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

• Wisconsin Retirement Systems (WRS) Defined Benefit Pension Plan
• 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
• Health and Dental Insurance
• Paid Parental Leave
• Comprehensive Wellness Program
• Onsite Clinic Services
• Onsite Employee Assistance Program
• Alternative Work Schedules
• Long Term Disability Insurance
• Group Life Insurance
• Tuition Benefits
• Paid Vacation
• 12 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 education, experience, and/or responses to supplemental questions, a written or performance test, a structured interview, or other assessment methods. The Department of Employee Relations reserves the right to call only the most qualified candidates to structured interviews and performance examinations. Structured interviews may include written exercises. Selection process component weights will be determined by further analysis of the job.

INITIAL FILING DATE - The selection process will be held as soon as practical after the deadline listed above. Receipt of applications may be discontinued at any time after this date without prior notice. However, recruitment may continue until the City's needs have been met. Qualified applicants will be notified of the date, time, and place of the selection process components. Unless otherwise required by law, the City of Milwaukee will not provide alternative dates or times for the selection process. 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 https://www.jobapscloud.com/MIL/.
• If you need help completing an application, please contact the Department of Employee Relations at (414) 286-3751 or staffinginfo@milwaukee.gov.
• The Department of Employee Relations is located at 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.