Description

The Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment is looking for an Analytical Chemist to join our laboratory team. The ideal candidate should have rich experience in operating and maintaining Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GCMS), with development of analytical methods and writing procedures using these instruments. The Analytical Chemist will play a key role in our analytical chemistry laboratory, conducting quantitative analysis, and ensuring high-quality control of analytical data. Experience working in a certified water analysis laboratory is preferred.

Analysis - 60%:

Displays initiative, effort, and adaptability. Commitment towards completing assigned work and duties in a timely and professional manner. Demonstrates professional behavior and attention to detail. Conducts specialized work within a program.
Subject matter expert in the use of proper advance analysis procedures for chemistry, microbiology and/or medical sample collection and processing. Performs routine and advanced laboratory preparation, cleaning, maintenance, and chemistry. Completes and passes proficiency testing for chemistry and microbiology and updates related documentation. Is available as a resource to train and assist other employees on a regular basis.
Subject matter expert in the interpretation of laboratory results in compliance with chemical and microbiological methods and can communicate results effectively.
Works independently in the laboratory performing advanced chemistry and microbiology analysis.
Performs advanced and complex instrumental analysis and maintenance of all chemistry and microbiology instrumentation and equipment (specifically GC-MS, Ion Chromatography, and ICP-MS). Identifies measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance relative to the goals of the system.
Manages equipment, reagents, and/or media for preparing all testing analysis as required. Schedules and manages laboratory analysis to meet specialized requirements. Evaluates the performance of new chemical supplies, equipment, and procedures.
Assists the laboratory manager in the documentation of inventory, purchase orders, and client results.
Assures individual laboratory safety and proper use of all Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
Offers input to department leadership with ideas or suggestions on how to improve a program.
Conducts assigned job duties within described guidelines but can draw on situational knowledge to use the most appropriate technique for resolution. Includes appropriate staff members in decision making. Applies appropriate guidelines or regulations.
Obtains continuing education related to program responsibilities. Keeps up-to-date technically and applies new knowledge to the job. Completes position-specific training for public health emergency response activities. Acquires and retains knowledge of policies, procedures, and various local, State, and Federal regulations related to Health Department programs. Achieves and maintains all relevant credentials required.
 

Administrative - 30%:

Designated Quality Assurance and Quality Control Officer for chemistry and microbiology for accreditation. Prepares technical documents and Standard Operating Procedures for the development and implementation of new laboratory procedures for compliance with State and Federal Regulations.
May act as the manager’s designee for reporting, billing, and/or responding to complex inquiries.
Enters data into several different computer programs; learns and applies new computer skills on a regular basis; has a strong working knowledge of computer programs used daily such as program specific software applications, Microsoft Windows, Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook, OneDrive, Adobe, database user interface and query software (client databases), and web browser software.
Thorough knowledge of spelling, punctuation and grammar, and modern office practices, procedures, equipment, technical terminology, and filing techniques.
Ability to clearly communicate information and ideas verbally and in writing, and interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
Ability to effectively present information and competently respond to questions in one-on-one and small-group situations to a variety of audiences, such as groups of managers, colleagues, clients, customers, and the public.
Ability to read and interpret documents such as Safety Data Sheets (SDS), Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), understand peer-reviewed literature and equipment manuals.  Knowledge of Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) procedures.
Maintains sensitive and confidential records information. Follows the Weld County Code of Conduct and adhere to strict confidentiality guidelines, including HIPAA, and the appropriate non-disclosure and/or release of information.
Understands and works to ensure that County, department, and division mission statements, visions, and goals are met.
Provides expert knowledge and guidance to the laboratory supervisor for the regulatory annual proficiency tests program.
Provides expert knowledge in Training Laboratory Specialist and Field Laboratory Technicians on chemistry and microbiology analyzes.
 

Customer Service - 10%:

Ability to work well in a team environment; works with a diverse group of people; establishes and maintains effective working relationships with employees, professionals, other departments, agencies, and the public.
Maintains professional conduct and adheres to the Public Health Code of Ethics. Uses exceptional customer service skills to respond to community needs, enhance public relations, coordinate activities, and represent the Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment to promote and maintain a positive public health image and foster pride and professionalism in the workplace and community.
Able to interpret and communicate microbiology results to clients and independently responds to questions of drinking water program.
Use exceptional customer service skills to respond to community needs, enhance public relations, coordinate activities, and represent the Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment to promote and maintain a positive public health image and foster pride and professionalism in the workplace and community.
Able to assist in creating and updating client organizational information and water collection routes.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in chemistry or closely related field AND 3 years of advanced laboratory instrumentation experience.
OR

Master's Degree from an accredited college or university in chemistry or closely related field AND 2 years of advanced laboratory instrumentation experience.
 

Preferred Qualifications

5 years of drinking water, waste water, and chemistry laboratory experience.
Bilingual in Spanish (read, write, and speak) is preferred.