CHEMIST

Responsibilities

A Chemist performs organic, inorganic, and physical chemical analyses and research studies in connection with water quality, wastewater, storm water, solid resources and industrial water treatment, and construction and maintenance materials; performs research studies using standard or innovative methods; conducts investigations, assesses hazardous waste and water quality; tests for combustion products, insulating and lubricating oil, and asphalt binder, additives, and emulsion;

provides expert testimony; researches, evaluates, and summarizes scientific literature; prepares standard operating procedures (SOP) of laboratory and field instruments; reviews test results and prepares technical reports; performs thorough recordkeeping of observations and measurements; follows quality assurance and safety programs; performs routine maintenance of analytical instruments; performs specialized sampling of waters, soils, solids, air, water sediment, asphalt, and waste oil in the field;

operates automated sampling equipment, flow meters, and portable analytical instruments; reviews and analyzes scientific reports and data related to environmental assessment, water quality, and public health; conducts field investigations at various project sites to design environmental studies and prepare monitoring plans, written conclusions, and recommendations; maintains inventories of chemicals, supplies, and equipment; and attends and makes technical presentations at meetings and conferences.

Graduation From An Accredited Four-year College Or University With a Major In Chemistry, Biochemistry, Environmental Sciences, Biological Sciences, Physical Sciences, Or Chemical Engineering, With At Least Twenty-four (24) Semester Units Or Thirty-six (36) Quarter Units Of College Chemistry. Acceptable Coursework Or Experience Includes Utilizing At Least Two Of The Following Instruments:

• Flow Injection Analyzer
• Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer or Mercury Analyzer
• Multi Element Oil Analyzer
• Gas Chromatograph
• High Performance Liquid Chromatograph or Ion Chromatograph
• Inductively Coupled Plasma Spectrometer
• Mass Spectrometer
• X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometer
• UV/VIS/Fluorescent Spectrophotometer
• Dynamic Shear Rheometer
• Brookfield Thermosel System
• Bending Beam Rheometer
• Fournier
  -Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR)
• Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (NMR)

Three (3) years of full-time paid work experience in a chemistry lab conducting chemical analysis utilizing the instruments listed above in a State accredited drinking water, wastewater, or hazardous waste laboratory may be substituted for the twenty-four (24) semester units or thirty-six (36) quarter units of college chemistry coursework.

• College seniors with a major in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Environmental Sciences, Biological Sciences, Physical Sciences, or Chemical Engineering and the required coursework or experience shown above within 6 months of graduation may file for this examination. However, they cannot be appointed until the full requirement is met.
• As a condition of employment, a valid Class C driver’s license issued by the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is required. Applicants will be disqualified and candidates will not be eligible for hire if their DMV record within the last 36 months reflects three or more moving violations and/or at-fault accidents, or a conviction of a major moving violation such as DUI or DWI in any state or jurisdiction.
  
  Notice of disqualification or ineligibility for hire may be issued by the City of Los Angeles at any time before a final job offer is extended.
• For internal Use Only:
  Licensing verification will occur at the time of filing.
• Upon appointment, a Chemist may be required to furnish their own automobile, properly insured, for use in City service. Mileage will be paid on the basis of established rates.
• Please note that qualifying education must be from a college or university accredited by a City of Los Angeles recognized agency. A list of approved accrediting agencies can be found at (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).%20
  
  Institutions%.pdf .
• Candidates completing the examination process will be contacted by the Personnel Department to provide required proof of qualifying degree and coursework. Applicants who wish to expedite this process may attach a copy of their degree and transcripts (annotated with college chemistry coursework, credit earned, and grade received) in the Attachments section of the on-line application at the time of filing.
• Applicants substituting three (3) years of full-time paid chemistry lab experience for the required twenty-four (24) semester units or thirty-six (36) quarter units of college chemistry coursework may determine if the lab in which the work experience was gained is State accredited by visiting  Experience must have been gained at a State accredited drinking water, wastewater, or hazardous waste laboratory.