WATER CHEMIST PROJECT LEADER

The City of Milwaukee is proud to employ a diverse 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 Water Chemist Project Leader plans and coordinates projects involving lead and other metals in the Milwaukee Water Works (MWW) Analytical Chemistry Laboratory.

Water Sampling and Analysis

• Operate, maintain and troubleshoot advanced instrumentation in the Metals Laboratory, including the Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer (ICP-MS), Atomic Absorption (AA) spectroscope balance and other ancillary equipment.
• Analyze water and lead samples from surface water, process water, finished water, and tap water; prepare results for compliance reports, customer requests, and/or research demands.
• Ensure proper disposal of hazardous laboratory waste, according to chemical hygiene procedures.
• Maintain a safe working environment and respond to emergencies in the Metals Laboratory.

Metals Laboratory Program Support

• Plan, coordinate and report progress of the lead testing programs in cooperation with other MWW sections, the Milwaukee Health Department (MHD), contractors and community partners.
• Train and assist the laboratory staff assigned to the projects and programs in the Metals Laboratory with sample collection, analytical proficiency in existing methods, troubleshooting, data processing, reporting and quality assurance (QA) and quality control (QC) protocols.
• Assist in establishing work assignments, sampling plans and arranging duty schedules related to lead service line replacements (LSLR) and compliance sampling.
• Assist in training and continuing education for laboratory staff and interns.

Lead Education and Communication

• Communicate with customers, verbally and in writing, to coordinate the collection of water samples and explain the significance of results related to assigned projects.
• Advise laboratory staff on customer service protocols and priorities.
• Assist in developing and reviewing educational materials and perform education outreach activities, especially those related to lead safety.

Laboratory Procedures, Reporting, and QA/QC

• Maintain methods and instruments in optimal working order and confirm QC procedures are followed to ensure accurate test results.
• Plan, develop and implement new methodology for regulatory compliance and research purposes.
• Draft and review standard operating procedures (SOPs) for new methods, protocols and laboratory procedures.
• Apply QA/QC required by the Water Quality Section’s certification program.
• Work closely with Water Quality Section management to submit timely results and compliance documents as required by regulatory agencies.
• Meet with Water Quality Section management and laboratory staff to plan and coordinate Metals Laboratory projects and the initiation, development and implementation of 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.

• Must successfully complete a Milwaukee Water Works background check.
• Must have the physical ability to differentiate and quantify colors and odor.
• 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.
• Required pre-employment tests include:
  • Physical Exam with lift test
  • Vision Exam (Including Color Blind Test)
  • Audio-Gram
  • Drug Screen - Non-DOT
  • Respirator Fit Test
  • Pulmonary Function Test

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. State of Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Municipal Waterworks Operator Certification for Surface Water (Subclass S) within the probationary period and throughout employment.   

Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.  

• Master of Science degree in chemistry, microbiology, environmental science, or a related field from an accredited college or university.
• Experience as a supervisor or lead worker.
• Experience in the operation, maintenance and troubleshooting of an inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometer (ICP-MS).

Technical

• Knowledge of the principles, practices and techniques of chemistry as applied to water treatment and quality control.
• Knowledge of water sampling practices and procedures and ability to apply that knowledge to practical use.
• Ability to learn and conduct operations in a certified laboratory environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Access and Excel.
• Skill 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.  
• Ability to learn and effectively use proprietary software, such as data graphing, instrument-specific programs, laboratory information management systems (LIMS) and inventory/maintenance management software.

Communication, Interpersonal, and Leadership

• Verbal communication skills to present technical information and respond to questions from managers, clients, customers and the public.
• Written communication skills to author reports, business correspondence and procedure manuals.
• 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-disciplinary staff, outside agencies, and the public.  
• Leadership skills required to oversee a staff of professionals and to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to foster an environment of inclusion wherein all employees are treated respectfully, are valued for their strengths, and feel that they can safely express themselves.
• Ability to serve as a lead worker and positively influence the performance of non-direct reports, such as establishing clear roles and responsibilities, being clear about desired outcomes, checking in on progress, and celebrating milestones.

Problem Solving, Judgment, 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.
• Planning, organizational, and time management skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• High ethical standards to report accurate lab results to ensure regulatory compliance.

The current salary range (2IN) is $70,542-$86,854 annually, and the resident incentive salary range for City of Milwaukee residents is $72,659-$89,460 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 that includes the following:

• Wisconsin Retirement System (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 needs of the City 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 selection process dates or times. 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 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 located 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.