Charleston Water System

Chemist---HWTP 25-060

Charleston, SC

Part-time

$64,480-$99,840

About This Job

Job Description

Chemist

Job Announcement No: 25-060

Vacant Position(s): 1

Department: Hanahan Water Treatment Plant

Applications Accepted Sunday, June 15, 2025.

Salary Range: $64,500.80 ($31.01/hr.) - $99,964.80 ($48.06/hr.)

Grade: 110

Hours: 7:30 am – 4:00 pm

Position Summary:

Under very limited supervision, performs chemical and biological analyses on drinking water and wastewater samples using advanced instrumentation such as gas and ion chromatography, mass spectrometry, and atomic absorption by flame and graphite furnace. Performs the required quality control analyses to maintain South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) Laboratory Certification.

Essential Functions:

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Competency in the safe handling of organic and inorganic chemicals, acids and bases, and gases.

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Work with bacterial strains and wastewater, utilizing sterile techniques.

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Experience with gas and ion chromatography, mass spectrometry, atomic adsorption by flame and graphite furnace.

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Accurate documentation of work, samples and reagents to maintain ethical and legal traceability.

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Follow regulatory guidelines and prove competence through audits to support laboratory certification.

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Create Standard Operating Instructions (SOIs) to reflect rigorous SCDES and EPA requirements.

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Computer proficiency in data management with a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), report design, and data transfer from equipment.

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Mechanical expertise to support service engineers in the diagnosis and repair of laboratory equipment.

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Evaluation and support of equipment for Process Operators

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Support CWS departments, regulatory agencies and customers through professional, timely communication.

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Demonstrates flexibility in supporting team needs by covering workloads, responding to emergencies, and adapting to shifting priorities.

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Regular attendance is required.

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Job performance must conform to all CWS policies and procedures.

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Specific knowledge of CPW Environmental Management System Policy and Procedures.

Additional Duties:

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Train and assist other laboratory personnel in intermediate and advanced analyses and laboratory procedures.

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Conduct visitor tours through the treatment plant and handle customer complaints as necessary.

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Must be available for assignment at all CWS facilities for both intra and inter-department cross training.

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Follow all lab safety procedures.

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Performs other related duties as assigned.

Job Requirements

Physical Requirements, Activities, and Working Conditions

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Ability to operate and maintain motor vehicles.

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Must be able to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.

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May have to transport water sample containers in laboratory vehicle.

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May have to transport field sampling and analysis equipment.

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Must be able to observe and comprehend digital and needle scale instrument measurements.

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Must have manual dexterity to handle pipets, burets, and twist and turn calibration adjustment knobs.

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Ability to lift up to 40 pounds to perform required tasks. Objects greater than 50 pounds requires a two-person operation.

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This position requires the handling of chemicals, and therefore may be exposed to certain atmospheric conditions, which may affect the respiratory system or skin (fumes, odors, dust, mist, and gases). Personnel Protective Equipment Required.

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Working location is primarily in an air-conditioned laboratory or vehicle. Occasional duties require temporary exposure to outdoor weather conditions.

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Must be able to wear Personnel Protective Equipment (PPE) as defined in the Job Safety Analysis (JSA) to perform the required essential functions.

Education and/or Experience

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Must have a bachelor’s degree in chemistry or B.S. degree in biology or microbiology and 20 credit hours of chemistry classes.

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Two years’ experience performing environmental analyses.

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One year’s experience in the operation of Gas Chromatography, Atomic Absorption, ICP or Ion Chromatography.

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Must possess algebra level math skills and reading comprehension must be at a level to perform analytical methods using the Lab Procedures Manual as a guide.

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Prior work record indicating dependability and conscientiousness.

Licenses, Certifications, Registrations

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Valid South Carolina Driver's License required.

Training Needs:

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OSHA and Departmental safety training as required.

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Skills Based Training.

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Standard Operating Instruction (SOI) per department requirements.

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ISO 14001 standards for department and company.

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See Department Competency and Training Matrix for this position.

Potential Career Path:

ELIGIBILITY FOR PROMOTION TO VARIOUS POSITIONS THROUGHOUT THE COMMISSION DEPENDS UPON INDIVIDUAL QUALIFICATIONS AND NOTED JOB PROGRESSIONS ARE NO GUARANTEE OF CAREER PATH TO THESE OR ANY OTHER JOB(S) AT THE COMMISSION.

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Assistant Director of Laboratory Services

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Director of Laboratory Services

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