Environmental Chemist or Environmental Chemist Trainee
This is professional scientific work with technical oversight of an environmental laboratory requiring a high level of experience and expertise in performing complex chemical and other environmental sample analysis. Employees in this class exercise a high degree of independent judgment and are expected to have knowledge and skills in Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS) method development, sample preparation and analysis, data handling, and meeting or exceeding strict quality control standards. Work requires expert knowledge of current federal regulations and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) methods used for the collection and analysis of environmental samples. This position is also responsible for timeliness, accuracy, and validity of data being generated and reporting these data to pertinent regulatory agencies or other laboratory clients.
What Would You Do?
Provide expert technical oversight of various laboratory-based activities related to environmental sample preparation, collection, and independent operation of all analytical instrumentation (including GC/MS).
Reliably meet or exceed analytical data quality measures established in regulatory references including EPA Method TO-15(a), EPA technical assistance documents (TAD), and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
Troubleshoot complex analytical problems often pertaining to analytical instrumentation and/or sampling instrumentation.
Oversee and review routine and complex chemical and environmental assessments.
Calibrate, maintain and operate all manual and automated laboratory instrumentation.
This position is responsible for direct participation in a nationwide EPA program to monitor the progress of reducing local levels hazardous outdoor air pollutants.
Review, provide recommendations, and determine the proper interpretation of federally approved quality assurance guidance documents, technical assistance documents, and EPA Method Compendiums
Develop, modify and maintain procedures for laboratory certification.
Manage external laboratory proficiency testing, and performance audits.
Manage the inventory of the certified standards (VOC gas standards, gauge standards, etc.) and consumable chemicals/supplies. This includes scheduling recertification services, ordering standards, carrier gasses, and supplies.
Recommend equipment to be purchased to ensure the proper operation of the laboratory.
Serve as main point of contact with regulatory agencies.
Serve as back-up for various duties within the Air Monitoring Section
Assist superiors in data acquisition for various reports.
Trains laboratory personnel as necessary.
Performs other related job duties as assigned.
What Do You Need To Have?
Florida Driver's License or Florida Commercial Driver's License and endorsement, if any.
Assignment to work a variety of work schedules including compulsory work periods in special, emergency, and/or disaster situations.
Other highly desirable knowledge, skills, abilities, and credentials required for a specific position.
Environmental Chemist
Eight (8) years of experience in general laboratory analysis including the basic understanding of automated analysis and instrumentation; or
An Associate's degree in chemistry, bacteriology, biology, or related discipline and six (6) years of experience in general laboratory analysis including the basic understanding of automated analysis and instrumentation; or
A Bachelor's degree in chemistry, bacteriology, biology, or related discipline and four (4) years of experience in general laboratory analysis including the basic understanding of automated analysis and instrumentation; or
An equivalent combination of education, training and/or experience.
Environmental Chemist Trainee
Six (6) years of experience in general laboratory analysis including the basic understanding of automated analysis and instrumentation; or
An Associate's degree in chemistry, bacteriology, biology, or related discipline and four (4) years of experience in general laboratory analysis including the basic understanding of automated analysis and instrumentation; or
A Bachelor's degree in chemistry, bacteriology, biology, or related discipline and two (2) years of experience in general laboratory analysis including the basic understanding of automated analysis and instrumentation; or
An equivalent combination of education, training and/or experience.
Highly Desirable
Ability to independently operate and maintain analytical instrumentation (Sample pre-concentrator and GC-MS).
A deep understanding of chromatography and the ability to troubleshoot chromatographic issues within the system (column degradation and carrier gas contamination).
Knowledge of EPA Methods Compendiums; specifically TO-15/TO-15(a) - VOC analysis.
Ability to produce very high-quality sample data and quality assurance data with consistency.
Highly organized to be able to track and be responsible for various deadlines, expiration dates, hold-times, sample schedules, etc.
Maintain a certification of competency.
Ability to handle and ship compressed gasses.
Knowledge of the OSHA standards and PPE required for toxic gas handling.
Why choose Pinellas County?
When you join Pinellas County, you're not just taking on a job-you're investing in your future. We believe in supporting our employees with exceptional benefits that help you thrive both professionally and personally. Here's why our benefits stand out as some of the best in the area:
Comprehensive Benefits Package: Enjoy affordable medical, dental, vision, life insurance, flexible spending accounts, and more that meet the needs of you and your family.
Florida Retirement System (FRS): Secure your financial future with a robust retirement plan that gives you peace of mind as you plan for tomorrow.
Generous leave time: Take advantage of time off to recharge and enjoy life outside of work.
Wellness Program: Access to county gyms 24/7 and wellness programs as part of our commitment to employee wellness.
Deferred compensation: Build your savings and plan for the future with flexible deferred compensation options tailored to your financial goals.
To learn more, see What We Offer
Want to Learn More?
Please review the full classification description with the Physical/Mental Demands, Working Conditions, and Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities at the below link.
Environmental Chemist