Technician (Chemistry)

The Role

Provides chemical evaluation of drinking water, ground water, wastewater, surface water, and solids to ensure compliance with the Region's water and environmental protection policies.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Performs inorganic and organic chemical analyses, including sample preparation (digestion, extraction, homogenization), instrument analysis, and analytical result interpretation and generation, using equipment (e.g., inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer, ion-chromatograph, auto-analyzer, purge and trap gas chromatograph mass spectrometer, liquid chromatograph mass spectrometer, total organic carbon analyzer).
• Performs analysis on drinking water samples, industrial wastewater, storm water discharges, landfill monitoring samples of groundwater, surface water, leachate, and compost to ensure compliance with legislation.
• Immediately informs supervisor regarding results not corresponding with expected values or
• exceeding legislated limits to initiate notification procedures.
• Generates analytical data and prepares detailed documentation of essential information, including quality control standard preparation and final results generation to satisfy quality system requirements. Generates non-conformance reports and initiates corrective action reports if required and follows up on same.
• Troubleshoots and performs technical servicing of analytical instruments; notifies Technologist or Supervisor if third-party offsite major servicing is required.
• Maintains laboratory materials and apparatus used in sample analysis, including cleaning glassware, equipment, bench tops and storage areas, and preparing and storing reagents and standards. Treats and disposes of lab chemical waste generated during analyses.
• Analyses performance evaluation samples provided by third-party quality assurance body (e.g., CALA, Ministry) as part of maintaining quality system accreditation. Takes corrective action following audits, maintains related records, and suggests improvements to standard operating procedures.
• Analyses evidentiary samples which could be used in legal action against companies found to be in non-compliance of the Region's Sewer Use by-law.
• Assists in validation of analytical chemistry procedures under direction of Technologist. Reviews existing or new analytical procedures, protocols, and methods and makes recommendations for improvements.
• Calculates and tracks annual running average for total trihalomethanes based on quarterly distribution samples submitted; notifies the Ministry if adverse trends are detected.
• Prepares field preservation kits for use by sampling staff.
• Occasionally prepares chemical standards for field chlorine tests.
• Occasionally provides training to other staff and students, including demonstrating analytical techniques and explaining new procedures.
• Performs sample analyses and reports results in other laboratory sections as backup.
• Occasionally answers the phone or performs sample receiving duties as required in the absence of administrative staff.
• Participates in Ministry licensing inspections by producing information regarding reported analytical results.
• Backs up data monthly.
• Performs regular maintenance and minor servicing of laboratory equipment and instruments used by self and others to ensure good working condition.
• Maintains an inventory of equipment and chemicals and advises supervisor when replacement is required. Provides input to supervisor for the purchase of new equipment or supplies to improve the efficiency and effectiveness.
• Reports preliminary water quality results to clients and adds comments to final analytical reports on a regular basis.
• In rare instances, reports adverse water quality results to the MOECP.
• In rare instances has contact with wastewater treatment plant operators, other municipalities, and the public to discuss or clarify analytical results or to respond to technical questions related to chemical analysis.
• Performs related duties as assigned. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of organic and inorganic analytical chemistry, including instrumentation, methods, and procedures used in environmental analysis, normally acquired through a 3-year community college diploma or university degree in Chemistry, plus 2 years of directly related laboratory work experience.
• Knowledge of and skill in the operation and minor technical servicing of analytical equipment (e.g., inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer, ion-chromatograph, auto-analyzer, purge and trap gas chromatograph mass spectrometer, liquid chromatograph mass spectrometer, total organic carbon analyzer).
• Knowledge of and ability to comply with policies, procedures, Sewer Use by-law; quality system requirements of CALA, Standard Council of Canada, ISO 17025; and related legislation (drinking water, water testing, water resources, drinking water licensing, nutrient management, health and safety).
• Communication skills to review, understand, and discuss detailed analytical procedures with other staff; train EE&LS staff, individually or in group settings; and participate as an effective team member.
• Ability to read and apply information contained in analytical procedures, health and safety manuals, quality documents, and instrument manuals. Ability to create and maintain organized, accurate, and detailed written and computerized reports; edit detailed analytical methods, standard operating procedures, and quality system corrective action reports. Ability to report adverse water quality results to clients, the Ministry, and Public Health.
• Organizational skills to plan work to meet sample holding time limitations and perform several tasks simultaneously. Analytical and problem solving skills to interpret and evaluate analytical data, and research and develop new analytical methods.
• Computer skills with ability to use software such as Microsoft Word and Excel, and a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS). Ability to use specialized computerized instruments to perform analyses.
• Ability to occasionally work weekend and evening hours on short notice.
• Ability to support and demonstrate the Region's Values.