Technician (Chemistry)

**Our Story**:
Committed to fostering opportunities for current and future generations, the Region of Waterloo is an inclusive, thriving and sustainable region of connected rural and urban communities with global reach. Our mission is to serve, engage and inspire, by delivering quality services to a diverse population of 630,000+, while creating a healthy, collaborative environment of learning, respect and innovation.

This is a place where employees are valued and recognized for their talents and contributions to our success. Our employees take pride in making a difference in people's lives through the work that we do. We are looking for people like you to help make it happen.

**Description of Duties**:
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 onto CD 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 MOE. 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 & Abilities Required**:
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