ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMIST

HHC•Indianapolis, IN

8d•Onsite

About The Position

Marion County Public Health Department is an organization that celebrates diversity, and seeks to employ a diverse workforce. We actively encourage all individuals to apply for employment and to seek advancement opportunities. Marion County Public Health Department also provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities as required by law. For additional questions please contact us at: hrmail@hhcorp.org. Job Role SummaryAn Environmental Chemist in the Public Health Laboratory analyzes water, air, soil, and foods, etc, to determine chemical components. The Chemist supports the assessment of health, one of the core functions of public health, by diagnosing and investigating health problems and health hazards in the community. The Chemist works well with others and has excellent computer and organizational skills with a high attention to detail.

Requirements

This position requires a Bachelor’s Degree in chemistry, biology, microbiology, medical technology or related field, and three to four years of experience in an environmental, clinical or analytical laboratory required.
Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of microbiology, biology, and chemistry.
Considerable knowledge of environmental chemistry as it applies to the testing of samples, interpretation of results, and the communication of those results to appropriate personnel.
Thorough knowledge of federal and state regulations governing public health and safety programs, and national and state environmental trends and issues.
Knowledge of laboratory chemical and biological safety.
Ability to operate laboratory equipment, which requires fine motor skills and good hand-eye coordination.
Ability to think independently as follow guides to troubleshoot laboratory equipment and processes.
Must be able to work under the pressure of inflexible deadlines to complete tests, report results.
Must demonstrate a high attention to detail.
Ability to use Standard Precautions to protect self and others from harm.

Nice To Haves

A Master’s Degree in chemistry, biology, microbiology, medical technology or related field, preferred.

Responsibilities

Specimen Processing and Testing: Follows laboratory procedures for specimen handling and processing (pre-analytical including sample login), test analysis (analytical), reporting and maintenance of records of test results as authorized by the supervisor (post analytical). Monitors test systems for proper performance and accuracy regarding reporting of test results and reports problems that may adversely affect test performance or reporting results. With minimal assistance, completes procedures within established time frames. Evaluates laboratory results and determines additional testing as needed. Suggests modifications or adapt established methods, procedures or techniques to resolve difficult or complex problems. Operates as primary analyst for routine and more complex testing.
Quality Control & Quality Assurance: Performs quality control procedures, instrument function checks and any necessary calibration and maintenance procedures. Follows established laboratory safety guidelines as stated in the Laboratory Safety Manual and reports any safety or security concerns to management. Correlates complete sample data prior to reporting results and documents irregularities. Monitors quality control results to assure that acceptable levels of analytic performance are maintained and records are always up to date. Resolves, implements and records quality control corrections with management guidance, if necessary. Performs quality assurance on laboratory testing. Quality Assurance areas include turn-around time verification, sample evaluation, and others as defined in the Quality Assurance Manual. Assures compliance with standards of applicable accrediting and licensing agencies.
Document and Information Management Systems: Enters data accurately and in accordance with laboratory policies. Retrieves results and information. Maintains patient confidentiality (if applicable). Maintains records to ensure proper documentation of activities and results. Verifies laboratory records. Documents all corrective actions taken when tests systems deviate from the laboratory’s established performance specifications. Assists in writing new and in annual review of existing standard operating procedures and laboratory manuals. Utilizes various software (specific instrumentation software, LIMS, document management, Microsoft Office, E-mail, etc.) to complete tasks as required.
Equipment and Materials Maintenance: Operates various complex instrumentation using technically complex analytical procedures and tests. Performs preventative maintenance protocols. With minimal assistance, investigates and corrects equipment malfunction. Records appropriate documentation. Performs inventory, ordering, receiving and stocking of designated supplies as directed by section supervisor.
Reliability, Teamwork and Communication: Consistently meets department and corporate attendance standards. Consistently manages time effectively to ensure timely completion of assigned tasks and responsibilities. Follows through on assignments. Works effectively with team, contributes to, accepts and owns team/work group decisions, values contributions made by others. Demonstrates flexibility in dealing with changing work demands. Applies basic concepts of communication (e.g., active listening, honesty, chain-of-command) and orally communicates effectively with professionals and the public.
Other duties: as assigned.
Technical Consultation: Acts as a resource to individuals within and outside of the department to resolve technical issues that may relate to Environmental Chemistry services. Identifies problems that may adversely affect material performance or reporting of test results and correct the immediate problem or notify testing personnel, management or laboratory director. Leads or assists efforts to implement solutions/improvements within and outside of the department including but not limited to: identifying and investigating root causes, and working with resources to develop solutions.
On-The-Job Training and Personal Development: Read job related information/materials/procedures and policies in a timely manner. Complete required on-the-job training and competency assessment. Maintain training file documentation in compliance with internal and regulatory requirements. Assist in on-the-job training for new processes and new hires. Participate in MCPHD committees and/or other quality/technical/professional associations.
Education and Initiative/Work Habits: Participates in continuing education opportunities. Demonstrates technical procedures to laboratory personnel as requested by supervisor. Exhibits on-going commitment to both improvement and innovation using training and experience to improve processes and efficiencies. Searches out new tasks and expands abilities professionally and seeks new ways of improving services. Demonstrates adaptability and sense of priorities.
Participates in public health emergency preparedness exercises and in the response to public health emergencies: as directed.
Participate in H.O.P.E. events: minimum of two events totaling a minimum of eight (8) hours annually.
Maintaining confidentiality of information including, but not limited to: Patient/client test results, specimen chain of custody, laboratory reports, laboratory records, patient information as required by state and federal laws.
Following all safety and security procedures/policies.
Following laboratory procedures/policies as applicable to job duties.
Follow state and federal regulatory requirements as applicable to job duties.