Chemist Assistant

JOIN OUR TEAM AS A CHEMIST ASSISTANT

This position's primary responsibility is to accept and pick-up samples at all the Pasco County Wastewater Treatment Plants. Preserves samples upon receipt at the laboratory. Assists chemists by washing glassware and sample bottles, preparing bottle orders, and performs related work as required. The position includes Saturday and Sunday work hours.

Essential Job Functions

Accepts and picks up wastewater samples at all the wastewater treatment plants, follows chain of custody protocols, and returns the samples to the laboratory. Preserves samples upon receipt at the laboratory (if they have not been preserved). Washing glassware for the chemists and washing sample bottles when analysis is complete following specific dishwashing protocols which involve handling acids. Assists in putting bottle kit orders together for clients and delivering sample bottles and reports to the wastewater treatment plants. Maintains shipping logs for contract lab within document control system. Conducts routine daily maintenance of the laboratory vehicle. Must be highly responsible, reliable, and self-motivating. Assists with answering the laboratory phone and window when necessary. Ability to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Performs other duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with other employees and the public.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and follow both written and oral directions.
• Ability to safely operate a Pasco County vehicle in accordance with Florida traffic laws.
• Ability to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

Minimum Requirements

PHYSICAL SKILLS: Ability to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and also push or pull heavy objects. May use a handling device (dolly, cart, etc.) or work with another team member to lift and/or move excessively heavy objects. Requires standing, walking, bending, stooping, and sitting. Ability to communicate effectively using verbal, written and visual communication.

EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE: Graduation from high school or possession of an acceptable equivalency diploma. One (1) year experience with record keeping and computer operation. Laboratory experience preferred.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS OR REGISTRATIONS: Must possess a valid Florida driver's license.

ADA STATEMENT: A qualified employee or applicant with a disability may be afforded a reasonable accommodation to perform the essential job functions of a position in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE: Pasco County BOCC is a drug-free workplace in accordance with Federal and Florida Law.

EMERGENCY RESPONSE/RECOVERY ACTIVITIES: All employees will be required to work before, during, or after an emergency. During an emergency, employees may temporarily be assigned to work and perform duties outside the normal scope of their position, location and work schedule to fit the needs of the County and its citizens.

VETERANS' PREFERENCE: Under Section 295.07, F.S., Chapter SSA-7, Pasco County BCC provides to Veterans, that preference in appointment will be given to preference-eligible applicants.

PASCO COUNTY WAS VOTED ONE OF THE NATION'S TOP WORKPLACES FOR 2021

Benefits include:

• Florida Retirement System (FRS) retirement plan
• PTO (Paid Time Off)
• Paid holidays
• Group insurance
• Tuition reimbursement
• Deferred compensation
• Medical leave pool
• Annual medical leave buy-back
• Mid-management/Professional grade, and management personnel may receive 40 hours of admin leave per calendar year.

Effective July 1, 2011, FRS members must contribute 3% of their salary as retirement contributions, on a pre-tax basis (the salary is reduced by the amount of the employee contribution before determining the federal income tax deduction). The employer will automatically deduct the employee contributions.