Chemist I at Essential Utilities

At Aqua, a subsidiary of Essential Utilities, Inc., we know that water is a precious resource – one that plays a critical role in sustaining life. That’s why we take seriously our mission: protecting and providing Earth’s most essential resource. At Aqua, we are guided by a set of principles that embody the character of our company and inspire our work together. They are embedded within our business practices and our behavior. We are proud to be united by integrity, respect and the pursuit of excellence to be the best we can be for the customers and communities we serve. 

Together, the women and men of Aqua, a subsidiary of Essential Utilities, Inc. serve 1 million customers across eight states. Aqua uses science, technology, capital investments, and amazing talent to provide communities with clean, safe drinking water and responsibly return wastewater to our rivers and streams. Join our team and make a difference!

JOB SUMMARY:

Are you looking for a fantastic career at Aqua America? We have a great opportunity for a Chemist I located in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania.The Chemist I performs analysis of water and wastewater in an accredited laboratory.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Perform routine analysis of water and wastewater samples in all sections of the laboratory. Analyze compliance and operational samples using various analytical techniques. Perform extraction and other sample preparation techniques.  Perform instrumental analysis of samples and extracts.  Enter data into the LIMS.

• Must be able to work safely and productively in an analytical laboratory. Prepare chemical solutions and bottles used in analyses.  Prepare sample kits for shipment to various lab clients and track shipments to ensure that clients have adequate sampling supplies.  Maintain required log-books and records for laboratory accreditation requirements.

• Perform and document required quality control tests consistent with laboratory standard operating procedures, good laboratory practices and lab accreditation requirements.  

• Prepares reports on all analytical work. Prepare data packages for compliance samples, as requested.  This involves gathering information to document analytical work, chain of custody, and quality control for a given batch of compliance samples.  Must be detail-oriented and able to work with minimum direct supervision.

• Operates sophisticated instrumentation for chemical analysis.  Must become proficient in electronic spreadsheets and software related to laboratory analyses.

• Successfully demonstrate capability in specific analytical methods and analyze periodic Proficiency Test samples required to maintain accreditation.

• Assists in performing research to improve existing methods and to develop new and better methods, as requested.

• Performs all other tasks or special functions as directed by supervisor.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Degree in Chemistry, or equivalent required, with two years of experience in laboratory methods preferred. 

• Experience in water and wastewater analysis preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Excellent laboratory skills and ability to demonstrate competency with specific analytical methods.

• Excellent computer skills with competency in Microsoft Office suite, Word, PowerPoint and Excel

• High level of attention to detail required for analytical methods in an accredited laboratory environment. 

• Ability to work independently.

• Ability to accurately and neatly document Quality Assurance and Quality Control as outlined in the lab’s Quality Manual and Standard Operating Procedures.

• Ability to learn and operate instrument-related software and LIMS.

• Ability to communicate effectively (clearly, concisely and professionally) with laboratory staff and internal customers

• A team player able to work effectively in a team fostered multi-tasking environment      

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• May be subject to  noise, wet and/or humid conditions, mechanical, electrical, gas exposure hazards, fumes, dusts, mists, gases and/or poor ventilation atmospheric conditions.

• May involve standing for long periods of time

• Work a *rotating schedule of Monday-Friday and Wednesday – Sunday in the laboratory, including a rotating schedule for holidays.  This is to provide coverage for selected microbiological and chemical analyses. *The rotating schedule is on a monthly basis and occurs every 8-9 months.      

COVID-19 Vaccination Requirements

Essential Utilities and its subsidiaries, including Aqua, Delta, and Peoples Natural Gas, requires new hires to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, where allowable under the law.  To satisfy this requirement, new hires who received the one shot regimen of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine must receive the one dose shot prior to their first day of employment.  Proof of vaccination must be provided on your first day of employment.  For the two shot regimen of either Pfizer or Moderna, a new hire must have received at least one dose of the vaccine before their first day of employment. Proof of the second dose date must be received within the recommended timeline based on the manufacturer’s vaccine received. For example, for Moderna as soon as the 28 day period has elapsed and for Pfizer as soon as the 21 day period has elapsed.  Failure to provide proof of your COVID-19 vaccination status will result in the termination of your employment with Essential Utilities including its subsidiaries Aqua, Delta and Peoples Natural Gas.

If  you are unable to be fully vaccinated due to a medical or religious exemption, you will be required to apply for an exemption on your first day of  employment with Essential Utilities. As part of the process, you will be required to provide information and/or documentation to Human Resources about the reason(s) you cannot be vaccinated. If your request for an exemption is not approved, then your employment may be terminated.

Aqua, a subsidiary of Essential Utilities, Inc.is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer. Equal employment opportunity is provided to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to the following legally protected characteristics: race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, pregnancy (including childbirth and related medical conditions, including medical conditions related to lactation), physical or mental disability, covered-veteran status, genetic information (including testing and characteristics), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression or any other characteristic protected by applicable local, state or federal law.

Aqua, a subsidiary of Essential Utilities, Inc. is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities.  If you have a condition that may prevent you from applying for a job online or need to request an accommodation during the interview process, please call (1-877-271-9012).