Chemist I/II

Are you looking for a meaningful career that has a positive impact on the community? If you answered YES, come join the City of Sparks! Aside from working for an organization that is dedicated to the community, you will also receive a generous and competitive salary and benefit package. Some benefits may include tuition reimbursement, bilingual pay (when applicable) and retirement plans. People who come to Sparks, stay in Sparks.

Application Tips:

• COMPLETELY fill out and update your general online application before attaching it to any new job posting. HR reviews information listed on the application submitted to the specific job posting. HR does NOT use personnel files in the screening process. 
• Contact information: use an email address you can easily access at any time.
• The Qualifications section below is your guide to understand what the City is looking for on your application, use this to your advantage. It is up to the candidate seeking employment/promotion to include all relevant information for qualification purposes, on the application the candidate submits to be considered for the job.
• DO attach: licenses/transcripts/certificates that will demonstrate you meet the education or certification requirements (see qualifications section to determine what documents to attach) or preferred experience/education.
• DO NOT attach resumes or cover letters. The City of Sparks does not review these items with the application. 

The Truckee Meadows Water Reclamation Facility is currently seeking to hire one Chemist. This recruitment is scheduled to close on Monday, March 30, 2026 at 4:00 PM PST, with interviews tentatively scheduled for selected candidates to be held in person the week of April 6, 2026. This position is competitive and may close early and without notice if we reach our review limit of 50 complete and qualified applications. Interested candidates should therefore not delay in applying as applications will not be accepted once the job posting has closed.

If you have any questions, please email hrstaff@cityofsparks.us. The City of Sparks is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Chemist I

DESCRIPTION

Under general supervision, perform a variety of complex and difficult laboratory analyses of wastewater, industrial wastes, receiving water and other materials. Oversee the successful operation of plant process control instrumentation with the goal of meeting EPA and NV discharge requirements.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is the entry level in the Chemist series expected to perform the essential duties under general supervision.

Chemist II

DESCRIPTION

Perform a variety of complex and difficult laboratory analyses of wastewater, industrial wastes, receiving water and other materials.  Oversee the successful operation of plant process control instrumentation with the goal of meeting EPA and NV discharge requirements.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is the advanced level in the Chemist series expected to independently perform the full range of essential duties by serving as a specialist responsible for conducting physical, chemical and biological functions at the wastewater treatment plant.

Qualifications:

Applicants must possess the following minimum qualifications to continue in the recruitment process:

Chemist I

Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s Degree in organic or inorganic chemistry, biochemistry or a field directly related to the essential functions of the job and two (2) years of laboratory experience, of which one (1) year may be substituted by wastewater operations or engineering experience acquired at TMWRF.

Licenses and Certificates:

Must possess within 30 days of hire and maintain throughout employment, the equivalent to a valid Nevada Class C driver's license.

Must possess within 9 months of hire and maintain throughout employment, a Nevada Water Environment Association Water Quality Analyst I.

Must possess within 15 months of hire and maintain throughout employment, a Nevada Water Environment Association Water Quality Analyst II.

Chemist II

Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s Degree in organic or inorganic chemistry, biochemistry or a field directly related to the essential functions of the job and four (4) years of laboratory experience with at least two (2) years sampling and analyzing domestic and industrial wastewater, effluent receiving waters and other materials. One (1) of the four (4) years of required laboratory experience can be substituted with one (1) year of City of Sparks – TMWRF experience in Wastewater Operations or Engineering.

Licenses and Certificates:

Must possess within 30 days of hire and maintain throughout employment, the equivalent to a valid Nevada Class C driver's license.

Must possess at time of hire and maintain throughout employment, a Nevada Water Environment Association Water Quality Analysis II.

Must possess within 15 months of hire and maintain throughout employment, a Nevada Water Environment Association Water Quality Analyst III.

Examples of Essential Duties:

Chemist I

Perform physical, chemical, biological and laboratory analysis of samples of domestic and industrial wastewater, effluent, receiving waters, and other materials. Interpret and evaluate analysis results, recognize problems which may occur during the process, determine the reasons for problems, and recommend and implement corrective measures.

Collect and analyze samples of biogas from various plant processes. 

Complete cross training in multiple tests in the laboratory to minimize downtime due to extremely tight deadlines for data generation due to the strict nature on the plant operating permit.

Keep abreast of all quality control and management issues in the laboratory to be able to cover for Quality Assurance Officer and Laboratory Manager when needed.  

Set up, calibrate, operate and perform routine and minor maintenance, adjustment and repair to a variety of complex laboratory and field deployed instruments and equipment for optimized process control and adherence to EPA and NV discharge permit requirements.

Prepare and maintain records and documentation of samples, tests and procedures. Prepare reports and analyses as required.

Under direction, confer with other employees, representatives of governmental and industrial organizations and others relating to the work.

Maintain an inventory of laboratory equipment and supplies per predetermined levels. Assist in the evaluation of laboratory services and equipment and assist in the selection of such equipment. Recommend improvements in work procedures, methods and forms.

Prepare standard chemical solutions and reagents. Clean glassware and specialized equipment. Maintain a clean laboratory environment.

Document and maintain a quality assurance program covering equipment, materials and procedures.

Conduct periodic field monitoring and sample collection of receiving waters and other sites as assigned. Ensure daily routine testing has been completed with supervisory direction.

Perform other duties which may be assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of chemical and physical characteristics and analytical methods of industrial and domestic wastewater, industrial waste and receiving waters 
• Knowledge of principles and techniques of quantitative and qualitative analysis  
• Knowledge of sources of standard information related to water, wastewater and industrial waste analyses 
• Knowledge of procedures and techniques used in performing, evaluating and interpreting laboratory analysis 
• Knowledge of recordkeeping principles and practices 
• Knowledge of sampling and statistical analysis techniques 
• Knowledge of and ability to use standard laboratory equipment
• Knowledge of and ability to interpret test results and recognize and correct problems in analytical procedures or results 
• Knowledge of and ability to read and interpret laws, permits and regulations related to the work
• Knowledge of and ability to use computer applications and software related to the work including but not limited to Microsoft Office
• Ability to maintain accurate records and prepare complete and concise reports of work performed 
• Ability to use sound independent judgment within established guidelines 
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with those contacted during work
• Ability to train others in work procedures

Physical Demands:

Requires ability to work in a typical office setting and use standard office equipment. Requires ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time in the laboratory and around the treatment plant. Requires ability to work with exposure to chemicals used in the wastewater treatment process and potential exposure to biological and health hazards including raw sewage samples and infectious bacteria.

SUPPLEMENTAL JOB INFORMATION

• This is a position is Exempt under FLSA guidelines
• This position is at-will and exempt from the Regulations of the Civil Service Commission
• This position reports to the Laboratory Manager
• Supervision exercised: None
• Required to work during emergency circumstances or inclement weather conditions
• May be required to be called back, held over, work off-hours, nights, weekends and holiday shifts 
• May be required to pass a pre-placement drug screen and background investigation

Chemist II

Perform physical, chemical, biological and laboratory analysis of samples of domestic and industrial wastewater, effluent, receiving waters and other materials. Interpret and evaluate analysis results, recognize problems which may occur during the process, determine the reasons for problems, and recommend and implement corrective measures.

Collect and analyze samples of biogas from various plant processes. 

Complete cross training in multiple tests in the laboratory to minimize downtime due to extremely tight deadlines for data generation due to the strict nature on the plant operating permit

Keep abreast of all quality control and management issues in the laboratory to be able to cover for Quality Assurance Officer and Laboratory Manager when needed.  

Set up, calibrate, operate and perform routine and minor maintenance, adjustment and repair to a variety of complex laboratory and field deployed instruments and equipment for optimized process control and adherence to EPA and NV discharge permit requirements.

Prepare and maintain records and documentation of samples, tests and procedures. Prepare reports and analyses as required.

Confer with other employees, representatives of governmental and industrial organizations and others relating to the work. Assist Laboratory Manager with meetings, trainings, and classes as assigned.

Maintain an inventory of laboratory equipment and supplies per predetermined levels. Assist in the evaluation of laboratory services and equipment and assist in the selection of such equipment. Recommend improvements in work procedures, methods and forms.

Prepare standard chemical solutions and reagents. Clean glassware and specialized equipment, maintain a clean laboratory environment.

Document and maintain a quality assurance program covering equipment, materials and procedures.

Conduct periodic field monitoring and sample collection of receiving waters and other sites as assigned. Ensure daily routine testing has been completed.

Assist with LIMS development and operations as assigned.

Perform other duties which may be assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of chemical and physical characteristics and analytical methods of industrial and domestic wastewater, industrial waste and receiving waters 
• Knowledge of principles and techniques of quantitative and qualitative analysis  
• Knowledge of sources of standard information related to water, wastewater and industrial waste analyses 
• Knowledge of procedures and techniques used in performing, evaluating and interpreting laboratory analysis 
• Knowledge of recordkeeping principles and practices 
• Knowledge of sampling and statistical analysis techniques 
• Knowledge of and ability to use standard laboratory equipment
• Knowledge of and ability to interpret test results and recognize and correct problems in analytical procedures or results 
• Knowledge of and ability to read and interpret laws, permits and regulations related to the work
• Knowledge of and ability to use computer applications and software related to the work including but not limited to  Microsoft Office
• Ability to maintain accurate records and prepare complete and concise reports of work performed 
• Ability to use sound independent judgment within established guidelines 
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with those contacted during work
• Ability to train others in work procedures

Physical Demands:

Requires ability to work in a typical office setting and use standard office equipment. Requires ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time in the laboratory and around the treatment plant. Requires ability to work with exposure to chemicals used in the wastewater treatment process and potential exposure to biological and health hazards including raw sewage samples and infectious bacteria.

SUPPLEMENTAL JOB INFORMATION

• This position is Exempt under FLSA guidelines
• This position is at-will and exempt from the Regulations of the Civil Service Commission
• This position reports to the Laboratory Manager
• Supervision exercised: May train and review the work of laboratory staff on a project or daily basis and instruct others in work procedures
• Required to work during emergency circumstances or inclement weather conditions
• May be required to be called back, held over, work off-hours, nights, weekends and holiday shifts
• May be required to pass a pre-placement drug screen and background investigation

Application and Recruitment Information:

Complete application information including all certifications and work experience are required to be submitted by the applicant at time of application in order for the application to be fully reviewed. Failure to submit the required and/or requested information may result in rejection of your application. 

Recruitment Communication:

Human Resources will be contacting you at various stages of the recruitment process via email, even if you have chosen U.S. mail for prior application processes or for applications with other agencies. Please make sure your email address is accurate.

Reasonable Accommodation:

Human Resources will make efforts to provide reasonable accommodations to disabled candidates in the selection process. If you have special needs, please notify the Human Resources office when you turn in your application or at least three (3) business days prior to the examination/interview by calling (775) 353-2345.

Disclaimer:

The City of Sparks reserves the right to select applicants who demonstrate the best combination of qualifications for the position.

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