Chemist (DPW) (WATER) (PROVISIONAL)
Salary : $55,734.00 - $63,976.00 Annually
Location : Buffalo, NY
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: POSTING
Department: PUBLIC WORKS
Division: PUBLIC WORKS GENERAL OFFICE
Opening Date: 09/26/2025
Closing Date: 10/17/2025 11:59 PM Eastern
Fee: $0.00
RESIDENCE: Residence is a requirement for all positions. In the absence of clear and convincing evidence to the contrary, an applicant shall be deemed a non-resident if he/she cannot show ninety (90) days of continuous and uninterrupted residence in the City of Buffalo prior to filing application. THIS DOES NOT APPLY TO ANYONE APPLYING FOR THE BUFFALO POLICE ENTRY LEVEL EXAMINATION.
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE THAT THE ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF BUFFALO MANDATE CONTINUOUS RESIDENCY IN THE CITY DURING YOUR EMPLOYMENT, EXCEPT FOR POSITIONS SPECIFICALLY EXEMPT UNDER STATE LAW.
FEE: WHERE INDICATED, A NON-REFUNDABLE APPLICATION PROCESSING FEE MUST ACCOMPANY YOUR APPLICATION VIA CHECK, CASH OR MONEY ORDER (If using check for payment, your check must clear to complete processing.)
Check with Civil Service office for fee waiver info.
Distinguishing Features of the Class
An incumbent to a position in this class performs technical work involving chemical and bacteriological analysis of water samples. He/she must have a thorough knowledge of chemistry, bacteriological and standard laboratory practices and routines. Work involves considerable leeway in the exercising of independent judgment in the analyzing of specimens. Immediate supervision is received from the Water Treatment Supervisor. Supervision may be exercised over the work of personnel assigned.
Examples of work (Illustration Only)
Performs chemical and bacteriological analysis of raw water to determine bacteria and coliform count, turbidity and other chemical factors;
Analyzes water in purification plant to control chemical processes;
Determines amounts of liquid chlorine to be used in chlorinators;
Collects and tests samples of water extracted from various points in the distribution system, mains, tanks, pumps and outlets to discover possible sources of water contamination;
Determines kinds and amounts of chemicals to be used in removing minerals, acids, salts and other inorganic compounds;
Prepares culture media;
-cleans and sterilizes glassware;
Assists in the preparation and calculation of analytical data for periodic reports;
Prepares and distributes materials to consumers regarding the yearly testing of water for lead and copper as mandated by the EPA and NYS Department of Health;
May assist in preparing chemical research studies;
Performs related work as required.
Minimum Qualifications
(A) Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in Chemistry, Biochemistry or Bacteriology or a closely related field and one year of full time experience in analytical laboratory work in the field of chemistry and/or bacteriology;
OR
(B) Associate's Degree from an accredited college or university in Chemical Technology or a closely related field and three years of full time experience in analytical laboratory work in the field of chemistry and/or bacteriology.
OR
(C) Graduation from High School, GED or Equivalency Diploma supplemented by 8 to 12 credit hours in Chemistry and/or Bacteriology including laboratory work, from an accredited college or university and five years of full time experience in analytical laboratory work in the field of chemistry and/or bacteriology.
OR
(D) An equivalent combination as defined within the limits of A through C.
NOTE: Verifiable part -time experience will be pro-rated to meet full-time experience requirements.
(Proof of education must be presented at time of appointment.)
ADOPTED: 3/31/52
REVISED: 7/l/69; [click to reveal phone number]
REVIEWED: 1/16/08; 3/18/11; 7/17/13
Department of Human Resources, Civil Service Administration, Room 1001 City Hall, Buffalo, NY 14202
Additional Information
Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of analytical chemistry, bacteriology and sanitary science;
Thorough knowledge of the principles and applications of physics, chemistry and bacteriology as related to water treatment and purification;
Good knowledge of laboratory practices, techniques and equipment including water sampling and analysis;
Ability to organize and interpret analytical data including elementary statistical analysis;
Ability to operate a personal computer in the use of application programs;
Ability to write accurate, clear and concise reports;
Physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.
The City of Buffalo's benefit package is designed to give our employees and their love one's, comfort, safety, and stability they need in serving our community each and every day.
Our offerings include:
-Medical and vision, Dental, Life Insurance (basic) and (supplemental)
-New York State Retirement System
-Deferred Compensation Plan
-Employee Assistance Program for employee/family members
-Flexible Spending Accounts
-Liberal holidays & vacation
-Growth Opportunities and Steady earnings potential