Salary : $61,877.50 Annually
Location : City of Saginaw Water Treatment Plant, MI
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 2026-0011
Department: Department of Water and Wastewater Treatment
Division: Water Treatment
Opening Date: 04/28/2026
Closing Date: 5/27/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

Description
STARTING PAY RATE IS: $29.75 PER HOUR
Applications are being accepted from both AFSCME Union members and the public. AFSCME Members must apply within the first 14 days of this posting to be considered as an in-house candidate. Any applications received after the first 14 days will be considered with applications from the public.
Applications from the public will be considered only after all in-house union obligations have been met.
All applications will be screened to ensure they meet all the minimum requirements. Qualified candidates will be invited to participate in a written test and an oral interview. To proceed to the oral interview, candidates must score at least 70% on the written exam. To be placed on the eligible list, candidates must achieve a score of 70% or better on the oral interview.
This posting is subject to close after 14 days.
The Chemist assists in the supervision, administration and operation of the Water Treatment Plant laboratory including testing and sampling activities in support of water quality monitoring. Maintains laboratory systems and supports regulatory, operational and compliance programs.
Major Duties

Assists in supervising operation of the water treatment plant laboratories, including testing procedures, processes, personnel and equipment.
Analyzes documents, interprets and follows through on results of water distribution samples and other outside source samples in determining the presence or content of inorganic, organic, microbiological or physical properties.
Maintains laboratory records, QC/QA data on laboratory activities, interprets findings and prepares written reports.
Provides recommendations to the Chief Chemist on the laboratory budget, makes purchases and monitors expenditure.
Project manager for all lab related aspects of the Revised Lead and Copper Rule, including oversight, training, interdepartmental communication, sampling, reporting and record keeping.
Through the performance of water quality control testing, documenting and reporting, ensures compliance with EPA, EGLE, and the SDWA (Safe Drinking Water Act) standards.
Prepares and standardizes laboratory reagents used in the water treatment plant and the Whitestone Raw Water Pumping Station.
Secure the assignment of sampling stations for the collection of bacterial samples and the monitoring of disinfectant residuals with wholesale customers, water users, and wholesale customer representatives. Support wholesale customers with sampling, training, supplies, etc.
Analyzes treatment chemicals and bacterial media to verify content and purity.
Uses laboratory research projects to determine acceptable standards for routine plant laboratory operation. Reviews questionable test procedures against standard procedures to determine errors.
Responds to problems involving the quality of water at residences, businesses and locations throughout the surrounding communities. Implements a course of action to correct problems.
Set up and maintain technical equipment utilized in both the bacteriological and operations laboratories and provide training to water plant personnel.
Acts as a proctor for the laboratory portion of the State's operator certification exam for EGLE.
Assists in monitoring raw water reservoir quality and occasional in-depth studies of Saginaw River water quality and participates in pilot studies and special projects to evaluate and improve drinking water treatment processes.
Conducts plant tours for the public and makes presentations to students at various schools and civic groups throughout the community upon request.
Adhere to all utility security policies and procedures, including those outlined in the Emergency Response Plan (ERP) and Risk and Resilience Assessment (RRA) documentation, to ensure the ongoing security and resilience of the water system's infrastructure, operations, and water quality.
Performs other duties as assigned.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by personnel so classified.
Job Requirements

Education and Experience

Bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry, microbiology, or a related science.
Two years of hands-on work experience in a laboratory.

Licenses and Certifications

Possession and maintenance of Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) Drinking Water Certification F-3 required.

If not in possession at time of hire, once eligible, must obtain F-4 certification within four (4) test cycles of hire and an F-3 certification within four (4) test cycles after obtaining F-4 certification.

Valid State of Michigan Driver License.

Knowledge of

Standard laboratory techniques and practices.

Skill in

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.) as well as the ability to become proficient in various departmental related software.
Leadership skills to supervise technical staff by assigning tasks, prioritizing duties, and monitoring performance.
Problem solving skills to analyze data, trends, and formulate hypotheses.
Attention to detail to ensure accurate review and recording of test results.

Ability to

Work independently and multi-task.
Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.

Working Conditions

Work Environment
Work is primarily performed in a municipal treatment laboratory and plant environment with some exposure to extreme temperatures, strong acids/bases, volatile substances, ultraviolent radiation, and toxic chemical fumes. Some work performed in varying field conditions with exposure to variable weather conditions and loud noises.
Physical Demands

Frequent exertion of up to 10 pounds of force, occasionally exerts up to 25 pounds of force.
Frequent standing, walking, sitting, and climbing stairs within the treatment facility.
Occasional balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, pushing, pulling, reaching with hands and arms, fine manipulation using hands and fingers to type and operate a computer mouse.
Standard vision and hearing. Employees must be able to see, hear, and communicate clearly, with the ability to identify and distinguish colors clearly to read laboratory instruments and interpret test results.
Occasional exposure to typical laboratory and plant conditions, including risk of electrical shock and working near moving mechanical parts. Personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, lab coats, face shield, goggles and safety glasses is required during certain tasks.
May be required to wear a respirator during non-strenuous activities and during emergency.

The City of Saginaw is committed to hiring individuals who are authorized to work in the United States. All applicants must provide proof of their eligibility to work in the U.S. as required by federal law. The City of Saginaw will not sponsor visas for employment.

The City of Saginaw is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
The City of Saginaw offers a competitive benefits package to full time employees.

Blue Cross Blue Shield Health Care with low bi-weekly employee premium contributions (low deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums).
Dental Insurance and Vision Plan; 100% employer-paid premium
MERS Hybrid Retirement Plan: 2 plans in one - Defined benefit plan with the investment choice of a defined contribution plan.
Healthcare Savings Plan: Savings Plan to help you prepare for the costs of health care after you leave employment.
City-paid life and accidental death & dismemberment.
13 Paid Holidays
PTO (Paid Time Off) days based on length of service; accrual can be up to 22 days during the first year of employment.
City-paid short and Long-Term Disability Benefits
Deferred Compensation Program: Voluntary 457 and Roth IRA
Tuition Reimbursement Program
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

(Benefits are subject to change in accordance with collective bargaining agreements.)
01

Do you currently hold a valid State of Michigan Driver's License?

02

Do you have a bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry, microbiology, or other closely related field?

03

Do you have (2) Two years of experience in a laboratory?

Required Question

Chemist - WT

Chemist - WT

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