Salary: $32.20 - $48.30 Hourly
Location : Bradenton, FL
Job Type: Full-Time (Hourly)
Job Number: 25-00726
Department: Utilities Department
Opening Date: 10/28/2025
Closing Date: 12/2/2025 11:59 PM Eastern

General Information

Work Location: 4751 66th St. W., Bradenton, FL 34210
Work Hours: Monday - Friday / 7:00am - 3:30pm

Expected Starting Hourly Range: $32.20 - $40.25
This classification performs chemical, biological, microbiological and physical analysis to perform professional scientific work providing technical oversight to the water/wastewater laboratory. Work requires application of scientific theory and a high level of expert knowledge of current regulations and methods used in sample analysis. This position may also perform the more complex analysis of organic and inorganic compounds often involving experimentation and use of specialized techniques of analysis and synthesis. May also serve as laboratory QA/QC officer, based on area of assignment.

Working Conditions

Indoor/Outdoor situation; high noise environment while performing certain responsibilities. Lifting equipment up to 50 lbs. alone; up to 100 lbs. with assistance.

Job Description
Essential Functions
These are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position.
Provides expert technical oversight in the performance of scientific analyses, including utilization of specialized techniques and complex laboratory instrumentation; troubleshoots complex analytical and treatment plant problems.
Designs and conducts independent technical research activities involving the analysis of research or routine data; devises and implements quality control techniques.
Designs and implements new and improved lab procedures; trains professional chemists and laboratory technicians in new methodologies; supervises and participates in collecting, recording, and preparing samples for research experimentation or routine analysis.
Maintains inventory records for lab equipment and supplies; performs purchasing duties related to supplies and equipment.
If serving as QA/QC officer, the following job duties may also apply:
Prepares for regulatory agency audits and escorts auditors through laboratory; works with Laboratory Supervisor to prepare audit responses and to implement corrective actions; recommends resolutions for ongoing or recurring non-conformance within laboratory and helps implement proper corrective action.
Stays current with NELAC/NELAP accreditation requirements; ensures that appropriate documentation is in place and that staff is properly trained.
Performs data review and validation on all analytical data produced in laboratory; initiates and documents corrective actions as required.
Assists in implementation, oversight and maintenance of Laboratory Information Management System; generates control charts and control limits for all analyses.
Writes, reviews and/or approves laboratory SOP's.
Performs other related work (including weather or other extreme emergency duties) as required.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in chemistry, biology, natural sciences, or a closely related field.

Minimum of four (4) years (within the last 6 years) experience in general laboratory analyses.

Minimum of two (2) years (within the last 4 years) experience in instrumental analysis.

Valid driver's license with valid Florida driver's license within 30 days of hire.

Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

More

College coursework to include at least 24 credit hours in chemistry highly desired.

Experience working in a NELAC certified environmental laboratory setting, with a laboratory information management system (LIMS), and writing and reviewing laboratory standard operating procedures (SOPs) highly desired.

Prior supervisory or lead experience desired.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of the science of chemistry including principles, methods and techniques of analyzing the composition of substances.
Knowledge of current principles, practices, and techniques of biology, bacteriology, and laboratory quality assurance.
Knowledge of current sophisticated instrumentation and the role they play in lab analysis.
Knowledge of, and ability to effectively apply, current federal/state/local laws, rules, and regulations relating to water/wastewater analysis and quality assurance.
Ability to accurately perform a wide variety of laboratory examinations and analyses.
Ability to interpret test results, and adjust, operate and maintain sophisticated laboratory instrumentation.
Ability to effectively direct and oversee the work of others.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
Ability to communicate clearly, effectively and tactfully, orally and in writing.
Ability to identify colors and odors.
Ability to effectively perform duties under varying climatic conditions and work safely with various chemical agents, odors, fumes, or other hazardous materials.
May be required to have the ability to swim a minimum of 100 yards.
Ability to bend and stoop to take samples.
Ability to traverse uneven and/or wet terrain.
Skill in laboratory techniques, and in following and adapting scientific methods and procedures.
Skill in trouble shooting instrumental analyses and water/wastewater treatment processes.
Veterans Preference

In accordance with Florida Statute 295.07, F.S., Chapter 55A-7, priority consideration in employment will be given to eligible veterans and spouses of disabled veterans. Applicants claiming preference must provide a DD Form 214 or other acceptable documentation with their application. We are committed to honoring the service and sacrifices of our veterans and their families.

EEO/ADA Statement

Manatee County Government is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you require any accommodations to participate in the recruitment process, please contact Human Resources at [click to reveal phone number]941-748-4501 x 3865.

Drug-Free Workplace

Manatee County Government is a drug-free workplace in accordance with Federal and Florida Law.

Emergency Response/Recovery Activities

All employees may 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.
Full Time Positions

Employee Assistance Program (EAP):

ComPsych- offers all employees and their family members with emotional, financial, legal, and work/life balance support.
LAMP counselors available for personal support including emotional, substance abuse, marital, and financial issues.
Five (5) free visits annually for employees and covered family members.

Wellbeing Benefits:

Wellness/Health Coaches (5 Free per year)
On-site Fitness Centers for you and your dependents with 24/7 access
Personal Training (5 Free per year)
Pharmacy Technician
Group Fitness Classes
Musculoskeletal Physical Therapy Management
Diabetes Care Program
Registered Dietician (5 Free per year)
Massages with licensed therapist (small copay)

Miscellaneous Benefits:

Workers' Compensation
Training/Seminars
Premium Pay Differentials/Career Ladders
Government employee discounts at many retailers and attractions
Access to Manatee County Library Services (books, digital services, tools, museum passes).

Paid Time Off:

12 Paid Holidays including New Year's Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
Three (3) Personal Holidays
Personal Sick Leave
Family Sick Leave
Sick Leave Bank (Donated Hours)
Professional Medical Appointment Leave
Bereavement Leave
Military Leave
Military Training Leave
FMLA

Vacation Award: Applies to employees regulary sceduled to work 8 hours per day/40 hours per week.
Years of Service Vacation Days
0-5 16.25 days
[click to reveal phone number]6-10 19.50 days
11+ 22.75 days

Earn an additional day of vacation every six (6) consecutive months of no sick leave.

Insurance:

Award-winning Health Plan with deductibles as low as $0.
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Prescription Insurance
Life Insurance (6 times salary at low cost)
Long-term and Short-term Disability Insurance

Retirement:

Florida Retirement System (FRS) with Pension Plan and Investment Plan options.
457b Tax Deferred and ROTH account options through Voya.
FRS Webinars
Free financial guidance with licensed, non-commissioned financial planner

Career Wellness:

Professional Leadership Programs
Instructor-Led and eLearning Training
Premium Pay Differentials/Career Ladders
Career Counseling
Toastmasters
Networking Membership (Manatee Chamber of Commerce, Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance)
Employee Recognition Programs with monetary and time-off awards

Education Benefits:

Tuition Reimbursement eligible after six (6) months of Public Service, including GED reimbursement.
Continuing Education support through Training/Seminars and Premium Pay Differentials/Career Ladder.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

Flexible Spending Account:

Options for Health Care and Dependent Care Spending Accounts providing pre-tax savings.

Permanent Part Time - Benefits

Employee Assistance Program (EAP):
• ComPsych - offers all employees and their family members with emotional, financial, legal, and work/life balance support.
• LAMP counselors available for personal support including emotional, substance abuse, marital, and financial issues.
Miscellaneous Benefits:
• Workers' Compensation
• Training/Seminars
• Fitness Center Access for employee only
• FRS options
• Premium Pay Differentials/Career Ladders
• Government employee discounts at many retailers and attractions
• Access to Manatee County Library Services (books, digital services, tools, museum passes).
Paid Time Off:
• 12 Paid Holidays including New Year's Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
• Three (3) Personal Holidays
• Paid Time Off and Leaves of Absence are based on an 8 hrs./day 80/hrs.
per pay-period basis, any work schedule less that this will be earned on
a pro-rated basis
01

VERY IMPORTANT - When answering supplemental questions about experience, education or certification, please be sure the information is reflected in the Education, Work Experience and Certificates and Licenses sections of your application.

Must include Monthly Salary, Name of Employer, Location, Phone Number and Duties for each employer in Work Experience.
Note: "See Resume" is not acceptable.

Identify all gaps not related to medical reasons.

I acknowledge the above statement

02

If you are claiming Veteran's Preference, please check category of eligibility

A disabled veteran who is eligible for receiving compensation under public law administered by Department of Veteran's Affairs and Department of Defense
The spouse of a veteran who cannot qualify for employment because of total and permanent service-connected disability, or spouse of a veteran missing in action, captured or forcefully detained by a foreign power
A wartime veteran who has served at least 1 day during a wartime period (active duty for training may not be eligible)
An un-remarried widow or widower of a Veteran who died of a service-connected disability
The mother, father, legal guardian, or un-remarried widow or widower of a service member who died as a result of military service under combat-related conditions as verified by the U.S. Department of Defense
A current member of any reserve component for the United States Armed Forces or the Florida National Guard
A veteran with a "Honorable" discharge (Active duty for training may not be allowed for eligibility)
Not claiming Veteran's Preference

03

Which level of education have you achieved?

No high school equivalency
High school graduate/equivalent
Associates degree
Bachelors degree
Masters degree

04

What previous roles have you held that you believe qualify you for this position?
05

How many years (within the last 6 years) of experience in general laboratory analysis do you possess?

None
1 Year
2-3 Years
4-5 Years
6+ years

06

How many years (within the last 4 years) of experience in instrumental analysis do you possess?

None
1 Year
2-3 Years
4+ Years

07

Do you possess a valid Florida driver's license or have the ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire?

08

Do you have at least a bachelor's degree and at least 24 college credit hours in Chemistry as part of the credit hours used to obtain your degree? (If selected for interview, you will need to provide a copy of your transcripts.)

09

Please describe your specific experience in general laboratory analysis. If no experience, please type "None".
10

Please describe your specific experience in interpreting test results and adjusting, operating and maintaining sophisticated laboratory instrumentation. If no experience, please type "None".
Required Question

Senior Chemist

Senior Chemist

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