SENIOR SANITARY CHEMIST (OPEN COMPETITIVE)

Salary : $74,600.00 - $91,451.00 Annually
Location : Buffalo Sewer Authority- City Hall Room 1038, NY
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: POSTING
Department: BUFFALO SEWER AUTH
Opening Date: 05/26/2026
Closing Date: 6/5/2026 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

This is important chemical research work involving responsibility for the review, study and analysis of the character and quantity of industrial wastes discharged into the Buffalo sewers. General instructions are received regarding tasks to be performed, permitting considerable leeway for planning and carrying out the details of each assignment. Incumbents in this class work under general direction of the Director of Laboratory or Associate Sanitary Chemist and may supervise technical assistants.
Examples of work (Illustration Only)

Reviews, studies and analyzes waste discharged into the sewer system for content, character and quantity, to eliminate adverse and dangerous effects of such waste on the sewer systems;
Confers with officials of industrial plants relative to waste problems and remedial measures to reduce pollutional loads;
Indexes and classifies all industrial establishments in the city according to type of industry and character of waste discharge;
Samples and analyzes specific wastes for application of industrial waste charge formula established by the Sewer Authority;
Surveys, samples and analyzes flows in trunk and tributary sewers to determine points of excessive loads, and recommends remedial measures;
Examines and surveys the Buffalo and Niagara Rivers and other receiving waters;
Prepares reports and technical memoranda on results of investigations and surveys;
Engages in special research in sewage plant operation and laboratory methods;
Performs related duties as required.
Minimum Qualifications

Promotional
Continuous and permanent status in the Buffalo Sewer Authority as a Sanitary Chemist for one year.
Open Competitive
(A) Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology or a closely related field and three years of full-time experience in analytical laboratory work in the field of chemistry or microbiology, one year of which must have been in the study or analysis of industrial waste;
OR
(B) Associate's Degree from an accredited college or university in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology or a closely related field and five years of full-time experience in analytical laboratory work in the field of chemistry or microbiology, one year of which must have been in the study or analysis of industrial waste;
OR
(C) An equivalent combination within the limits of A and B.

NOTE: Verifiable part-time experience will be pro-rated to meet full-time experience requirements. Proof of education must be repented at time of appointment.
THE CITY OF BUFFALO IS AN EQUAL OPPORUNITY EMPLOYER
Additional Information

FULL PEFORMANCE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS
Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of analytical chemistry, microbiology and sanitary science;
Thorough knowledge of the practices and procedures used in analyzing and treating water, sewage and industrial waste;
Good knowledge of the character, components and effects of various industrial wastes;
Ability to operate, maintain and repair laboratory equipment;
Ability to plan work programs and supervise the work of others;
Ability to get along well with others;
Good judgment; thoroughness;
Physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.
Working at the Buffalo Sewer Authority is more than just a job, it is your path to a career. Most all positions at the BSA promote into other positions, providing you with a career path for advancement and growth.

The Buffalo Sewer Authority also provides an exceptional, second-to-none, benefits package to meet the diverse and changing needs of our employees, which includes:

• Generous family healthcareat little or no cost to you, including:
  • Medical, Vision and Dental Coverages
• Life Insurance (basic and supplemental)
• Tuition reimbursement for continuing certifications, licensures and college courses
• Membership into the New York State retirement and pension system
• 457b - New York State Deferred Compensation Plan
• Substantial leave time, including:
  • Vacation, personal leave and sick leave days
• 14 paid holidays annually
• Employee Assistance Program for employees and family members