Salary: $28.21 - $39.35 Hourly
Location : 6450 York St., Denver, CO
Job Type: Full time
Job Number: 2228-102026
Department: Environmental Services
Division: Laboratory
Opening Date: 10/30/2026
Closing Date: 11/15/2026 11:59 PM Mountain

Metro Water Recovery in Denver, CO - a nationally recognized leader among clean water utilities, provides wastewater conveyance and treatment services for more than 2 million people in the Denver Metro area.

At Metro, we help you be your best so we can do our best. You will join a team that offers stability, flexibility, and the opportunity to make a difference. We take pride in being part of an industry-leading team who serves the community by protecting the region's health and environment.
Description
At Metro, we help you be your best so we can do our best. You will join a team that offers stability, flexibility, and the opportunity to make a difference. We take pride in being part of an industry-leading team who serves the community by protecting the region's health and environment.
Work Schedule: Wednesday through Saturday, four (4) 10-hour shifts.

Performs laboratory analyses for chemical, biochemical, physical, and microbiological properties of water, wastewater, biosolids and soil samples. Works under the direct supervision of a Laboratory Supervisor.
Examples of Duties
Examples of Duties

1. Performs standard wastewater laboratory analyses which may include E. coli, total suspended solids, biochemical oxygen demand, COD, TOC, Kjeldahl nitrogen, ammonia, phosphorus, dissolved solids, and metals. This includes related tasks such as preparation of any necessary standards and reagents and washing glassware.

2. Collects process control samples (plant pickup) in accordance with established schedules and protocols to support analytical testing. Sampling occurs daily and is integral to performing required analyses.

3. May perform routine analyses using complex wet chemical methods and/or instruments such as ion chromatograph (IC), gas chromatograph (GC), gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer (GC/MS) to conduct complex testing on digester gas, and other compounds.

4. Maintains accurate and organized laboratory records and uploads results into Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) for reporting.

5. Calibrates laboratory instrumentation and equipment. Performs basic troubleshooting and routine maintenance on laboratory instrumentation and equipment as needed.

6. Performs routine data handling using laboratory and instrument-associated software.

7. Follows quality control procedures to ensure accurate and reliable results.

8. Maintains a safe working environment while adhering to established safety protocols.

9. Participates productively in continuous improvement projects and teams.

10. Performs other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
Knowledge of:

Basic understanding of laboratory instrumentation, procedures and techniques.
Basic mathematics.
Basic understanding of Laboratory QA/QC processes.
Basic chemical handling and lab safety.
MS Office software and general office processes and procedures.

Skilled at:

Effective communication.
Working in a laboratory performing chemical, biochemical or microbiological analyses.
Recordkeeping.
Efficient management of time to meet deadlines and hold times for analyses.

Ability to:

Follow technical instructions accurately.
Pay attention to detail in executing laboratory procedures.
Complete work in a timely manner.
Perform effectively in a collaborative team environment.
Demonstrate ethics, integrity, and a respectful attitude towards co-workers.
Work in a dynamic environment, adapting to changing priorities and multitasking efficiently.
Show consistent self-direction and initiation of tasks.

Education
Bachelor's degree or equivalent in chemistry, biology, or related fields. Valid driver license.
Working Conditions

Frequent inside Laboratory setting including use of hot ovens and inside cold walk-in refrigerators; Outside environment in all Colorado weather conditions and temperatures when collecting samples; Frequent exposure to direct sun; Wet/Humid Conditions; Residential and Commercial wastewater/Biosolids; Variety of floor surfaces including concrete; Gravel; Asphalt; Dirt; Tile; Loose stones; Uneven surfaces; Slippery surfaces; Wet surfaces; Frequent work with acids and other chemicals; Lighting conditions including natural light; fluorescent; incandescent; and low light; Vibration; Moving equipment such as carboys, sample sticks, trays; Driving vehicles.

Body Position Demands
Standing; Walking; Sitting; Climbing stairs; Reaching forward and overhead; Balancing; Object handling; Simple hand/ Firm hand grasping; Operating controls; Sitting; Stooping; Crouching; Typing; Fine hand coordination and movements.

Physical Demands (max forces are expected to be infrequent)
Max Weight Lifted: 35 lbs.
Max Weight Carried: 35 lbs.
Max Force Pushed: 22 lbs.
Max Force Pulled: 80 lbs.

Sensory Requirements
Wide field of view; Perception - Spatial; Olfactory (Smelling); Vision - Frequently near and far and going between; Depth perception; Perception identifying objects in space and by site; Color discrimination amongst liquids; Feeling without seeing; Speaking; Hearing.

Metro Water Recovery is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Applicants for employment with Metro Water Recovery must have valid work authorization that does not require sponsorship of a visa for employment authorization in the U.S.
Metro Water Recovery offers a wide range of employee benefits including:
* Medical
* Dental
* Vision
* Life Insurance
* Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance
* Retirement
* Leave Time (Vacation, Sick Leave, Personal Leave, & Holiday)
* Additional Voluntary Benefits

about our organization.
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After reviewing the Job Posting and the working conditions for this position, are you able to perform the essential functions of this job with or without accommodation?

Do you have a valid driver's license?

This job involves the collection and analysis of raw sewage, septic waste, and other potentially unpleasant or malodorous samples. Does this give you any hesitation?

This position requires weekend and holiday work on a rotating basis. Do you understand, that if an offer is made, this coverage is a requirement of the position?

Required Question

Water Quality Chemist I

Water Quality Chemist I

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