Chemist 2

Chemist 2

This full-time contract Chemist Assignment will work alongside *** (BPA) chemists in support of the Diagnostics, Metrology & Labs (TEZT) organization, at the chemistry laboratory, supporting substation maintenance and environmental programs. This Assignment may also be required to perform work at various substations throughout the BPA service area supporting and assisting with environmental cleanup projects.

The Diagnostics, Metrology & Labs (TEZT) organization provides Field Testing, High Voltage Laboratory, High Current Laboratory, Chemistry Laboratory, Mechanical Laboratory, and Geo-tech Laboratory services. Collectively, these services provide acceptance testing of components, hardware and materials associated with BPA's power transmission system, diagnostic tests for asset health assessment, staged system testing for commissioning new electrical facilities, managing or conducting research and development for improvements in transmission facility equipment. Some services are provided as collaborative efforts with Colleges and Universities, National laboratories, Department of Energy, other researchers, research institutes, and (if available) through reimbursable contracts and agreements with external entities.

BPA's chemists provide testing services in support of substation maintenance; includes insulation oil analysis, HazMat waste profile and environmental cleanup. Substation maintenance related testing includes; oil quality, dissolved-gas-analysis, furan analysis and metal particle counts. BPA's environment program requires chemists support in waste profile analysis and reports as well PCB analysis both in liquid (oil) and soil samples.

On a progressive basis, working with senior TEZT personnel, support, assist with, and perform the following:

• Receive and process test samples; which includes logging samples into the tracking system and provide "change of custody" to customer.
• Perform oil quality tests, dissolved-gas-analysis tests, and PCB tests; analyze results, identify any unknown materials, and issue reports.
• Perform Chemical Waste Profile Analysis and Reporting; timely and accurately completed reporting is vital.
• Coordinate with field personnel for proper sampling, shipment and/or disposal of waste.
• Conduct various specialized tests on transformer insulating oil; e.g., furan, metal particle counts.
• Provide consultation on ASTM D27 (Electrical Insulating Liquids and Gases) methods and specifications as it pertains to the power industry.
• Provide recommendations on new product purchases for electrical insulating liquids from a chemical perspective.
• Perform general laboratory clean-up as well as regular sample containers cleaning.
• Repair and maintain laboratory equipment as is practical, escalating maintenance and repair needs as necessary.
• Participate in organization improvement efforts, assisting and recommending new or revised procedures, processes or other initiatives to enhance efficiency and quality.

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry is required. 5 years of applicable research and/or quality control chemistry experience is required. Must have knowledge of chemistry and testing concepts. Demonstrated skill performing lab and field tests. Ability to interpret and apply applicable test standards to test samples. Working knowledge of dissolved-gas-analysis and knowledge of key gases. Working knowledge of PCB analysis for both liquid and soil samples. Knowledge of Resource Conservation & Recovery Act (RCRA) Hazardous Waste Regulations 40 CFR Part 261. Knowledge of US Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations on shipping hazardous wastes. Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite products, such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook. Valid U.S. Driver's License is required.