Chemist

Job Description

This role focuses on water quality testing and laboratory operations within an analytical chemistry laboratory. The chemist performs and oversees analytical testing of drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations and water quality standards. The position manages laboratory instrumentation, supports quality assurance and quality control programs, maintains regulatory certifications, and provides technical leadership and training to laboratory staff.

Responsibilities

• Perform and oversee analytical testing of drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater samples in accordance with established methods and regulatory requirements.
• Conduct water quality analyses, including toxicity testing, bioassays, wet chemistry, and microbiological testing.
• Perform testing related to Lead and Copper Rule requirements and other regulatory monitoring programs.
• Operate, maintain, troubleshoot, and optimize HPLC systems and other laboratory instrumentation.
• Support laboratory operations by performing hands-on testing and analysis as needed.
• Ensure proper sample handling, chain-of-custody procedures, and data integrity throughout the testing process.
• Maintain compliance with EPA regulations, water quality standards, and applicable environmental requirements.
• Coverage of onsite inspections, accreditation assessments, and regulatory audits.
• Serve as a technical resource during audits and demonstrate laboratory capabilities to regulatory authorities.
• Monitor regulatory changes and implement updates to laboratory procedures and quality systems.
• Manage and continuously improve QA/QC programs to ensure compliance with regulatory and accreditation requirements.
• Develop, revise, and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), work instructions, and laboratory documentation.
• Review analytical data for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with established quality standards.
• Conduct data validation, quality reviews, corrective actions, and root cause investigations as needed.
• Maintain audit-ready laboratory records and documentation.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Environmental Chemistry, Environmental Science, or a related scientific discipline.
• At least 3 years of laboratory experience in environmental, municipal, water quality, or regulatory laboratory settings.
• Experience testing drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater samples.
• Working knowledge of EPA methodologies, environmental regulations, and water quality standards.
• Experience managing or supporting QA/QC programs.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience maintaining or supporting ADEM laboratory certifications and accreditations.
• Experience supporting EPA, state, or third-party laboratory audits and assessments.
• Knowledge of Lead and Copper Rule compliance requirements.
• Experience preparing Consumer Confidence Reports and other regulatory submissions.
• Experience in analytical chemistry, water quality, and laboratory quality control.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor and lead laboratory staff and support team development.
• Interest in long-term career growth within an established organization that values longevity.

Work Environment

This position is based in an analytical chemistry laboratory focused on water quality testing. The role follows a Monday through Friday schedule, typically from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The chemist works with HPLC systems, wet chemistry setups, microbiological testing equipment, and a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS). The environment emphasizes safety, regulatory compliance, quality, and continuous improvement, offering opportunities to grow, train, and lead a laboratory team within a stable and established organization.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Leeds, AL.

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $70,000.00 - $95,000.00/yr. Competitive Benefits Offered By The Company.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Leeds, AL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 24, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service. The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law. If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.