Associate Chemistry Technician, Chemistry Technician, or Senior Chemistry Technician

Job Summary

This posting is seeking an Associate Chemistry Technician, Chemistry Technician or Senior Chemistry Technician at Urquhart Generating Station, which is part of the Dominion Energy Of South Carolina (DESC) Power Generation Group. The facility to which the candidate will be working is located in Beech Island, SC, just outside of the Augusta, GA metro area. There is one position that will be filled at the level commensurate with the successful candidate’s education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities. 

Primary Responsibilities:

• The candidate would be responsible for all functions related to the operation of the water treatment plant at Urquhart Station.
• This includes monitoring, documenting, and maintaining equipment at that location.
• Perform daily chemical analysis of plant processes (including cooling towers, condensate/feedwater, steam & waste-water systems) and provide the necessary directions to properly control & respond to process chemistry changes,  particularly during Unit start-ups, shutdowns and normal/abnormal operating conditions.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Perform analysis of the plant’s process water, cooling water and wastewater system(s) to ensure compliance with the requirements of all local, state & federal regulations.
• Provide guidance to plant personnel in matters of chemistry such as material safety & chemical spill response.
• Maintain & calibrate all online & offline chemistry analyzers.
• Operate & maintain the plant’s wastewater treatment system, which monitors & controls all of the site’s process & wastewater discharge.
• Operate the plant’s demineralized water system.  This includes general maintenance & troubleshooting.
• Performing work around and handling of 93% sulfuric acid, 50% sodium hydroxide (caustic), 10-20% aqueous ammonia, 55% hydrazine solution, liquid aluminum sulfate (coagulant), 12.5% sodium hypochlorite (bleach) and other corrosion prevention chemicals on a regular basis.
• Inspect, maintain & troubleshoot laboratory processes & equipment.
• Performing required environmental sampling & inspections.
• Maintain continuity with the Operation’s & Maintenance Department by communicating daily activities,  actions, irregularities and continuing needs while at the plant.
• Participate in simplified preventive maintenance activities associated with all water treatment related equipment.  This may include small motor oil changes, analyzer probe replacement, oil & resin sampling, etc.
• Assisting the Operation’s Department in the isolation of equipment for maintenance by using DESC’s Lockout & Tagout procedures.
• Qualify as part of the plant’s confined space rescue, hazmat & first responder team(s).
• Maintain continuity among work shifts by communicating daily activities,  actions, irregularities and continuing needs during his/her shift.
• Respond to audible alarms and unusual conditions to ensure proper operation of equipment within established standards and report irregular and abnormal operating conditions to the shift supervisor or plant management.
• Provide assistance with plant clean-up and housekeeping activities as required.
• Must be able to read and understand written instructions, procedures and logbook notations as required.
• Perform all duties and administrative tasks as assigned by the Operation’s Superintendent or other supervisory personnel.

Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities & Experience

Associate Chemistry Technician: An associate degree and 0-2+ years of directly related experience.

Chemistry Technician: An associate degree and 2+ years of directly related experience.

Senior Technician: An associate degree and 5+ years of directly related experience.

Minimum Requirements (Note: A partial year of related work experience of 6 months or greater will be considered one year towards the qualifications)

• Must be able to obtain & maintain a South Carolina Physical/Chemical Wastewater Class D License (Or Higher)
• Knowledge of analytical chemistry & laboratory concepts and techniques
• Knowledge of environmental regulations
• A strong mechanical aptitude, and basic understanding of chemistry, physics, electricity, and mathematics is also preferred
• Must have a valid driver's license with a safe driving history
• Must be able to work independently and with others
• Must have good communication and organizational skills. 
• Must also have strong interpersonal & customer focus skills
• Must have basic computer skills
• Must be able to qualify and wear a respirator and maintain annual respirator requalification
• Must be able to do heavy lifting, climbing to high elevation, working in confined spaces
• Must be able to demonstrate ability to understand and troubleshoot complex operating systems and controls, evaluate and determine when corrective work orders should be written and capable of making good decisions during an emergency or abnormal conditions

Working Conditions

This position is an 8-hour, Monday-Friday, day-shift position. At times, the position may require unscheduled overtime and/or off-schedule callouts. Also, the candidate must be able to provide coverage for weekend rotations (every 3rd weekend) and occasional holidays. Additionally, the candidate may have to work in inclement weather including extreme heat, cold, rain, wind & snow. 

This position can be physically demanding. The physical conditions include the following:

• Must be in good physical condition with the ability to lift a minimum of 50 lbs. or more on a frequent basis.
• Must be able to safely climb tall structures at extreme heights (including fixed ladders and/or stairs up to 100 ft.).
• Must be able to carry up to 20 lbs. while walking, climbing stairs, as well as having the ability to extend arms through normal range of motion while standing and squatting. 

Education Requirements

Associate Chemistry Technician:

• BA/BS in any related discipline is preferred.  An associate degree and 0-2+ years of directly related experience OR a high school/GED degree with 2+ years of directly related experience that demonstrates the knowledge & relative fundamental theories, principles and concepts as outlined above

Chemistry Technician:

• BA/BS in any related discipline is preferred.  An associate degree and 2+ years of directly related experience OR a high school/GED degree with 4+ years of directly related experience that demonstrates the knowledge & relative fundamental theories, principles and concepts as outlined above

Senior Technician:

• BA/BS in any related discipline is preferred.  An associate degree and 5+ years of directly related experience OR a high school/GED degree with 7+ years of directly related experience that demonstrates the knowledge & relative fundamental theories, principles and concepts as outlined above

Licenses, Certifications, or Quals Description

Must have a valid driver's license with a safe driving history

Test Description