Chemist I

Are you looking to make a meaningful impact on public health and the environment? Join the MWRA team! We deliver some of the nation's highest-quality drinking water to 3 million residents, restored Boston Harbor, and continue to invest in protecting vital public resources. Be part of a mission-driven organization where your work truly makes a difference-in a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment.

Summary:

Performs a variety of moderately complex chemical analyses on water, wastewater and air, using prescribed procedures in the laboratory. Based on assignment, may perform field sampling at MWRA and community facilities, and testing in the field.

Posting Period: 11/13/2026 to 11/27/2026
Location: Southborough, MA
Salary: $72,515.22 - $100,832.50 Annually $1,394.53 - $1,939.08 Weekly
*Starting rate is Step 1 $1,394.53 Weekly
Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 7:30am - 3:30pm

Key Responsibilities:

• Performs a wide range of moderately complex chemical analyses and tests and operates all related equipment, assuring adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Assists in research studies and in the investigations of alternative procedures and equipment by performing analyses and tests, and the appropriate preparation of data.
• Provides technical direction to technicians and laboratory support personnel.
• Reviews and confirms the results of routine tests, and provides instruction to assure conformity to SOPs and data quality objectives. Reviews data and assists with report preparation and dissemination.
• Performs minor troubleshooting, maintenance and calibration duties on a variety of standard instrumentation and instructs or oversees technicians in their performance of routine equipment maintenance duties.
• Maintains current knowledge of analytical procedures and equipment.
• Follows SOPs to maintain accurate reliable data, and to affect the efficient transfer of the data to the LIMS and/or other data management systems.
• Utilizes standard applications software and prepares accurate statistical and graphics displays, as instructed.
• Prepares purchase requisitions to reorder standard supplies and materials and may lead or perform duties to take inventory of supplies and equipment parts.
• Provides instruction to technicians in laboratory safety, ensures that safety procedures are followed, and maintains clean and safe work areas.
• Based on assignment, may travel to MWRA or community sampling locations to collect water samples for field or laboratory water quality parameter testing. Utilizes proper handling and preservation techniques and collection procedures and maintains chain of custody over samples. Chemist I within the Water Quality Assurance department will travel each workday for water sample collection and testing at various types of water facilities or infrastructure.
• Performs related duties as required.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in chemistry or a related field; and
• At least one (1) year of experience in chemical analysis, quality control and statistical techniques; or
• Any equivalent combination of education and experience.
• A valid Massachusetts Class D Motor Vehicle Operators License or equivalent license from another state.
• This position has been designated as essential in instances where the MWRA Executive Director requires essential personnel to report to work such as inclement weather or other emergencies.

Knowledge and Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of state-of-the-art modern chemical laboratory methods, field and laboratory procedures, materials and equipment.
• Thorough knowledge and experience in proper sampling techniques and analytical procedures.
• Skill in the operation of the listed tools and equipment.

Tools and Equipment Used

Laboratory and field equipment and instruments.
Office machines as normally associated with a professional office environment, including the use of telephones, personal computers, word processing and other software, email, videoconference applications, copiers, scanners and fax machines.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to reach with his arms and use hands to handle, finger, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls. The employee is regularly required to stand, walk, and climb facility stairs. The employee is regularly required to sit, stand and walk. The employee is occasionally required to climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl and smell.
The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move more than 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close, distance, color and peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in a laboratory or field environment, and occasionally during inclement weather conditions. The employee regularly works near moving mechanical parts, is frequently exposed to outdoor weather conditions, and occasionally works in high, precarious places and is exposed to fumes and airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals and the risk of electric shock.
The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet in the laboratory and moderately loud in field settings.

Supervision Received and Exercised

Works under the general supervision of a Laboratory Supervisor, I, II, or III or Laboratory Supervisor II (Water Quality).

Other Position Information
PCR#: 3370009
Division: Operations
Department: Water Quality Assurance
Union/Grade: MOSES (Unit 9)/Grade 18

Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, disability, sex or gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or veteran status.