Associate Chemist
Associate Chemist
Coal Creek Station,
Underwood ND
More than power, we're about people. At Great River Energy (GRE), people are our first priority--both customers and employees. Here, you will find a team-centered environment that's rewarding, challenging, and exciting. As a cooperative-owned generation and transmission company, we are Minnesota's second largest utility based on generating capacity.
Great River Energy is seeking an associate chemist to collect and analyze process samples, and safely operate the chemical injection, water treatment, and demineralizer systems for maximum efficiency and output. This position is located at Coal Creek Station in Underwood, North Dakota.
Responsibilities
Operates water treatment facility to ensure adequate quantity and quality water to support plant operations for ND generating facilities and associated customers.
Operates and maintains the water treatment systems responsible for producing plant service water. (At CCS, personnel performing this function are required to acquire and maintain the North Dakota level II water treatment operator licensure for the production and distribution of potable water supplied to GRE, Falkirk Mine, and Blueflint ethanol facilities.)
Operates and maintains reverse osmosis/demineralizer equipment to maintain boiler feed water and steam quality requirements.
Operates assigned chemical feed equipment in the plant to maintain open and closed loop system's chemistry set points and control ranges.
Conducts routine laboratory sampling and analysis to support plant operations and regulatory compliance
Employ appropriate sampling procedures, laboratory equipment and laboratory procedures to assess the chemistry of cooling water, boiler feed water, coal, and other samples in order to provide feedback on plant operations
Collects and/or performs analysis for all samples that are required for pertinent regulatory compliance with state and federal permits and/or certifications (examples include but are not limited to Storm water compliance sampling, Underground injection well compliance sampling, Coal Combustion Residuals compliance sampling and inspections, discharge permit compliance sampling, water pollution study certification samples for environmental lab certification, miscellaneous samples for potable water compliance under the Safe Drinking Water Act compliance
Ensures that all laboratory equipment is in good working order
Logs laboratory equipment parameters on a routine basis according to the laboratory procedures to ensure equipment is operating within acceptable ranges.
Logs and performs maintenance on lab equipment according to recommended maintenance schedule in a timely manner.
Troubleshoots equipment problems and performs corrective action as directed by Leader Lab Services and/or Quality Control Officer(s).
Prepares work orders and tags out systems as required to safely repair equipment
Collects, analyzes and reports credible and reliable laboratory data to support routine plant operations
Collects and reports laboratory data in the appropriate format according to lab operating procedures
Follow appropriate quality control measures listed in the laboratory procedures to verify the acceptability of laboratory data.
Maintains an adequate stock of both supplies and chemicals to support plant operations in assigned area
Periodically checks levels of supplies and chemicals necessary for lab and plant operations and orders as necessary
Safely handle, unload, transfer, dispense, and use hazardous materials in accordance with all pertinent safety procedures, environmental policies, laws and regulations.
Periodically provide routine laboratory analysis and water treatment backup services to other ND generating facilities to cover PTO request, leaves of absence, or other labor shortage needs (CCS Oil lab, Spiritwood)
Assist lab leadership in the management of resources to ensure timely completion of routine and non-routine laboratory work tasks and projects.
Oversee special projects and serve as job leader for assigned area
Oversee ordering and inventory of laboratory reagents, laboratory consumables, and bulk chemicals for assigned area
Manage budget of assigned area
Provide support and act as backup to the laboratory quality control officer as assigned.
Assist with and serve as backup to lab leadership for scheduling lab personnel on routine and non-routine tasks and projects.
Leads root cause analysis investigations for equipment or process interruptions for assigned area.
Assist management with other duties as assigned.
Conduct sampling and perform sample preparation to support special projects and/or routine specialty analysis for the North Dakota Generation Materials Lab
Collecting and/or preparing samples for routine analyses of fly ash – XRF, LOI, and wet sieve (For Fly Ash sales)
Collecting and/or preparing samples for routine analyses of carbon, hydrogen, and nitrogen content for coal products
Collecting and/or preparing samples for non-routine analysis of miscellaneous scale and mineral deposits.
Collecting and/or preparing samples for non-routine analysis of miscellaneous as directed by lab leadership or chemist
Provide training/mentorship to junior analysts at ND generating facilities in the assigned expertise area(s)
Leads efforts in assigned area to review, edit, and author revisions to lab procedures and training materials
Organizes and conducts training sessions as appropriate in assigned area to support laboratory proficiency and quality standards
Qualifications
Must work in the laboratory as well as in areas outside the main plant, which means indoors and outdoors, with occasional extreme temperatures. Working conditions may include high noise levels, coal dust, and frequent chemical vapors. Must work overtime and to work shift, as required. Must occasionally work in undesirable areas, positions, and conditions. Frequent standing, walking, occasional sitting, pushing, pulling, use of tools, turning valves, stooping, bending climbing stairs and ladders, lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds including assisted lifts over 50 pounds. Can expect to attend periodic technical seminars, conferences and professional meetings. Travel may be required to support laboratory operations at other GRE plants in North Dakota and Minnesota. Must wear personal protective equipment. Must be able to perform the essential functions of the job.
Bachelors degree in Chemistry or science related field required.
Qualified candidates will find we have a lot to offer: competitive wages, relocation package, continuing education, generous retirement plan, along with many more benefits. Qualified candidates, please apply at www.greatriverenergy.com under the Careers tab. GRE is an EEO/AA/Minority/Female/
Disabled/Vets Employer.