Description: Job Summary:
Ensure quality patient care by accurate diagnostic reagent and chemical solution preparation, analysis and distribution. Performs tasks associated with hazardous chemical regulatory compliance, health and safety compliance, emergency response operations and hazardous waste management. Ensure proper management of laboratory Deionized Water Quality program.

Essential Responsibilities:

Diagnostic and Chemical Reagent Preparation.
Prepare diagnostic reagents and chemical solutions for use in patient laboratory testing.
Preparation requires stoichiometric calculations of chemical components; analytical weight and volumetric measurement; solubility determinations; compounding determinations and reaction prediction, analysis and control.
Perform quality control testing during preparation and prior to distribution.
Prepare quality control documents using database entries for quality control documentation for each chemical solution made.
Manage recipe file database.
Develop, review and authenticate recipes for preparation of testing solutions. This may require collaboration with Managers, Supervisors, Chemical Manufacturers, Clinical Laboratory Scientists, or other technical affiliates.
Formulate or modify new recipes for testing as needed.
Perform chemical substitution studies to minimize hazardous elements.
Label solutions (Federal mandate).
Determine hazard ratings and expiration period for prepared solutions.
Dispense solutions as requested.
Determine priorities for preparation scheduling and deliveries.
Distribute solutions to internal and external departments.
Document, monitor and report problems or complaints relevant to solution preparations; and develop strategies to mitigate reoccurrence.
Compliance
Manage Water Quality testing for all laboratory departments (Regional Labs. and Medical Centers).
Test water for colony counts, silica content and TOC.
Notify departments of test results and transcribe into database.
Organize, review, catalogue and distribute MSDS sheets received from manufacturers.
Review requires specific data entry of essential information into an MSDSonline HQ service.
Missing essential elements must be determined through research and/or communication with the manufacturer or analytical analysis and testing.
Prepare in-house MSDS sheets for each chemical solution prepared and distribute to end users.
Maintain a Master MSDS reference library for all Southern California laboratory services as required for regulatory compliance.
Update library as new MSDSs are received from the manufacturer.
Send a copy to Departments for inclusion in their MSDS binders.
MSDS received from manufacturers and MSDS coversheets for Solutions Department diagnostic reagents are entered into an e-binder/folder of the respective departments in the MSDSonline database.
Direct the proper handling, storage, distribution and use of all laboratory chemicals and reagents.
Systems and Equipment
Operate and maintain laboratory instruments, apparatus and equipment associated with chemical solution preparation.
Maintain quality control and instrument function check on all departmental equipment.  Evaluate data and adjust functioning to specific criteria.
Monitor and test in-house Deionized water system for determining quality of water used for reagent preparation.
Operate recycling process systems for recyclable hazardous waste chemicals.
Hazardous Waste Management
Manage Chemical Hazardous Waste Process for all Departments.
Pick up, transport, process and manage all hazardous chemical wastes generated by the laboratory.
Label new waste container for each department with proper criteria.
DOT labeling requirements for all unique hazardous wastes to comply with Federal and State of California regulations.
Determine and classify hazardous waste streams by performing waste stream analysis and testing.
Report results and develop waste management strategies.
Conduct weekly Waste Accumulation site inspections as required by regulatory agencies.
Monitor and record the level of hazardous waste underground storage tank daily (federal mandate).
Monitor and schedule hazardous chemical waste disposal and/or treatment as required by regulatory agencies.
Determine hazardous waste pickup time for outside tank vendor and schedule pickup weekly.
Prepare, review and manage official Hazardous Waste Manifests for contracted waste disposal broker/transporters.
Emergency Response
Participate as a team member on the Laboratory Emergency Response Team.
Specific duties as a certified HAZMAT Responder include 24 hour, 7 day/week response for all hazardous chemical related incidents within the Southern California region.
Administrative
Determine work performance statistical analysis for quality improvement.
Provide information and technical advice to customers throughout the region on chemical hazard precautions and safety, MSDS components, chemical reagent preparations and calculation criteria.
Determine, analyze and prepare monthly Waste Generation reports used in calculating Federal and State Generator fees.
Collect statistical information and assist in review, analysis and preparation of annual reports relevant to Waste Minimization as required by regulatory agencies.
Inventory all chemicals, supplies and equipment relevant to the department function.
Prepare Materials Requisition forms for purchases based on inventory usage.
Monitor usage trends and perform cost effectiveness studies using statistical analysis of relevant data collected.
Develop, maintain and improve custom computer database programs specific to departmental needs.
Instruct students associated with the University CLS training program in departmental functions, processes and procedures in preparation for their careers.
Provides superior customer service by acting as a departmental representative in all matters relevant to the functions performed.
Refers all complex inquiries to the appropriate technical level or Manager.

Pay Grade: 26

Basic Qualifications:
Experience

Two (2) years' experience as a chemist in a chemical laboratory setting.
Per the National Agreement, current KP Coalition employees have this experience requirement waived.

Education

Bachelor of Arts/Science degree in Chemistry or related science field with a minimum of two (2) years of college Quantitative Inorganic and Organic Chemistry

License, Certification, Registration

N/A

Additional Requirements:

Ability to wear Respiratory Protection including Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA)
Must be able to lift 75 pounds.
Knowledge of computer systems with word processing skills preferred.
Ability to pass a Solution Preparation fundamental skills written examination.

Preferred Qualifications:

HM Technical or HM Specialist Level preferred.
Hazardous Materials Management (HMM) Certification preferred.
Able to lift 25-30 pounds.
Knowledge of hazardous materials management practices and techniques.
One (1) year experience in laboratory setting preferred.

Notes:

This is an on-call position; days and hours may vary.
Shift Start subject to change per operation needs with advanced notice.