LABORATORY DIRECTOR                                                               2222

 

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

Under general supervision, an employee in this class plans, organizes and directs the activities of a Suffolk County laboratory engaged in the chemical, physical, bacteriological and/or biological testing of ground, surface, marine and waste waters, sewage, construction materials, nuisance insects and/or other samples.  The work includes training, supervising and coordinating the activities of professional and technical assistants, and/or a laboratory staff, planning and executing special programs and research projects and performing the most difficult analyses.  The work is reviewed by an administrative supervisor through staff conferences, written reports and observation of laboratory operations.  Does related work as required.

 

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES

          Plans, assigns and supervises the work of a Suffolk County laboratory and/or field surveillance staff;

          Plans and supervises chemical, physical, bacteriological and biological analyses of water, sewage and industrial waste, air, food products, construction materials, nuisance insects or other samples;

          Supervises the physical and chemical laboratory testing of bituminous products, masonry products including Portland cement concrete, soils, aggregates and ferrous and non-ferrous metals;

          Supervises the investigation of subsurface site conditions, performance of soil profiles and evaluation of skid test data;

          Reviews nuclear film badge exposure and performs leak tests on nuclear gauges to ensure safety;

          Selects and purchases scientific instruments and other laboratory equipment;

          Supervises the calibration of instruments and the preparation of standard solutions;

          Studies new and revised laboratory methods and techniques;

          May testify in court regarding laboratory evidence;

          Maintains liaison and reciprocal consultation services with laboratories of other governmental agencies.

          Insures that the laboratory receives and maintains all necessary permits.

                     

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Comprehensive knowledge of modern laboratory administration and functions; thorough knowledge of the factors influencing environmental quality; thorough knowledge of public health laws, state and local sanitary codes and NYSDEC/NYSDHS laboratory permit procedures; thorough knowledge of the use of microscopes, spectrophotometers, colorimeters and related analytical instruments; ability to direct the work of a professional and clerical staff in a manner conducive to full performance and high morale; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other governmental agencies and the general public; ability to analyze and evaluate data and prepare accurate and comprehensive reports; ability to express oneself clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; good judgment; physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

          OPEN COMPETITIVE

Graduation from a New York State or Regionally accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biology, Physics or a related field, and seven (7) years of experience in the laboratory analysis of water, air, sewage and industrial waste, construction materials, or nuisance insects, at least two (2) years of which must have been in a supervisory or administrative capacity.

          NOTE:  Experience at the level of a Laboratory Aide, Assistant or Technician is not qualifying.  Graduate education in Chemistry, Biology, Physics or a related field may be substituted for non-supervisory experience on a year-for-year basis, up to a maximum of two (2) years.

            

             PROMOTIONAL

          Either:

          (a) Two (2) years of permanent competitive status as a Chemist III or Chemist III (Public Works); or,

          (b) Three (3) years of permanent competitive status as an Entomologist; or

          (c) Four (4) years of permanent competitive status as a Chemist II (Public Health), Chemist II (Public Works) or Chemist II (Environmental Control).

 

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENT

Depending upon the assignment, at the time of appointment and during employment in this title, the employee may be required to possess a Nuclear Gauge Certification (Radiological Safety) issued by the New York State Department of Health.

 

R03/12/08                                                                       

SUFFOLK COUNTY

Competitive