CHEMIST I (ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL)                                     2250

 

 

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

Under supervision, an employee in this class performs entry level professional work conducting quantitative analyses on samples from marine and fresh surface waters, groundwater and industrial and domestic wastewater sources.  An important aspect of this position is that its primary purpose is to monitor the composition of ground and surface waters so as to detect and guard against pollution.  The work involves the supervised use and general maintenance of sophisticated modern laboratory equipment such as an auto-analyzer, an atomic absorption spectrophotometer, an organic carbon analyzer and a gas chromatograph.  The incumbent performs some preparatory and routine functions independently, but performs more complex assignments under either direct or general supervision, depending upon the level of difficulty.  Direct supervision may be exercised over the work of Laboratory Technicians and Aides.  Does related work as required. 

 

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES

            Sets up, calibrates and runs automated analysis equipment to quantitatively analyze water, industrial and domestic wastewater, and septage samples; 

            Performs and directs Laboratory Technicians and Aides in the performance of wet method sample preparations, simple colorimetric tests and other simple volumetric, spectrophotometric and gravimetric analyses; 

            Performs analyses associated with the control and determination of performance of wastewater treatment facilities; 

            Prepares materials for use by washing, measuring, cooking, etc.; 

            Makes up reagents for use in chemical tests; 

            Receives and logs in samples, divides into smaller samples, labels and stores properly; 

            Reads charts of test results, calculates numerical equivalents and transfers to log sheets; 

            Checks to make sure that sufficient quantities of supplies are on hand; 

            May be required to testify in court as to findings and observations; 

            May wash glassware and perform other clean-up activities. 

 

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Good knowledge of the theories, principles and practices of organic and analytical chemistry;  good knowledge of mathematics; good knowledge of modern chemical laboratory methods, procedures and equipment; good knowledge of the indicators, sources and legal limits of water pollutants; working knowledge of statistics; skill in laboratory manipulative techniques; ability to take field samples and to set up sampling procedures; ability to operate complex electronic laboratory equipment; ability to perform assigned analyses and tests according to prescribed procedures; ability to make accurate observations and conclusions of test results; ability to maintain good working relationships with others in close quarters; patience; persistence; physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position. 

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

            OPEN COMPETITIVE

            Graduation from a college with federally-authorized accreditation or registration by NY State with a Bachelor's degree in one of the natural sciences which includes at least sixteen (16) credit hours in Chemistry including Organic Chemistry.

 

            PROMOTIONAL

            Two (2) years of permanent competitive status as a Laboratory Technician or a Laboratory Technician (Public Works) possessing a Bachelor's degree in one of the natural sciences with at least sixteen (16) credit hours in Chemistry including Organic Chemistry.

 

R6/17/10

SUFFOLK COUNTY

Competitive