CHEMIST
II (ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL) 2251
Under
general supervision, an employee in this class performs and supervises
quantitative analyses on samples from marine and fresh surface waters,
groundwater, industrial and domestic waste water and septage. The primary purpose of this position is to
monitor the composition of ground and surface waters so as to detect and guard
against pollution. The work involves
the use and general maintenance of sophisticated modern laboratory equipment
such as an auto-analyzer, a high-performance liquid chromatograph, an atomic
absorption spectrophotometer, an organic carbon analyzer and a gas
chromatograph/mass spectrometer. This
class differs from Chemist I (Environmental Control) by virtue of the more
complex analyses performed and the increased levels of administrative and
supervisory responsibilities. The work
is performed with leeway allowed for exercise of independent judgment and
methods development. Direct supervision
may be exercised over the work of laboratory and clerical personnel. Does related work as required.
TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES
Supervises
laboratory personnel in the performance of tests on water and wastewater
samples using automated analysis equipment;
Checks results of
automated analyses to make sure that the correct standards were used and that
the data produced is correct;
Prepares quality control
summaries from test results;
Performs complex
chemical analyses of water, wastewater, pesticides and gasoline;
Evaluates the findings
and results of chemical analyses;
Prepares the findings
and results of chemical analyses in written form for reporting purposes;
Plans and schedules
laboratory work;
Maintains an adequate
supply of laboratory supplies and equipment on hand;
May assist in planning
and administering the laboratory's operational budget;
May be required to
testify in court as to findings and observations;
May wash glassware and
perform other housekeeping activities.
FULL
PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS
Thorough
knowledge of the theories, principles and practices of organic and analytical chemistry;
thorough knowledge of modern chemical laboratory methods, procedures and
equipment; thorough knowledge of the indicators, sources and legal limits of
water pollutants; good knowledge of mathematics; good knowledge of statistics;
skill in laboratory manipulative techniques; ability to plan, schedule and
supervise the work of laboratory personnel in a manner conducive to full
performance and high morale; ability to maintain and operate complex electronic
laboratory equipment; ability to do original research work; ability to take
field samples and to set up sampling procedures; to make accurate observations
and conclusions of test results; ability to prepare reports of a highly
technical nature; ability to express oneself clearly and concisely, both orally
and in writing; ability to maintain good working relationships with co-workers;
patience; persistence; 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 one of the natural sciences which includes at least sixteen (16)
credit hours in Chemistry, including Organic Chemistry, plus three (3) years of
professional experience in air, effluent, soil, wastewater or drinking water
analysis.
NOTE:
Additional graduate education in Chemistry or Environmental Science may
be substituted for experience on a year-for-year basis up to a maximum of one
(1) year. All experience must have been gained in the last ten (10) years.
PROMOTIONAL
Two
(2) years of permanent competitive status as a Chemist I (Environmental
Control) or as a Chemist I (Public Health).
R10/31/96
SUFFOLK COUNTY
Competitive
RR1/27/03