CHEMIST I (PUBLIC HEALTH)
2252
Under general supervision, an employee in this class performs testing and analysis on samples of drinking water, surface and ground waters, sewage, marine water, liquid and solid hazardous waste, and other substances suspected of causing a public health hazard. Work involves the use and general maintenance of sophisticated modern laboratory equipment. The incumbent performs many preparatory and routine functions independently, but performs more complex tasks under supervision. Work may involve training and/or oversight of subordinate laboratory personnel in preparing media, plating, staining, performing routine tests, and adhering to standard procedures. Does related work as required.
TYPICAL WORK
ACTIVITIES
Prepares,
tests, and analyzes various environmental samples using sophisticated modern
laboratory equipment to determine the presence or absence of contaminants;
Makes
up reagents for use in chemical tests;
Observes
tests and keeps notes of observations;
Prepares
and submits reports on the results of tests and analyses;
Receives and logs in samples; labels
and stores properly;
Participates
in quality assurance activities and proficiency testing;
May oversee and/or instruct
subordinate laboratory personnel in the preparation, testing, and analysis of
various samples;
May update and/or revise Standard
Operating Procedures (SOPs) for level-appropriate methods or instrumentation;
Performs general maintenance of
laboratory equipment;
Maintains
sufficient quantities of supplies on hand;
May
testify in a variety of legal proceedings concerning findings and observations;
May
wash glassware and perform other clean-up activities.
FULL PERFORMANCE
KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS
Good knowledge of
modern chemical laboratory methods, procedures, and equipment; good knowledge
of the theories, principles, and practices of analytical, organic and inorganic
chemistry; good knowledge of mathematics; good knowledge of the indicators,
sources, and legal limits of water pollutants; good knowledge of public health
standards for sanitation; working knowledge of public health laws and rules
regarding approved analytical methods; working knowledge of statistics; skill
in laboratory manipulative techniques; ability to operate complex electronic
laboratory equipment; ability to make accurate observations and draw sound
conclusions; ability to maintain effective working relationships with
co-workers; ability to express oneself clearly and concisely, both orally and
in writing; 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 New
York State with a Bachelor's Degree in one of the Chemical, Environmental, Physical, Medical, or Biological Sciences, or
Engineering, including or supplemented by sixteen (16) credit hours in
Chemistry, including Organic Chemistry.
PROMOTIONAL
Two
(2) years of permanent competitive status as a Laboratory Technician and
graduation from a college with federally-authorized accreditation or
registration by New York State with a Bachelor's Degree in one of the Chemical, Environmental, Physical, Medical,
or Biological Sciences, or Engineering, including or supplemented by
sixteen (16) credit hours in Chemistry, including Organic Chemistry.
NECESSARY SPECIAL
REQUIREMENT
At the time of
appointment and throughout employment in this title, employees will be required
to possess a valid license to operate a motor vehicle in New York State.
R 08/01/19
SUFFOLK COUNTY
Competitive