CHEMIST I (PUBLIC WORKS) 2254
DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE
CLASS
Under general supervision, an
employee in this class performs entry level professional work involving
qualitative and quantitative analysis of bituminous products (including paving
mixtures), Portland cement concrete, fertilizers, fuels, ferrous and
non-ferrous metals, paints, soils, wood and other special construction
materials. An important aspect of the
position is to ascertain the quality of purchased construction materials to
assure that they conform to appropriate departmental specifications. The work includes the supervised use and
general maintenance of sophisticated laboratory apparatus such as the vacuum
viscometer, nuclear asphalt content gauge and stress/strain measuring equipment
as well as the use of traditional “wet” chemistry techniques. An employee in this class performs some
preparatory and routine functions independently, but performs more complex
assignments under either direct or general supervision depending upon the level
of difficulty of the assignment.
Supervision may be exercised over the work of Laboratory Technicians and
Aides. Performs related work as
required.
TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES
Performs
various standard manual and automated tests on bituminous materials and other
petroleum products to determine such factors as flash and fire points, presence
of water, miscibility, specific gravity, viscosity, percent solvent and base,
penetration and percent loss on heating;
Performs
standard tests on soils which are used as construction materials; tests include
hydrometer analysis, organic content, hydrogen ion activity, chemical
composition and particle size distribution;
Performs
tests to determine the chemical and physical properties of Portland cement,
concrete, grouts and mortars;
Performs
standard tests on fine and coarse aggregates to determine acid solubility,
abrasion, soundness, absorption, specific gravity, surface area etc.;
Sets
up, calibrates, operates and maintains various pieces of scientific apparatus
including nuclear asphalt content and moisture density gauges;
Receives
and logs in samples and processes them for analysis;
Observes
various chemical tests and records observations and results;
Operates
computer equipment and runs programs related to material testing;
May
supervise employees in the performance of their duties;
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 analytical, organic and inorganic chemistry; good
knowledge of modern chemical laboratory methods, equipment and procedures; good
knowledge of laboratory safety practices, including OSHA and EPA standards;
good knowledge of the specifications for construction materials used by the
Public Works Department; good knowledge of mathematics including a working
knowledge of statistics; skill in laboratory manipulative techniques; ability
to operate complex 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 a good working relationship with others in close
quarters; 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 with at least sixteen (16)
credit hours in Chemistry including Organic Chemistry.
PROMOTIONAL
Two
(2) years of permanent competitive status as a Laboratory Technician (Public
Works) and possession of a Bachelor’s Degree in one of the natural sciences,
with at least (16) credit hours of chemistry including Organic Chemistry.
R6/17/10
Competitive