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

SUFFOLK COUNTY

Competitive