CHEMIST
II (PUBLIC WORKS) 2255
Under
general supervision, an employee in this class performs and supervises
qualitative and quantitative analyses of bituminous products (including paving
mixtures), Portland cement concrete, ferrous and non-ferrous metals, paints,
soils, wood, plastics, petroleum products, fertilizers and other special
materials used in the construction of highways, buildings, bridges and sanitation
facilities. A position in this class
differs from a Chemist I (Public Works) in the complexity of analyses performed
and the increased levels of administrative and supervisory responsibilities. The work involves the use and general
maintenance of sophisticated laboratory apparatus such as the vacuum
viscometer, nuclear asphalt content gauge, stress/strain recording equipment
and the ion activity meter, as well as the use of traditional "wet"
chemistry techniques. Supervision may
be exercised over laboratory and clerical personnel. Performs related work as required.
TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES
Supervises
employees in the performance of various automated tests on bituminous products,
soils, Portland Cement concrete, fine and coarse aggregates and other
construction materials;
Checks results of
automated analyses to assure that correct standards were used and the data
generated is correct;
Performs complex chemical
analyses of construction materials;
Performs independent
research for the design of new laboratory tests and procedures for
state-of-the-art construction materials;
Evaluates the findings
and results of chemical analyses and prepares them in written form for
reporting purposes;
Plans and schedules
laboratory work for subordinate personnel;
Maintains an adequate
level of laboratory supplies and equipment;
Follows procedures in
accordance with OSHA, EPA and NYSDOT regulations regarding the proper handling,
storage and disposal of hazardous chemicals and waste;
May assist in planning
and administering the laboratory's operational budget;
May be required to
testify in court as to findings and observations;
Schedules and performs
maintenance of laboratory apparatus;
May wash glassware and
perform other clean-up activities.
FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL
CHARACTERISTICS
Thorough
knowledge of the theories, principles and practices of analytical, organic and
inorganic chemistry; thorough knowledge of modern chemical laboratory methods,
procedures and equipment; thorough knowledge of the specifications for
construction materials used by the Department of Public Works; good knowledge
of OSHA and EPA regulations and laboratory safety practices, including the
hazardous material handling and right-to-know-laws; knowledge of NYS labor laws
pertaining to radiation safety and storage of sealed source radioactive
material; good knowledge of mathematics and statistics; skill in laboratory
manipulative techniques; ability to plan, schedule and supervise the work of
others in a manner conducive to full performance and high morale; ability to
plan, organize and execute systems for maintenance of equipment and levels of
supplies; ability to program and operate complex laboratory apparatus; ability
to perform original research; ability to make accurate observations and
conclusions of tests; ability to prepare reports of a highly technical nature;
ability to express oneself clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing;
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 plus three (3) years of
experience in a laboratory performing chemical wet analysis, analysis of
non-metallic minerals and/or spectrochemical analysis.
NOTE:
Additional education in chemistry may be substituted for experience on a
year-for-year basis up to a maximum of one (1) year.
PROMOTIONAL
Two
(2) years of permanent competitive status as a Chemist I (Public Works).
R3/28/90
SUFFOLK COUNTY
Competitive
RR1/27/03