ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOCHEMIST 2256

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

Under general supervision, an employee in this class performs administrative, supervisory and scientific duties in directing the activities of the Radiochemistry sub-unit of the Suffolk County Public and Environmental Health Laboratory. The Environmental Radiochemist performs specialized environmental radiological analyses of drinking water, wastewater, soil, and other environmental samples. An employee in this position is directly responsible for the coordination of all operations concerning the radiological analyses of environmental samples including methods of analysis, instrumentation maintenance and repair, and supplies and equipment. Work is performed under general supervision, with leeway allowed for the exercise of independent judgment and methods development. The incumbent may supervise professional, technical and clerical personnel. The incumbent participates in and supervises the use and general maintenance of sophisticated modern laboratory equipment such as a liquid scintillation counter, a gas flow proportional counter, a high purity germanium detector, digital spectrometers, dose rate meters and Geiger-Muller counters. Supervision is received from an administrative supervisor through conferences, written reports and observation of laboratory operations. Does related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES

Plans, supervises and performs radiological analyses of environmental samples to detect radioactive tritium and gross alpha and beta activity;

Prepares highly technical reports of analyses and experiments performed;

Researches and recommends new technologies, equipment and instrumentation and makes recommendations to the Chief - Public and Environmental Health Laboratory;

Develops and writes standard operating procedures for new types of analyses;

May supervise and assign duties to a professional, technical and clerical staff;

Assists in the selection and purchase of scientific instruments and assists in maintaining inventory of chemicals and materials;

Oversees the installation of new equipment and instrumentation and troubleshoots and calibrates detectors and instruments;

May act as the technical director of radiochemistry, as required by the lab’s certification agency, and be responsible for developing and implementing the sub-unit’s quality system, monitoring standards of performance and monitoring the validity of analyses performed to ensure reliable data;

May respond to incidents to identify and evaluate the presence of radioactive materials;

May testify and render professional opinions in legal matters on the basis of laboratory examinations.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Comprehensive knowledge of the theories, principles and practices of chemical, radiological and laboratory techniques; thorough knowledge of modern laboratory methods, procedures, equipment and administration; thorough knowledge of automated instrumentation such as a liquid scintillation counter, a gas flow proportional counter, a high purity germanium detector, digital spectrometers, dose rate meters and Geiger-Muller counters; good knowledge of State Radioactive Material License regulations for laboratories and State Sanitary Code provisions pertaining to approved methods for the analysis of environmental samples; good knowledge of the trends, developments and current literature in the field of laboratory chemistry; skill in laboratory manipulative techniques; ability to direct the activities of a professional, technical and clerical staff in a manner conducive to full performance and high morale; ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with State, County and municipal agencies and the general public; ability to analyze and evaluate data and to prepare accurate and comprehensive reports; ability to do original research work; ability to express oneself clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

OPEN COMPETITIVE

Graduation from a college with federally-authorized accreditation or registration by NY State with a Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry, Physics, Engineering, or a related field, which includes at least twenty-four (24) credit hours in Chemistry including Organic Chemistry, and four (4) years of professional experience in the analysis of drinking water, wastewater, soil, or other environmental samples, two (2) years of which must have been performing radiochemical analysis of environmental samples. One (1) year of experience must have been in a supervisory capacity.

NOTE: Additional graduate education in Chemistry, Physics or Engineering will be substituted for the non-supervisory, non-radiochemical experience on a year-for-year basis up to a maximum of two (2) years. All experience must have been gained within the last ten (10) years.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENT

At the time of appointment and during employment in this title, employees will be required to possess a valid license to operate a motor vehicle in New York State.

R 05/02/2024

SUFFOLK COUNTY

Competitive