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 or Engineering, 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.
09/16/11
SUFFOLK COUNTY
Competitive
Review 7/23/2015