DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS
Under general supervision, an employee in this class performs
administrative, supervisory and scientific duties in directing activities of a
major laboratory subunit. The incumbent
performs and supervises both routine and difficult chemical analyses to soil,
asphalt, concrete and other materials used in the construction of highways,
buildings, bridges and sanitation facilities.
The incumbent participates in and supervises the use and general
maintenance of sophisticated modern laboratory equipment such as an a nuclear
moisture density gauge, tension-compression machine, proctor density equipment,
binder ignition oven, CBR test machine, LA abrasion machine and Marshall test
equipment. Supervision is exercised
over a professional, technical and clerical staff. 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 and
supervises a variety of chemical analysis to be performed on materials used in
the construction of highways, buildings, bridges and sanitation facilities;
Supervises the calibration of
instruments and prepares standard calibrations;
Prepares highly technical
reports of analyses and experiments performed;
Supervises and assigns duties
to a professional, technical and clerical staff;
Selects and purchases
scientific instruments and maintains an inventory of chemicals and 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 and laboratory techniques;
thorough knowledge of the specifications for construction materials used
by the Department of Public Works;
thorough knowledge of modern laboratory methods, equipment and
administration; thorough knowledge of
automated instrumentation such as a nuclear moisture density gauge,
tension-compression machine, LA abrasion machine, binder ignition oven, vacuum
viscometer, ion activity meter, stress/strain recording equipment and marshall
test equipment; good knowledge of the
trends, developments and current literature in the field of laboratory chemistry; 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 radioactive
material; 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; 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, which includes at least sixteen (16) credit
hours in Chemistry including organic chemistry, and five (5) years of
professional experience in a laboratory testing construction materials
including Portland cement-concrete, asphalt bituminous products, coarse and
fine aggregates and soils. One year of experience must have been in a
supervisory capacity.
NOTE:
Additional graduate education in Chemistry or Environmental Science will
be substituted for non-supervisory experience on a year-for-year basis up to a
maximum of one (1) year. All experience
must have been gained within the last ten (10) years.
PROMOTIONAL
Two (2) years of permanent
competitive status as a Chemist II (Public Works).
3/24/00
SUFFOLK COUNTY
Competitive
RR1/27/03