CHEMIST III 2258

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

Under general supervision, an employee in this class performs administrative, supervisory and scientific duties in directing the activities of a major laboratory subunit, and may perform a specialized quality assurance/quality control function applicable to the entire laboratory. The Chemist III performs and supervises both routine and complex chemical analyses to determine the presence or absence of trace substances in various environmental samples. The incumbent supervises and participates in the use and general maintenance of sophisticated modern laboratory equipment. Supervision is exercised over all personnel in the subunit. 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 participates in a variety of routine and complex chemical tests and analyses on various environmental samples;

Handles samples of an unusual nature or known problem cases;

Develops, evaluates and implements new methods, procedures, and quality control standards; Monitors standards of performance and validity of analyses performed to ensure that quality control criteria are met and that the data produced is reliable;

Reviews and updates Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for the subunit;

Supervises and performs calibrations of equipment, prepares standard calibrations, and assists subordinate personnel with troubleshooting and maintenance of equipment;

Prepares highly technical reports of analyses and experiments performed;

Supervises and assigns duties to all employees in the subunit;

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

May assist in planning and administering the laboratory’s operational budget;

May testify in a variety of legal proceedings concerning findings and observations.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Comprehensive knowledge of the theories, principles, and practices of chemistry related laboratory techniques; thorough knowledge of modern laboratory methods, procedures, equipment, and administration; thorough knowledge of the quality assurance/quality control procedures that are required by the laboratory’s accrediting agency; thorough knowledge of techniques of water and solid waste analysis; thorough knowledge of modern automated laboratory instrumentation; good knowledge of 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; patience, persistence; 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 one of the Chemical, Environmental, Physical, Medical, or Biological Sciences, or Engineering, including or supplemented by sixteen (16) credit hours in Chemistry, including Organic Chemistry, and five (5) years of professional experience* in air, effluent, soil, wastewater or drinking water analysis. One (1) year of qualifying professional experience must have been in a supervisory capacity**.

NOTES:

*Professional experience is defined as experience involving independent responsibility for the analysis of evidence or specimens, and includes the signing and issuing of reports.

**Supervisory capacity is defined as responsibility for professional and sub-professional personnel in technical and administrative functions.

Qualifying experience must have been gained within the last ten (10) years.

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.

PROMOTIONAL

Two (2) years of permanent competitive status as a Chemist II (Public Health) or Chemist II (Environmental Control).

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENT

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

R 08/01/19

SUFFOLK COUNTY

Competitive