CHEMIST IV 2259

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

An employee in this class is responsible for the administrative and technical supervision of a major laboratory section. The incumbent performs and supervises both routine and complex testing and analyses of various environmental samples. The work involves supervising and participating in the use and general maintenance of sophisticated modern laboratory equipment. Supervision is received from an administrative supervisor who reviews work through staff conferences, written reports and observation of laboratory operations. Does related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES

Assists in planning and directing the activities of the Public Health and Environmental Laboratory;

Plans, supervises, and performs chemical, physical, and bacteriological analyses on a variety of substances related to environmental or public health;

Develops sampling procedures that may be required in support of departmental programs;

Develops analytical methods for the analysis of potable and non-potable water, air, and liquid and solid hazardous waste;

Ensures that the laboratory section meets quality assurance/quality control criteria as specified by the laboratory’s accrediting agency;

Selects and purchases scientific instruments and other laboratory equipment;

Maintains liaison and reciprocal consultation services with laboratories of state and municipal agencies;

Conducts studies of new laboratory methods and techniques;

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

May be assigned to act as a Technical Director in accordance with laboratory accreditation requirements;

May direct the activities of the laboratory in the absence of Assistant Chief and Chief-Public and Environmental Health Laboratory.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Comprehensive knowledge of laboratory administration and functions; comprehensive knowledge of the theories, principles, and practices of chemical, bacteriological, and laboratory techniques; thorough knowledge of New York State Sanitary Code provisions pertaining to water and solid waste standards; thorough knowledge of the trends, developments, and current literature in the field of laboratory chemistry; thorough knowledge of modern automated laboratory instrumentation; ability to direct the activities of a professional 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 on analyses; ability to plan, direct and perform 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 New York State with a Bachelor's Degree in one of the Chemical, Environmental, Physical, Medical, or Biological Sciences, or Engineering, including or supplemented by twenty-four (24) credit hours in Chemistry, including Organic Chemistry, and seven (7) years of professional experience* in air, effluent, soil, wastewater, or drinking water analysis, three (3) years of which must have been in a specialty relevant to one of the functions of the laboratory section to which the candidate will be appointed. Two (2) years of qualifying professional experience must have been in a supervisory capacity**.

NOTES:

Additional graduate education in Chemistry or Environmental Science will be substituted for non-supervisory, non-specialty experience on a year-for-year basis up to a maximum of two (2) years.

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

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

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

PROMOTIONAL

Two (2) years of permanent competitive status as a Chemist III and twenty-four (24) credit hours in Chemistry, including Organic Chemistry.

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