Class
Code: 06210
SENIOR CHEMIST
NATURE OF WORK
This is advanced scientific work involving
complex laboratory analysis associated with project/program management and
quality assurance responsibility for air, water and soil pollution analysis and
code enforcement.
Work involves advanced technical supervision
of trained chemists and technicians engaged in conducting chemical, physical
and instrument analysis of environmental samples. Work includes independent complex analysis of
unknown compounds involving experimentation, specialized techniques and
advanced instrumentation, as well as management and inter-agency coordination
of long-term environmental monitoring programs.
Work requires the effective application of scientific knowledge and
theory in the evaluation of the impacts of air, water and soil pollution as
related to specific monitoring programs.
Work requires significant analytical experience in studying the
characteristics of air, water and soil pollutants. Work is reviewed through conferences, reports
and program or project objectives.
DISTINGUISHING
CHARACTERISTICS
This classification
is distinguished from a Chemist II by the greater scope of responsibilities,
experience and technical expertise, program and project management, and
administrative responsibilities utilizing considerable independent judgment and
initiative.
ILLUSTRATIVE
TASKS
Manages highly
complex, long term environmental monitoring projects; develops quality
assurance standards for complex analyses on environmental samples and maintains
quality assurance records.
Schedules analyses with
other chemists, coordinates sample collection and preparation, resources and
logistics between agencies; manages, interprets and distributes analytical
data.
Trains subordinate
chemists and laboratory technicians in more complex analyses,
quality control and quality assurance.
Monitors, evaluates
and updates project plans as necessary; devises quality control techniques and
calculates precision and accuracy of test data.
Prepares project
reports; develops and revises standard operating procedures; recommends
revisions to the environmental protection code.
Develops
specifications for purchases of new instrumentation and maintenance plans,
prepares necessary supporting documentation for procurement, including service
contracts.
Reviews and
participates in chemical, physical and biological studies of air, water and
soil samples to determine presence of effluents, toxins and pollutant
substances.
Coordinates specific
sampling and analysis programs requiring inter-agency and intra-agency
coordination, resource allocation, data interpretation and reporting, and
schedule maintenance.
Conducts the more
complex and demanding chemical analyses, including the operation of
computerized multi-parameter analytical instrumentation.
Maintains and
implements maintenance plan for instrumentation.
Evaluates the
results generated by the laboratory tests and interprets the data for reports.
Performs independent
research experiments and in-depth studies to ascertain the long-range effects
of potential and existing air, water and soil contamination.
Develops and
implements improved laboratory procedures to prevent and eliminate pollution
discharges to the environment, to improve safety in the laboratory and to
reduce generation of laboratory waste.
Performs related work
as required.
KNOWLEDGE,
ABILITIES AND SKILLS
Thorough knowledge
of analytical chemistry and multi-parameter instrument analysis techniques,
including principles, methods and procedures of analyzing the composition of
substances.
Considerable knowledge
of complex data interpretation and instrumental and matrix interferences.
Considerable
knowledge of basic scientific principles and theories of physics, biology,
mathematics and related physical sciences.
Considerable
knowledge of modern scientific instruments used in air, water and soil
pollution control.
Considerable
knowledge of quality assurance procedures, sampling and statistical techniques
used in determining reliability and validity.
Considerable
knowledge of reference sources, recent research and governmental statutes in
pollution control.
Considerable
knowledge of EPA procedures for chemical analysis and EPA laboratory quality
assurance techniques.
Considerable
experience with standard computer software, including data bases, spreadsheets
and word processors.
Ability to plan,
assign and review the work of professional chemists and technicians in an
effective manner.
Ability to manage
research projects and long-term environmental monitoring programs.
Ability to utilize
scientific and technical knowledge with accuracy and judgment in review of
laboratory procedures.
Ability to train
subordinate technical staff in specialized laboratory techniques of air, water
and soil pollution investigation.
Ability to express
ideas and to present data effectively, orally and in writing.
Ability to serve the
public and fellow employees with honesty and integrity in full accord with the
letter and spirit of
Ability to establish
and maintain effective working relationships with the general public,
co-workers, elected and appointed officials and members of diverse cultural and
linguistic backgrounds, regardless of race, color, religion, age, gender,
ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, marital status or political
affiliation.
Considerable skill
with computer controlled instruments and laboratory information management
systems.
Skill in laboratory
manipulative techniques.
REQUIRED
EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING
Graduation from an accredited
four (4) year college or university with major course work in chemistry or
related field; four (4) years experience in chemical analysis work, including
two (2) years experience in quality assurance and program or project
management; or an equivalent combination of relevant training and experience.
GENERAL
INFORMATION
Bargaining Unit: Government Supervisors Association - (Professional
Unit)
FLSA Status: Exempt
Code of Ethics Certification: No
Work Locations: Environmental Protection Department
Class Spec. Estab./Revised: E10/07