CHEMIST III

DEFINITION

This is supervisory and/or advanced professional chemical analytical work in the laboratory of a State agency.

An employee in this class may assist the chief chemist in planning and directing the chemistry section of a laboratory or may be assigned responsibility for a phase of the chemistry program. Work involves the responsibility of performing the more difficult chemical analyses and testing new and advanced chemical procedures requiring a considerable amount of research work. Direction is received from the chief chemist who makes special assignments and reviews the work through the evaluation of reports and frequent conferences on difficult problems.

Any one position may not involve all of the specified duties or knowledges, skills and abilities, nor are the listed examples exhaustive.

EXAMPLES OF WORK

Conducts qualitative and quantitative chemical analysis of food products, beverages, and other products or matter to determine or discover possible adulteration of foods, misrepresentation of product composition or contamination.

Conducts toxicological examinations for substances such as poisons, alkaloids, drugs and heavy metals.

Interprets or verifies difficult or unusual analysis.

Performs research to improve existing laboratory methods and to develop new or better procedures.

Supervises and confers with other laboratory chemists on procedure problems.

Makes estimates of the needs for chemical supplies and equipment and makes periodic and special reports related to the services performed by the chemistry section of the laboratory.

Analyzes environmental samples for organic chemical compounds using equipment such as gas chromatography, infrared spectroscopy, high pressure liquid chromatography, atomic absorption/ICP and gas chromotography/mass spectrometry.

Participates in state-wide program for the approval of methods and techniques for the chemical analysis of the breath for alcoholic content of the blood; ascertains qualifications and competence of individuals to conduct analysis for the purpose of issuing permits; makes periodic check of devices used; testifies in court cases as required.

Consults with public health, city and county personnel on laboratory results and advises as to the type and kind of specimens to collect.

Performs a variety of chemical determinations for various contaminants in the air.

Performs complete chemical analysis of water as well as special studies on water and stream pollution.

Participates in meetings, conferences and seminars.

Performs difficult microscopy work such as identifying asbestos fibers by type and amount or by identifying the type of insect or animal contamination of food products via the individual hairs, feathers, fragments, or of intact insects or larva.

Coordinates and schedules laboratory analysis contracted to outside laboratories.

Performs quality assurance and quality control evaluation for both in-house and contracted testing to verify that appropriate procedures are being followed and quality data obtained.

Trains subordinates to perform appropriate tests, protocols and new techniques as applied to established tests.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs)

Considerable knowledge of the principles and practices of analytical chemistry.

Considerable knowledge of biochemistry as related to the analysis of commercial foods, drugs, poisons and other matter.

Skill in operation of laboratory equipment and apparatus.

Ability to prepare comprehensive and detailed reports on laboratory activities.

Ability to make chemical analyses on a wide variety of organic and inorganic substances.

Ability to analyze materials which constitute industrial health hazards such as fibers, dust, fumes, gases, liquids, etc.

Ability to train and supervise the work of other chemists and laboratory staff.

Ability to perceive color.

Ability to analyze and verify type of animal or insect contamination.

Ability to maintain effective working relationships with staff, health professionals, and the public.

Ability to evaluate tests performed by others for procedural and quality standards.

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION

(The following entrance requirements are used to admit or reject applicants for merit system examinations, or may be used to evaluate applicants for employment in positions not requiring selection from merit system registers. When applicable, equivalent substitution will be allowed for deficiencies in experience or education.)

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with specialization in chemistry, and three years of experience as an analytical chemist. (Graduate work in chemistry may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for the required experience.)

(Rev. 8/1/84)