Missouri Office of Administration

CHEMIST III

DEFINITION

This is senior-level professional and/or supervisory chemical analysis work in a State of Missouri laboratory.

This description may not include all of the duties, knowledge, skills, or abilities associated with this classification.

EXAMPLES OF WORK

Performs qualitative and quantitative chemical analysis of drinking water, wastewater, soils, sludges, industrial wastes, foods, air contaminants, and other matrices or matter to detect and verify possible contamination or composition.

Verifies and/or interprets difficult or unusual chemical analysis.

Conducts research to improve existing laboratory methods and to develop new or improved procedures.

Assists in planning and directing the chemistry section of the laboratory; supervises and confers with other laboratory chemists on procedure problems.

Estimates the need for chemical supplies and equipment; prepares periodic and special reports related to the services performed by the chemistry section of the laboratory.

Analyzes samples for inorganic and/or organic chemical compounds using procedures such as gas chromatography, infrared spectroscopy, high pressure liquid chromatography, atomic absorption/ Inductively Coupled Plasma, and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry.

Performs a variety of chemical determinations for various air contaminants.

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

Participates in meetings, conferences, and seminars.

Coordinates and schedules laboratory analysis contracted to outside laboratories.

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

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

Exercises considerable independence in the performance of duties; receives general administrative direction.

Performs other related work as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs)

Comprehensive knowledge of the principles and practices of analytical chemistry.

Comprehensive knowledge of laboratory equipment and apparatuses used in a chemical laboratory and the ability to use the equipment in chemical analysis.

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

Intermediate knowledge of the principles of chromatography and spectroscopy.

Introductory knowledge of effective methods of supervision and instruction as applied to the work of chemical laboratory staff.

Skill in the operation of equipment and apparatuses to include Gas Chromatograph, Gas Chromatograph/Mass Spectrophotometer, Inductively Coupled Plasma, Inductively Coupled Plasma/Mass Spectrophotometer, Ion Chromatograph, High Performance Liquid Chromatograph, and other miscellaneous equipment.

Ability to prepare comprehensive and detailed laboratory activity reports.

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

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

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

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

Ability to perceive color.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, staff, public officials, private sector management, and the general public.

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION

(The following requirements will determine merit system eligibility, experience and education ratings, and may be used to evaluate applicants for Missouri Uniform Classification and Pay System positions not requiring selection from merit registers. When practical and possible, the Division of Personnel will accept substitution of experience and education on a year-for-year basis.)

Two or more years of experience as a Chemist II with the Missouri Uniform Classification and Pay System.

OR

A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a minimum of 15 earned credit hours in Chemistry; and,

Three or more years of professional experience as an analytical chemist.

(Earned graduate credit hours from an accredited college or university in the specified area may substitute on a year-for-year basis for a maximum of two years of the required experience at a rate of 24 earned graduate credit hours for one year of experience.)

(Revised 3/1/09)