CHEMIST IV

DEFINITION

This is senior-level administrative, consultative, and/or supervisory professional chemical analysis work in directing the operations of 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

Plans, directs, coordinates, supervises, and evaluates the work of other chemists and technicians in the performance of a variety of chemical tests and procedures.

Reviews and evaluates current chemical analysis procedures; conducts research and implements new methods and procedures.

Schedules, conducts, and is responsible for laboratory certification on-site audits of municipal and private laboratories in the State of Missouri; consults with these laboratories to insure compliance with certification standards; submits final recommendations concerning the certification status.

Represents and serves as a consultant for a department at public meetings and conferences concerning laboratory data and/or environmental issues or concerns.

Conducts and participates in staff conferences with laboratory and other agency personnel; consults with professional and non-professional groups in connection with the work of the laboratory.

Prepares and/or supervises the preparation of periodic and special reports; may serve as a consultant to program directors regarding the interpretation of laboratory reports.

Confers with management and/or administration on matters affecting the work of the laboratory.

Performs specialized, difficult, or unusual chemical analysis; interprets and verifies difficult or unusual chemical analysis.

Estimates the need for chemical laboratory supplies and equipment.

Reviews and evaluates all new developments in highly-specialized automated equipment and determines their possible application to chemical laboratory procedures.

Evaluates existing analytical methods relating to specific chemical laboratory problems and develops new methods of chemical analysis.

Reviews and approves laboratory programs involving other phases of chemistry.

Exercises considerable independence and initiative 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 equipment and apparatuses used in a chemical laboratory and the ability and skill to use the equipment in chemical analysis.

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

Comprehensive knowledge of the principles of chromatography and spectroscopy.

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

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

Ability to prepare comprehensive and detailed laboratory activity reports.

Ability to participate in local and national chemical and scientific organizations and meetings.

Ability to perceive color.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with 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.)

One or more years of experience as a Chemist III 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,

Four or more years of professional experience as an analytical chemist, including one or more years in a supervisory capacity.

(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 general experience at a rate of 24 earned graduate credit hours for one year of experience.)

(Revised 3/1/09)