SENIOR LABORATORY SCIENTIST8093C3 Pay Grade: 32 DEFINITION OF WORK Summary This is specialized, administrative work in managing a state laboratory analytical program. Work involves directing, planning and organizing major laboratory investigations, research efforts, or analytical operations and includes professional leadership to solve complicated technical issues. Work also involves responsibility for directing laboratory programs which require the highest level of technical knowledge and professional experience. Work involves investigation, modification and development of laboratory analytical systems and procedures. Standard Classification Factors Supervision Received - LEVEL E: "Under administrative direction…" At this level, employees are free to plan, develop and organize all phases of the work necessary for its completion within program guidance. Generally, they can develop and utilize any procedures and methods which do not conflict with major policies. Supervision is generally exercised over them through staff conference-type discussions and a review of progress reports. Difficulty - LEVEL C: Considerable… Duties which require a high degree of concentration because of the many factors which must be considered and weighed before a decision can be reached. Usually positions that require planning, developing, and coordinating programs and directing fairly large groups of people fall into this category. Complexity - LEVEL E: Work is of a highly diverse and/or complex nature characterized by a broad range of activities and frequently changing conditions, situations and problems. Considerable analytical thought is necessary for interpreting a variety of factors, problems and alternatives for methods and procedures. Work requires the origination of ideas, techniques and programs for solving technical problems or complicated situations. Workers at this level exercise a high degree of responsibility for independent judgment and may participate in major program changes or policy decisions. Work may be reviewed by occasional conferences or reports to superiors. When guidelines exist at this level, they are normally characterized by regulations, policies or complex technical manuals. Consequence of Actions or Decisions - LEVEL D: Consequences of actions or decisions at this level are significant as the work may be rarely if ever reviewed, making errors difficult to detect. Errors may cause major program failure or a high degree of confusion. Injuries to others due to errors are serious or incapacitating or both and costs due to errors are substantial. Contacts - LEVEL C: The purpose of the contact is to influence, motivate, conduct interviews, make formal presentations or counsel to achieve common understanding or solutions to problems when the information is sensitive in nature or the individuals or groups are skeptical or uncooperative. Communication techniques and well developed communication skills become an important requirement at this level. Physical Demands - LEVEL B: The work requires light physical exertion. The employee may be required to perform handling activities with lightweight or easily moved items (e.g. books, file folders, boxes of office supplies, small machine parts, etc.); perform moving activities for brief periods; operate light equipment; perform repetitive motions for brief periods; confined to a work area. Environmental Conditions - LEVEL B: The work environment involves moderate hazards, risks or discomforts. Exposure to minor deviations from pleasant environmental conditions is normal. Minor to serious injuries are possible. Supervision/Leadership - LEVEL E: Involves scheduling, supervising and evaluating work as a "manager" of first line supervisors or as a "first line supervisor" of workers who perform distinct and separate blocks of work generally related as to purpose but requiring different processes and methods. Responsible for hiring and disciplinary actions which may or may not require the approval of a higher level of authority. Distinguishing Features Differs from the Chemist III class where work of a less diverse and complex nature is performed under general direction and the incumbents do not have administrative responsibility for directing, planning, and organizing major laboratory programs, laboratory investigations or analytical operations. EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED Participates in developing and monitoring agency projects which require coordinating analytical and enforcement operations. Plans, implements and conducts programs of investigation, analysis and applied research. Interprets scientific data in conjunction with investigation and agency program objectives. Provides professional supervision and direction of complex chemical or microbiological laboratory programs. Solves advanced analytical problems, develops operation protocols and monitors the use of personnel, including staffing, facilities, equipment and materials. Coordinates and evaluates specialized laboratory operations. Develops budget projections, analyzes the need for laboratory improvements and recommends modifications in capability or approach in keeping with state-of-the-art technology. Develops agency purchasing specifications. Develops, implements and/or monitors laboratory safety programs to insure staff protection and prevent laboratory accidents. Develops and presents scientific reports. Evaluates studies made by other laboratory staff and guides development toward publication. Provides consultation to public and private professionals, other agency staff, independent laboratories, hospitals, physicians, other state agencies and other agency bureaus regarding complex sampling procedures and the interpretation of laboratory results. Designs and directs an extensive quality assurance program to insure the production of technically and legally defensible data. Directs a statewide program to certify and improve clinical, environmental and law enforcement laboratories. REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES, AND SKILLS Knowledge *Knowledge of scientific principles, theories, and laboratory practices of the chemical or biological sciences. *Knowledge of current laboratory methods, instrumentation, and procedures for the detection, identification, and quantification of chemical or biological agents. *Knowledge of scientific methods of investigation and their application to analytical programs. Knowledge of technical information resources and the use of data acquisition and processing systems. *Knowledge of quality assurance programs and quality control procedures. *Knowledge of the principles and practices of supervision. Abilities *Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with laboratory staff, agency program staff and with the public. *Ability to supervise. *Ability to analyze scientific data, draw logical conclusions, and complete comprehensive technical reports. *Necessary at Entry MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS Bachelor’s degree in a natural science field and five years of experience in natural sciences or a Master’s degree in a natural science field and four years of experience in a natural science field. Additional experience in the areas listed above may be substituted for the required education as determined relevant by the agency. NC: 06/93 |