CHEMIST II8147C3 Pay Grade: 25 DEFINITION OF WORK Summary This is advanced specialized, professional work in chemistry in a laboratory. Work involves the application of advanced laboratory techniques, such as operating complex analytical equipment; performs complex and difficult analyses and/or tests to determine the qualitative or quantitative makeup of chemical compounds in a variety of different matrices or the physical attributes of substances. Standard Classification Factors Supervision Received - LEVEL C: "Under direction…" Employees at this level usually receive a general outline of the work to be performed and are generally free to develop their own sequences and methods within the scope of established policies. New, unusual, or complex work situations are almost always referred to a superior for advice. Work is periodically checked for progress and conformance to established policies and requirements. Difficulty - LEVEL B: Average… Where the employee is confronted with a variety of duties susceptible to different methods of solution which, in turn, places a correspondingly higher demand upon resourcefulness and concentration. Positions which require the analysis and evaluation of raw data and the rendering of conclusions would, in many instances, fall into this category. Complexity - LEVEL C: Work is of a standardized nature that may involve a variety of duties. Analytical thought becomes more important at this level due to increased data and changing situations. Tasks usually have several steps, some of which may not be directly related. Alternatives may exist for processes or methods to be used in solving problems. Workers at this level exercise a moderate amount of independent judgment. Work is controlled by routine review and reporting to or consultation with supervisors. When guidelines exist at this level, they tend to be more complicated or technical in nature requiring careful interpretation. Consequence of Actions or Decisions - LEVEL C: Consequences of actions or decisions at this level are limited in scope and effect as the work is reviewed occasionally. Errors may cause moderate inefficiency. Costs due to errors may be significant. Contacts - LEVEL B: The purpose of the contact is to plan, coordinate and advise on work efforts, interpret guidelines or instructions, elicit opinions or give guidance on the basis of facts to resolve common issues or problems when the information is not sensitive in nature or the individuals or groups are working toward mutual goals and have basically cooperative attitudes. Well developed communication skills are required. 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 C: Typically involves limited supervisory responsibility which entails performing as a "first line supervisor" for a small number of employees. Supervision is not the primary responsibility of the job. Responsibility includes training, instructing, scheduling, and reviewing work and recommending hiring and disciplinary actions to a higher level of authority. Distinguishing Features Differs from the Chemist I class in which the incumbents perform professional work in analytical or physical chemistry involving a variety of standardized chemical and physical tests. Differs from the Chemist III class in which the incumbents supervise a specialized unit of a laboratory section or the operations of several units or perform complex and specialized chemical laboratory tests. EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED Conducts analytical and physical tests on materials for highway maintenance and construction to determine conformance with specifications and requirements on product composition and durability. Performs chromatographic analysis of pesticides in a variety of matrices to determine presence, absence and concentration for conformance with specifications, for state and federal regulatory compliance and for quality of state waters such as lakes, streams and reservoirs; interprets and evaluates data obtained and prepares reports of findings. Analyzes biological fluids and tissues for biochemical constituents such as lipids, enzymes, proteins, carbohydrates, electrolytes and similar compounds. Performs instrumental analyses on a variety of matrices to determine the chemical composition in drinking water, sewage effluents, lakes, streams and soils. Performs biochemical, serological and immunological tests for the diagnosis of diseases or inborn errors of metabolism. Performs tests for the detection and analyses of radioisotope species in a variety of samples using instrumental methods. Requisitions and maintains chemistry supplies and equipment. May supervise lower-level chemists or technicians involved in analytical or physical testing of a variety of materials. REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES, AND SKILLS Knowledge *Knowledge of the principles and practices of chemistry. *Knowledge of laboratory methods and modern, instrumental, analytical techniques such as gas or liquid chromatography, atomic absorption or spectrophotometry. *Knowledge of the operation, maintenance, and minor repair of complex, laboratory instruments. *Knowledge of laboratory quality control procedures and appropriate statistical methods. Knowledge of the sources of information and current literature in the field of analytical chemistry. Knowledge of the principles and techniques of supervision. Abilities *Ability to use and care for complex laboratory instruments. *Ability to perform various tests, adapt techniques as required, and to perform complex computations. *Ability to assist in the development of new or improved methods/techniques to be used in laboratory analysis. *Ability to prepare scientifically accurate and thorough reports. *Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. *Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others. Ability to plan and review the work of chemists and technicians. *Necessary at Entry MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: Bachelor's degree with a minimum of 15 hours in chemistry and job knowledge at an advanced level in chemistry. NC: 06/93 |