(Competitive)
DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS
The work involves responsibility for performing tests and analyses of water, wastewater, surface waters and hazardous wastes. Under the general supervision of a senior level Sanitary Chemist in the Onondaga County Department of Water Environment Protection, an employee in this class performs chemical examinations of water, wastewater, surface waters and hazardous wastes to ascertain possible effects upon receiving waters. An employee in this class typically reduces conclusions and findings to writing in the form of reports. An employee in this class operates a variety of scientific instruments in performing various chemical analyses. An employee in this class may direct the work of a small number of Sanitary Technicians in the performance of tests. Does related work as required.
TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES
Performs a wide variety of chemical tests on water, wastewater, surface waters and hazardous wastes found in lakes, streams, treatment plants and industrial discharges to determine their chemical composition and possible effects on environmental waters.
Prepares samples of waste and wastewater for various nutrients, metals and other specially related analyses; records and reviews results of such analyses and discusses any abnormalities with supervisor.
Operates a variety of scientific equipment including but not limited to UV-VIS and AA spectrophotometers, auto-analyzers, gas chromatographs, ion chromatographs, inductively coupled plasma spectrophotometers, etc.
Prepares forms and offers preliminary interpretation of technical data for purposes of composing technical reports.
Directs the work of Sanitary Technicians and Senior Sanitary Technicians in preparing samples, setting up and operating instrumentation and performing analysis.
Working knowledge of principles and practices of analytical chemistry as applied to chemical analyses of water, wastewater, surface waters and hazardous wastes.
Working knowledge of principles and practices of bacteriology as applied to analyses of water, wastewater, surface waters and hazardous wastes.
Working knowledge of principles and practices of instrumental analysis.
Working knowledge of personal computers.
Skill in the use of laboratory equipment and in the application of laboratory and scientific research practices and techniques in instrumental analysis.
Ability to apply accepted scientific procedures, methodology and formulas to work assignments.
Ability to analyze laboratory results.
Ability to express orally and in writing findings and conclusions according to accepted scientific procedure.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Graduation from a regionally accredited college or university or one accredited by the New York State Board of Regents to grant degrees with a baccalaureate degree in biology, chemistry or a closely related field which must have included a minimum of twenty-four (24) credit hours in chemistry and four (4) credit hours in microbiology.
9/2013 Revised