SANITARY CHEMIST II 22120

(Competitive)

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

The work involves responsibility for rendering technical supervision in the testing and analyses of waste and wastewater. Under the general supervision of the Sanitary Laboratory Director, an employee in this class renders technical supervision over a number of professional and technical personnel in the chemical and bacteriological examination of wastewater in the Onondaga County Department of Water Environment Protection. An employee in this class renders technical supervision by supervising methodology and analysis. An employee in this class is permitted leeway for the exercise of independent judgment in carrying out technical aspects of the more difficult tests and analyses. An employee in this class typically operates a variety of scientific equipment in performing chemical and bacteriological analyses and is responsible for reducing to writing conclusions and findings in the form of reports. General supervision is exercised over a number of professional and technical personnel. Does related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES

Reviews periodically and maintains an ongoing comprehensive quality control program in accordance with mandates from the New York State Lab Certification Program.

Performs and/or oversees the more difficult or unusual chemical and bacteriological tests and analyses of waste and wastewater.

Assigns and evaluates work and methodology on an as needed basis for professional and technical personnel.

Instructs subordinates in laboratory procedures and in the proper care and use of laboratory equipment.

Reviews, analyses and interprets technical data for purposes of composing technical reports or for determining accuracy of subordinates' reports.

Performs and/or supervises periodic maintenance or repairs to equipment.

Maintains inventory of chemicals and equipment and recommends appropriate purchases to the Sanitary Laboratory Director.

Assists the Sanitary Laboratory Director with inter-departmental consultations with other sections involving sample scheduling, interpretation of results and possible remedial action for treatment problems.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Good knowledge of principles and practices of analytical chemistry as applied to chemical analyses of waste and wastewater.

Good knowledge of principles and practices of bacteriology as applied to analyses of waste and wastewater.

Good knowledge of principles and practices of quality control and quality assurance related to an environmental laboratory in accordance with mandates from the New York State Lab Certification Program.

Good knowledge of principles and practices of instrumental analysis.

Good knowledge of methodology applied in chemical and bacteriological analyses of waste and wastewater.

Skill in the use of laboratory equipment and in the application of laboratory and scientific research practices and techniques in instrumental analysis.

Ability to supervise others in a manner conducive to full performance and high morale.

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.

Physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Promotion:

Two (2) years of permanent competitive class status in the title of Sanitary Chemist I.

Open Competitive:

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 and two (2) years of professional level work experience, or its part-time equivalent, in the analysis of water, sewage or industrial waste.

11/07 Revised