WATER SYSTEMS CHEMIST I 22150

(Competitive)

 

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

The work involves responsibility for analyzing water of a potable water treatment facility and transmission system to control processes, which make water suitable for drinking. Technical, scientific work is performed in the conduct of analytical and laboratory procedures utilized in the examination of water samples for purposes of determining and maintaining water quality. Procedures typically include biological and bacteriological tests as well as chemical tests. An employee in this class typically reduces conclusions and findings to writing in the form of reports and records. A variety of scientific instruments are utilized in performing chemical analyses. Supervision is not typically a responsibility of this class. General supervision is received from a higher level employee responsible for water quality. Does related work as required.

 

 

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES

Performs a wide variety of chemical analyses on water for purposes of quality control and determination of proper dosages of chemical, including but not limited to: Turbidity, pH, fluoride concentration, color, specific conductivity, chlorides, hardness, calcium, sulfate, sulfides, aluminum, manganese, alkalinity, iron, chemical oxygen demand, copper nitrate, nitrite, solids, sulfite, sodium, phosphate, silica, corrosivity, biological oxygen demand, marble tests, jar tests, taste and odor tests, distilled water tests, and deionized water test.

Performs a wide variety of bacteriological analyses on water for purposes of quality control, including but not limited to: membrane filter test, most probable number test inclusive of presumptive confirmed and completed tests, and standard plate count, Eosin methylene blue plate test, gram stain tests, pH wash buffer test, double distilled water test, and autoclaving.

Performs a wide variety of biological analyses on water for purposes of quality control, including but not limited to: phytoplankton analysis; total microscopic counts, alga identification, reservoir treatment and inspection.

Operates a variety of scientific instruments used in analyses, such as pH meters, spectrophotometers, microscopes, turbidimeters, burets, and conductivity bridges, etc.

Composes reports of findings regarding chemical, bacteriological, and biological analyses of water.

Inventories chemical, hardware, and other laboratory materials.

Maintains laboratory, equipment, and environs to ensure laboratory is in good order, equipment is functioning properly, and proper sanitary and safety conditions are observed.

Analyses results of "blind samples" of water prepared by New York State Department of Health as required.

May be required on a monthly basis to collect water samples in the field in outlying areas.

 

 

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Working knowledge of principles and practices of analytical chemistry as applied to chemical analyses of water for human consumption.

Working knowledge of principles and practices of bacteriology and biology as applied to analyses of water for human consumption.

Working knowledge of principles and practices of instrumental analysis.

Skill in the use of laboratory equipment and in the application of laboratory and scientific research practices and techniques on 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 procedures.

 

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

A. Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university with a baccalaureate degree in bacteriology, biology, chemistry or a closely related field which must include a minimum of twenty-four (24) semester hours in chemistry; or,

B. Successful completion of a minimum of twenty-four (24) credit hours in chemistry from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university and three (3) years of paraprofessional or professional level work experience in the analysis and treatment of water, sewage, or industrial waste.

C. An equivalent combination of training and experience as defined by the limits of (A) and (B).

 

5/92 Revised