WATER SYSTEMS CHEMIST II 22160

(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. An employee in this class is responsible for maintaining required quality standards in the treatment of water for the Metropolitan Water Board of Onondaga County (MWB). Considerable leeway for the exercise of independent judgment is allowed in carrying out technical aspects of the work. The employee supervises and participates in the conduct of analytical and laboratory procedures in the examination of water samples for purposes of determining and maintaining water quality. Procedures typically include bacteriological and biological tests as well as chemical tests. The employee operates a variety of scientific equipment in performing chemical analyses. An employee in this class is responsible for conclusions and findings. General supervision is exercised over a small number of laboratory personnel. Supervision is received from an administrative superior responsible for water plant operations. Does related work as required.

 

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES

 

Plans and supervises regular bacteriological, biological and chemical analyses of water for purposes of quality control.

Plans and supervises the work of subordinate laboratory personnel.

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

Reviews, analyzes and interprets technical data and reports submitted by subordinate personnel.

Maintains quality control of laboratory procedures and methodology through research of technical literature and implementation of accepted or recommended practice therein.

Performs a wide variety of chemical analyses on water for purposes of quality control and determination of proper dosages of chemicals; these tests include but are not limited to; turbidity, pH, fluoride concentration, color, specific conductivity, chlorides, hardness, calcium, sulfate, sulfide, aluminum, manganese, alkalinity, iron chemical oxygen demand, copper, nitrate, solids, silica, sulfite sodium, phosphate, 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; these test include but are not limited to: membronic filter test, most probable number test, inclusive of presumptive confirms 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: total microscopic counts, alga identification, reservoir treatment and inspection.

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

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

Inventories chemicals, hardwares 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 observed.

On a monthly basis, collects water samples in the field in outlying areas.

 

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

 

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

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

Good knowledge of principles and practices of instrumental analyses.

Good knowledge of methodology applied in bacteriological, biological and chemical analyses of water.

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 subordinates performing analytical analyses.

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.

Physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

 

Promotion:

 

Two (2) years of permanent competitive class status as a Water Systems

Chemist I.

 

Open Competitive

 

A. Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university with a baccalaureate degree in bacteriology, biology, chemistry, or closely related field which must have included twenty-four (24) semester hours in chemistry and two (2) years of professional level work experience, or its part time equivalent, in analysis and treatment of water; or,

B. Successful completion of twenty-four (24) semester hours in chemistry from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university and five (5) years of paraprofessional or professional level work experience in analysis and treatment of water, sewage or industrial waste, two (2) years of which must have been professional level work experience in the analysis and treatment of water; or,

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

 

NOTE: Completion of graduate semester credit hours in bacteriology, biology, chemistry, or a field closely related to the aforementioned may be substituted for work experience as follows: Thirty (30) semester credit hours is equivalent to one (1) year of work experience; Sixty (60) semester credit hours is equivalent to two (2) years of work experience.

 

5/92 Revised