CHEMIST 2

Definition

Under the limited supervision of a supervisory official in a State department or agency, or local jurisdiction, performs various complex and specialized chemical analyses and tests in the laboratory and in the field; may take the lead over laboratory personnel; does other related duties as required.

Examples of work

• Carries out complex research projects.
• Identifies and analyzes substances found in water, waste-water, food, pharmaceuticals, and other sources; evaluates the validity of results.
• Performs complex testing and analysis work on hygiene samples, milk, food, drugs, water, sewage, industrial waste, and other sources to determine conformance to established standards.
• Utilizes specialized laboratory equipment to examine substances, identify materials, measure quantities, and evaluate properties of elements and compounds.
• Coordinates and performs qualitative and quantitative organic constituent analysis using approved methods of ion and gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS).
• May assist lower level laboratory staff in the use of specialized laboratory equipment.
• May take the lead in the routine work of the laboratory and may give assignments and instruction to technical and other employees.
• Prepares standardized chemical reagents regularly used and other regents of a special nature as may be required.
• Determines the type of analysis or test to be performed on chemicals and materials to establish their properties, characteristics, and chemical compositions.
• Interprets and summarizes data collected from analytical instruments and wet chemical analysis.
• Attends appropriate formal and informal courses of instruction and participates in scientific meetings.
• Performs a wide variety of tests and analyses on environmental samples; implements protocols for new instruments and testing procedures using established references.
• Keeps abreast of current literature in the broad field of chemistry and in a specific chemistry discipline.
• Performs complex analytical procedures in specific limited areas, requiring the use of sophisticated instrumentation including gas-liquid chromatographs, high-pressure liquid chromatographs, plasma emission spectrometers, and atomic absorption spectrophotometers.
• Analyzes urine specimens for drugs of abuse using EMIT procedures; analyzes blood specimens for lead content, hematocrit, and erythrocyte protoporphyrin.
• Collects water samples.
• Conducts bacteriological (microbiological) analyses for coliform, fecal streptococcus, staphylococcus, and pseudomonas.
• Troubleshoots, diagnoses problems, or makes minor adjustments to laboratory instruments and equipment.
• Prepares exhibits to be used in court proceedings and acts as a witness in court.
• Prepares reports and correspondence.
• Maintains essential laboratory records, reports, and files.
• Will be required to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.

Education

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in any natural science or physical science, including or supplemented by twenty-four (24) credit hours in chemistry and/or biochemistry which shall have included a minimum of six (6) credits hours in analytical chemistry.

Experience

Two (2) years of chemical analysis work in a public health or chemistry laboratory.

License

Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

• Knowledge of chemical laboratory procedures, techniques, equipment, media, reagents, and supplies.
• Knowledge of the procedures and techniques used when performing and interpreting chemical, physical and biochemical tests, examinations and analyses on milk, food, drugs, water, sewage, trade wastes, air samples, and various industrial and institutional materials, equipment, supplies, and other materials in the laboratory and field.
• Knowledge of the standards and procedures used when performing chemical tests and analyses.
• Knowledge of the precautions to be taken when recording and interpreting the results of chemical and related tests and analyses.
• Knowledge of the methods used to make chemical determinations by Infra- Red Spectroscopy, Gas Chromatography, Ultraviolet Visible Spectroscopy, Polarography, and Fluorometry.
• Knowledge of quality control and quality assurance procedures used to assess the validity, accuracy, and precision of chemical tests and analyzes.
• Ability to follow standards and established procedures when performing specific tests, examinations, and analyses of raw materials and finished products, including paints, varnishes, thinners, driers, fuel oils, gasoline, coal, plastic items, carbon papers, chamois, sponges, and other supplies and equipment.
• Ability to learn and be trained on how to handle potential exposure to hazardous chemicals and infectious material and how to work in such area.
• Ability to handle various laboratory scenarios such as exposed instruments, equipment noise; as well as potential exposure to hazardous chemicals and infectious material.
• Ability to organize assigned chemical and related laboratory work, analyze problems in the field of chemistry, and develop work methods.
• Ability to follow procedures when performing specific tests and examinations.
• Ability to use laboratory equipment and reagents in such a way as to avoid unnecessary breakage and waste and to obtain accurate, reliable results.
• Ability to take the lead in a group of technical and other employees engaged in the work activities of a chemistry laboratory.
• Ability to compile and prepare data required for court proceedings and to act as a witness in court.
• Ability to prepare standard and special reagents.
• Ability to keep abreast of new discoveries and current literature in the field of chemistry and to develop new and/or revised laboratory and investigational procedures.
• Ability to provide physical testing and measurements, distance appreciations,
• photography, and prepare impact molds and tool marks.
• Ability to prepare reports and correspondence.
• Ability to maintain essential records, reports, and files.
• Ability to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
• Ability to read, write, understand and communicate in English sufficiently to perform duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.
• Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible if they can perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.

Note

The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed.

Some examples of analytical chemistry courses are Mass Spectroscopy, Instrumental Analysis, Gas/Liquid Chromatography, Introduction to Chemical Research Technique, Spectroscopic Methods, Research credits earned using chemistry equipment (GC, HPLC, ICP etc.).

Applicants who do not possess a Bachelor's degree, but who do possess the specialized credits outlined above may substitute experience for the remaining education (years necessary to complete the degree) on a year-for-year basis.

A Master's degree in chemistry may be substituted for one (1) year of experience as indicated above.

A Doctorate degree in chemistry may be substituted for two (2) years of experience.

In local government, appointees to water analysis positions may be required to have successfully completed a formal course in the operation of atomic absorption and gas chromatography laboratory equipment, or in lieu of the course, six (6) months of experience in the operation of such equipment. The responsibility for ensuring completion of the course or experience in the use of specialized laboratory equipment rests with the Appointing Authority.

Appointees may be required to perform physical activities such as lifting, carrying, and standing for an extended period of time.

Appointees may be required to get vaccinations or submit vaccination records.

Appointees may be required to wear Personal Protective Equipment.