ASSISTANT CHEMIST

Code: 05031 Local Competitive

Official job specification

The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator. Source: the official specification page at NJ CSC.

Definition

Under direction, performs professional testing analysis and interpretation work to determine the chemical and physical composition and properties of substances; does related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is the entry level of professional work in chemistry requiring a basic knowledge of theories, principles, and units of measurement in chemistry and the ability to use standard laboratory techniques, instruments, and methods. The work assignments are designed to provide experience in the application of laboratory techniques and operating procedures of the laboratory, and to advance the chemist's knowledge of the subject matter area with which the laboratory is concerned. He also learns to recognize irregularities and deviations from the norm in the various chemical testing procedures.

The employee receives detailed supervision. Careful review is made of the work in progress and the results achieved. As the employee becomes familiar with specific analyses, techniques or substances, control over the work is decreased but the results are carefully recorded and reviewed.

Professional chemistry work is characterized by those tasks which require the worker to apply chemical theory and knowledge in order to:

(A) Evaluate the nature, composition, and properties of substance being examined. (B) Evaluate methods and procedures for sample preparation and analysis. (C) Adapt methods to samples that deviate from the norm. (D) Analyze the cause and significance of unexpected reactions. (E) Evaluate the validity of results on the basis of theoretical considerations.

Positions in the field of professional chemistry require training and/or education in the principles, concepts and theories of chemistry and the application of these principles, concepts, and theories to the prediction and interpretation of test results and to solving chemistry problems.

In some cases it may be difficult to differentiate between the work performed by a technician and that performed by a professional chemist, particularly at this level in the series. At this level the tasks assigned may be essentially the same as those performed by a technician. In order to arrive at a determination as to the proper classification of the position, consideration has to be given to the intent and purpose of the work performed as well as the extent to which the assigned tasks require the knowledge of and application of established chemistry theories, concepts, and principles.

Typical of the instruments found in a chemistry laboratory are gas and liquid chromatographs; gas chromatograph-mass spectrophotometers; ultra-violet, infrared, atomic absorption spectrophotometers and microscopes and auto analyzes.

Chemistry is an essential part of many kinds of programs carried out by local government agencies. Typical of these services are (a) law enforcement programs (b) medical care (c) environmental projects (d) identification of substances.

A chemist, regardless of the program, may be found working any of the five branches of chemistry, i.e. organic, inorganic, physical, analytical, and biochemistry.

Examples of work

• Performs varied but relatively routine and limited chemical analyses on a variety of substances in order to determine their chemical composition or presence of foreign substances.
• Based upon previous assignments or instructions as to the specific analyses and tests to be performed, selects the appropriate methods and procedures.
• Performs the analyses and tests which include physical tests, wet laboratory analysis, and instrumental analysis using such instruments as atomic absorption spectrophotometer and gas chromatograph.
• Performs routine calculations.
• Detects unusual reactions and instances when the established methods and procedures are not applicable. Recommends to the supervisor a minor modification to the method, extending examination, or an alternate method to use.
• Writes a laboratory report identifying the sample, stating the methods and procedures used, and showing the results. The supervisor assigns individual samples with clear instructions as to the data to be obtained. For new or more difficult assignments, the supervisor also provides instructions as to the methods and procedures to apply and the location of source material available for reference. The chemist is responsible for independently completing recurring assignments, but refers all deviations and problems not covered by the instructions to the supervisor or a higher level chemist for assistance. The work is reviewed for adherence to instructions and standard laboratory procedures and for technical soundness of the results. New or more difficult assignments are reviewed more closely.
• The methods and procedures for performing the work are established. Specific guidelines such as established methodology manuals, precedents, and standard operating procedures are available for reference. For each sample, the chemist must exercise judgment to select the appropriate methods and procedures to carry out the analyses and tests. Situations in which the guides do not apply are referred, typically with a recommended action, to the supervisor or a higher level chemist.
• The assignments involve a variety of analyses and tests. To select the appropriate methods and procedures, the chemical identity of the sample, its physical state, and the data specified to be determined must be considered. The work can be performed by applying established methods and procedures and usually any problems encountered can be solved by minor method modification or adaptations.

Education

Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major course of study in chemistry.

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 principles, theories, and practices.
• Knowledge of standard manuals such as Association of Analytical Chemists Book of Methods and other manuals of approved methods.
• Knowledge of the mathematical and physical sciences concerned with the structure, composition, and properties of substances.
• Knowledge of the safety precautions required when working with chemicals. Ability to apply basic theoretical knowledge of related biological sciences to the work of the laboratory.
• Ability to calibrate and operate analytical instruments.
• Ability to learn 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, speak, understand, or communicate in English sufficiently to perform the 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 as long as they can perform the essential functions of the job after reasonable accommodation is made to their known limitations. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.