ANALYTICAL CHEMIST SENIOR 53013

12/01/93 B

This is the third class in the Analytical Chemist series. Positions in this class serve in a lead capacity or as technical specialists in a regulatory, medical, or research environment. This class is distinguished from the Analytical Chemist class by its role as lead chemist or by the high degree of independence and expertise required. It is distinguished from the Analytical Chemist Supervisor or Consolidated Laboratory Group Manager by the fact that the latter classes are responsible for supervisory and management duties. It is distinguished from the Analytical Chemist Principal class by the fact that the latter is recognized as the state's expert in a specialized area of analysis.

Complexity of Work: Performs work of moderate difficulty, requiring the independent examination and analysis of a variety of sample types. The work typically involves determining the appropriate method, preparing samples, and conducting analyses, most of which are non-routine in nature; preparing and maintaining quality control data; troubleshooting, maintaining, and repairing complex instrumentation; and adapting methodologies. Positions in this class provide technical guidance to other staff, and screen the results of analysis performed by other chemists for referral to subsequent testing. Positions may be called on to testify in a court of law, either civil or criminal, concerning results of analyses.

Supervision Given: Positions may be responsible for serving in a lead capacity over other laboratory personnel, including Analytical Chemists.

Supervision Received: Positions in this class are expected to perform their duties independently with minimal supervision. This class receives general direction from a higher level chemist or, in the Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services, from a Consolidated Laboratory Group Manager, and technical guidance on new technologies or unusual analyses from the Chemist Principal.

Scope: Work affects laboratory processes and the accuracy and reliability of data used by regulatory and environmental agencies, medical facilities, and research organizations.

Impact of Actions: Work has a moderate impact on the accuracy and reliability of laboratory findings and may affect the health of the citizens of the Commonwealth, the quality of the environment, the economies of businesses that manufacture many of the products being tested, and research findings. Laboratory findings affect important issues involving health, law enforcement, safety, and product regulations.

Personal Contacts: Frequent contact with regulatory and environmental agencies, researchers, research subjects, medical personnel, and industry representatives to interpret test results, explain procedures and sample techniques, obtain background information about the sample, and obtain information concerning methodologies, equipment sample handling, and packaging; vendors to discuss new instrumentation or problems with current instrumentation; and the general public to explain test results and analytical procedures.

Knowledge: Considerable knowledge of the theory and application of specialized analytical chemistry methods and instrumentation used to analyze a variety of samples. Knowledge of fundamental administrative practices related to laboratory operations.

Skills: None identified for this class.

Abilities: Demonstrated ability to conduct independently sophisticated quantitative and qualitative analyses; operate and troubleshoot complex laboratory instrumentation; record, interpret, and present laboratory findings; and establish and maintain working relationships with regulatory and environmental agencies, research scientists, medical personnel, industry representatives, and the general public. Ability to guide and lead the work of others.

QUALIFICATIONS GUIDE*

License or Certification: None.

Education or Training: Graduation from a college or university with major course work in chemistry or a closely related scientific field supplemented by course work in chemistry.

Level and Type of Experience: Considerable experience conducting and reporting routine and non-routine chemical analyses.

An equivalent combination of training and experience indicating possession of the preceding knowledge and abilities may substitute for this education and experience.

This class was revised in December, 1993, as a result of the reorganization of the Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services.