ANALYTICAL CHEMIST SECTION CHIEF 53015

12/01/93 A

This is the managerial level class in the Analytical Chemist series responsible for managing a laboratory providing services to statewide users in the analysis of pesticides, wastewater, materials related to occupational health, motor fuels, fertilizer, feeds, foods, drinking water, and other materials. This class is distinguished from the Analytical Chemist Supervisor class by its responsibility for the management of a chemistry laboratory of statewide scope and work of sufficient volume and complexity normally to require the use of subordinate supervisors. It is distinguished from the Analytical Chemist Principal by the latter's recognition as the central authority in a particular area of analyses. This class is distinguished from the Consolidated Laboratory Group Manager by the latter's responsibility for the management of statewide services requiring a large group of laboratory staff comprised of multiple specializations in the analytical chemistry and/or microbiology fields.

Complexity of Work: Performs work of unusual difficulty, requiring the management and coordination of a statewide laboratory. The work typically involves planning and implementing analytical programs; developing and interpreting policies and procedures; recommending staff and instrumentation needs; training, advising, and guiding subordinate staff in analytical procedures, interpretation of results, and application of regulatory and statutory laws; initiating, developing, or revising technical methodologies; reviewing and approving reports of analyses; conducting chemical analyses; monitoring adherence to quality assurance/quality control programs, both internally and externally; monitoring safety procedures; providing reports to management concerning workload, technical/personnel needs, proposed actions, and future developments; and managing the maintenance, repair, and operation of complex instrumentation and equipment. Duties associated with personnel administration include allocating staff and other resources; planning, assigning, and supervising the activities of personnel; conducting and reviewing performance evaluations; and recommending hiring and disciplinary actions. Positions may be called upon to testify in court, either civil or criminal, concerning results of analyses.

Supervision Given: Supervises Analytical Chemist Supervisors, Analytical Chemists Senior, Analytical Chemists, Analytical Chemist Assistants, and other laboratory support personnel.

Supervision Received: Receives administrative direction from a higher level administrative position. Positions are expected to manage all activities with minimal supervision.

Scope: Plans, develops, and manages all activities of a statewide laboratory and affects the accuracy and reliability of data produced as well as the quality of services provided to public and private users.

Impact of Actions: Work has a serious impact in that decisions made and review exercised have long-term effects on the accuracy and adequacy of services provided by the laboratory to federal, state, and local agencies, industry, and the general public.

Personal Contacts: Frequent contact with federal, state, and local agencies, professional associations, and industry representatives to discuss analytical procedures, test results, sample priorities, new samples and sampling techniques; vendors to discuss specifications of new equipment/instrumentation; and the general public to explain analytical procedures and test results.

Knowledge: Comprehensive knowledge of the theory and application of a variety of specialized analytical chemistry methods used to analyze a wide range of sample types. Considerable knowledge of laboratory administration.

Skills: None identified for this class.

Abilities: Demonstrated ability to plan, direct, and evaluate the work of professional and support laboratory staff; perform a variety of sophisticated analyses, and operate complex laboratory instrumentation; and establish and maintain working relationships with federal, state, and local agencies, industry, and the general public.

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: Progressively responsible experience which included the supervision of professional laboratory personnel and the administration of laboratory activities.

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 developed in January, 1989, as a result of the Classification Review/ Specification Update Program. It replaces the Analytical Chemist C class. The class specification was amended in December, 1993, as a result of the reorganization of the Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services.