ANALYTICAL CHEMIST PRINCIPAL 53016

12/01/93 B

This is the fourth class in the Analytical Chemist series. Positions in this class are responsible for independently performing the most complex analyses in a particular category of chemical analysis and guiding and reviewing the work of others in a regulatory, medical, or research environment. Positions in this class also are called upon to provide technical training to other professionals. This class is distinguished from the Analytical Chemist Senior class by the fact that it is recognized as the central authority in a category of analysis. It is distinguished from the Analytical Chemist Supervisor, Analytical Chemist Section Chief, and Consolidated Laboratory Group Manager classes by the latter classes' responsibilities for supervisory and administrative functions.

Complexity of Work: Work is of considerable difficulty, requiring the independent examination and analysis of complex, frequently unusual, sample types which typically involve the management of complex matrices and testing for unknown analytes at trace levels. The work requires determining the appropriate method and adapting new or existing methodologies based on the incumbent's research and interpretation of current developments in the field. Troubleshoots, researches, writes specifications for, and sets up complex instrumentation. Provides technical guidance and training to other staff members, external testing facilities, and scientists. Provides technical information and expert opinion to regulatory and environmental agencies and officials.

Supervision Given: Positions typically do not supervise others; however, positions routinely provide guidance to other analysts and technicians.

Supervision Received: Receives general direction concerning administrative matters affecting the work from an assistant bureau director or bureau director. Positions are expected to perform their technical duties without supervision.

Scope: Work affects the capability of the chemistry laboratory to perform accurate analysis and provide the necessary data and technical guidance to its service users (regulatory and environmental agencies, medical facilities, and research organizations).

Impact of Actions: Work has a serious impact on the accuracy, timeliness, and thoroughness 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, related research findings, the

credibility of the laboratory, and the technical development of other laboratory staff.

Personal Contacts: Frequent contact with regulatory and environmental agencies, researchers, research subjects, medical personnel, and industry representatives to interpret and explain test results, procedures, and sample techniques; provide technical consultation and conduct technical training in the area of expertise; and discuss new instrumentation or problems with current instrumentation with vendors. Occasional contact with the general public to explain test results and analytical procedures.

Knowledge: Comprehensive knowledge of the theory and application of analytical chemistry methods and instrumentation used in the area of specialization. Some knowledge of the fundamental principles and techniques related to the technical training of professionals.

Skills: None identified for this class.

Abilities: Demonstrated ability to independently perform complex and unusual quantitative and qualitative analyses in the area of specialization; operate, set up, research, write specifications for, and troubleshoot, complex laboratory instrumentation related to the area of expertise; record, interpret, and present laboratory findings; and establish and maintain working relationships with regulatory agencies, research scientists, medical personnel, industry representatives, instrument vendors, and the general public; and plan, organize, and conduct formal technical training for internal and external professionals in the area of expertise.

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: Extensive experience conducting and reporting 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 established in December, 1993, as a result of the reorganization of the Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services.