Senior Analytical Chemist; Water Quality

Senior Analytical Chemist (Water Quality)

Competitive Title

Starting Salary - Step A per CBA $69,076.80

THIS IS A PROVISIONAL APPOINTMENT AND IS SUBJECT TO A CIVIL SERVICE EXAMINATION PRIOR TO ANY PERMANENT APPOINTMENT

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:
The work involves responsibility for overseeing and actively participating in the performance of a variety of chemical tests in the Water Authority’s laboratory. The work is of a technical nature performing routine and special chemical tests on drinking and source water samples. The Senior Analytical Chemist (Water Quality) differs from Analytical Chemist (Water Quality) in that the former title brings greater expertise and experience to the technical work.

Work is performed under the general supervision of the Director of Drinking Water Quality and supervision is exercised over a small number of technical laboratory employees. Does related work as required.

• Supervises and actively participates in routine and specialized analytical chemical tests on drinking and source water samples;
• Trains others in specialized water analysis methods, including approved Environmental Protection Agency test methods and standard methods for the examination of water and wastewater;
• Performs complex examinations, which involve the application of advanced laboratory techniques, materials and equipment;
• Reviews reports and renders technical assistance with difficult analyses;
• Implements and oversees quality assurance/quality control and chain‑of‑custody records procedures;
• Monitors work activities to ensure that tests are performed promptly and that results are accurately reported;
• Conducts research and special studies to develop new analytical methods and techniques and to evaluate current methods;
• Maintains records and prepares reports on laboratory tests;
• Ensures that an appropriate amount of chemical supplies and equipment are available for use;
• Checks and adjusts analytical instruments and equipment to ensure proper functioning;
• Keeps current on all aspects of local, State, and Federal regulations, which may affect the laboratory;
• Assists in training staff on current or new laboratory methods and procedures.

Thorough knowledge of the principals, practices, instruments and methods of an analytical laboratory as applied in the collection and analysis of water; thorough knowledge of analytical environmental chemistry; good knowledge of current developments and trends in the chemical analysis of water; ability to evaluate analytical test results and make detailed reports, verbal and written; ability to plan and supervise the work of others;

a high degree of instrument and computer skills; sound professional judgment; initiative and dependability; physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

• Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university with a Master’s Degree in Chemistry and two (2) years of experience in an analytical laboratory performing chemical analysis on water samples;
• Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university with a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry or other relevant physical science discipline, which included the successful completion of twenty‑four (24) semester credit hours of chemistry and five (5) years of experience in an analytical laboratory performing chemical analysis on water samples;
• An equivalent combination of training and experience as defined by the limits of (A) and (B).

NOTE:

Verifiable part‑time and/or volunteer experience will be pro‑rated toward meeting full‑time experience requirements.