11/30/2007 15150

CHEMIST 4

DEFINITION: This is administrative and advanced professional work in directing the activities of a technically complex laboratory.

An employee in this job is responsible for organizing, directing and coordinating a chemistry laboratory with a sizable analytical staff or technically complex laboratory performing instrumental methods. Work involves establishing a training program to increase laboratory proficiency and professional skill, developing and implementing a safety program, and developing a monitoring system to assess laboratory productivity and instrumental performance. Work may involve testifying in legal proceedings or Commonwealth courts about the tests conducted and the results obtained. Work is performed independently but is reviewed by an administrative supervisor for adherence to established standards and program operation.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Plans, coordinates and manages the work of chemists and technicians in the conduct of quantitative and qualitative chemical analyses for a variety of purposes.

Establishes and implements laboratory safety practices.

Establishes and maintains a comprehensive quality assurance plan.

Develops and evaluates laboratory procedures to ensure adequacy and accuracy of testing and to achieve optimum utilization of analytical resources.

Interacts with laboratory clients and regulatory agencies.

Plans and directs the conduct of applied chemistry research to develop and implement new or improved methods, techniques and procedures for laboratory analysis.

Determines resource needs, prepares budget recommendations, and prepares preliminary purchasing specifications to maintain and develop laboratory capabilities and services.

Directs all operations pertaining to mobile analytical services.

Plans, organizes and directs all operations pertaining to external laboratory accreditation.

Testifies as a witness in Commonwealth courts or at hearings, as required.

Performs the full range of supervisory functions.

Employees in this job may participate in the performance of their subordinates’ work consistent with operational or organizational requirements.

Testifies as a witness in Commonwealth courts or at hearings, as required.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of the principles and practices of analytical chemistry and biochemistry by both wet and instrument analysis techniques.

Knowledge of modern chemical laboratory methods, equipment and materials.

Knowledge of laboratory safety.

Knowledge of quality assurance and quality control practices.

Knowledge of the principles and practices of supervision.

Knowledge of processes to develop, validate and implement new methods and procedures.

Ability to perform a wide variety of complex chemical analyses with accuracy.

Ability to perform complex calculations and make comparative assessments.

Ability to prepare scientifically accurate and thorough reports of work performed.

Ability to read.

Ability to effectively communicate orally.

Ability to effectively communicate in writing.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Ability to implement laboratory safety guidelines.

Ability to distinguish the color spectrum.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: One year as a Chemist 3;

                                                                                                                                                                  or

Three years of professional chemical analytical experience, and a bachelor’s degree that includes 30 credits in chemistry or biochemistry;

                                                                                                                                                                  or

Two years of professional chemical analytical experience, and a graduate degree in chemistry.

CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT: Certain positions will require possession of a valid Pennsylvania driver’s license.