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Commonwealth of Pennsylvania |
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POSITION DESCRIPTION FOR JOB POSTING |
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Position Number: 00057576 |
Description Activated On: 1/28/2026 12:58:13 PM |
Position Purpose: Describe the primary purpose of this position and how it contributes to the organization’s objectives. Example: Provides clerical and office support within the Division to ensure its operations are conducted efficiently and effectively. Analytical Application: Analyze environmental samples for the presence of environmentally significant analytes using specialized equipment and techniques and employing accepted methods (e.g., U.S. EPA, NIOSH, Standard Methods, AOAC, and DEP validated methods and procedures). Know and follow all applicable safety procedures. |
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Description of Duties: Describe in detail the duties and responsibilities assigned to this position. Descriptions should include the major end result of the task. Example: Types correspondence, reports, and other various documents from handwritten drafts for review and signature of the supervisor. Understand and promote the four pillars of the DEP Vision - Operational Excellence, Climate Leadership, Cultural Competence and Environmental Justice. SAMPLE RECEIVING Assist in sample processing daily. Organize samples, as received, for efficient and timely processing and analysis. Unpack, sort and assign lab numbers to inorganic samples received from field personnel. Note and record on the sample submission sheet and in the laboratory information management system, any unusual circumstances regarding a sample. Ensure that lab numbers, collector numbers and legal seal numbers correspond to both sample submission sheet and sample containers. Sort sample containers for distribution to analytical areas of the laboratory. Contact sample collector to resolve sample identification irregularities. Log sample information into the LIMS system. Notify supervisor and collector of samples broken in transit, lost during preparation, received with insufficient sample, received in an inappropriate container or any other conditions or processes that would have a negative impact on the analytical results. ANALYTICAL RESPONSIBILITIES Follow "Standard Operating Procedure" when performing an analytical procedure. Read, understand and use the most recent version of the SOP to perform test methods for which responsible. Analyze samples for metals using Inductively Coupled Argon Plasma Spectrometry. Primary analysis is non mine drainage water (with approximately 24 elements) by EPA 200.7. Primary analysis is Ignitability by EPA SW846 Method 1030 Primary analysis is preparation for analysis of TCLPZHE samples by EPA 1311. Secondary analysis is mine drainage analysis (200.7 Al, Fe, Mn). Secondary analysis is Mercury by EPA Method 245.1 (water) and EPA Method 7471B (soil). Secondary analysis is flashpoint test by EPA 1010A. Secondary analysis is SPLP by EPA Method 1312. Tertiary analysis is percent solids by SM 2540G. Tertiary analysis is TCLP ZHE by EPA 1311 Perform ignitability test as needed. Perform soil pH/corrosivity as needed. Discard water metals samples for which analyses have been completed. Record temperatures daily for refrigerators that are maintained by metals section. Prepare orders for supplies, chemicals, and equipment, as required, and review inventory of them as needed to maintain quantities. Maintain necessary records in laboratory notebooks and/or computer systems to ensure proper chain of custody and to aid in data interpretation and evaluation. Prepare all standards, reagents, spikes, and other quality control samples used in the analytical procedure. These functions necessitate handling and dispensing acids and using test tubes, pipet devices, glassware and heating blocks. Use proper laboratory labware throughout the entire procedure. Perform standard laboratory procedures to process, prepare, and digest samples for analysis. Use appropriate, approved procedures throughout. Operate analytical instruments properly Perform the necessary calibration procedures and/or reagent standardizations on a routine basis to certify that the instrument is functioning within the established limits. Maintain analytical instruments and be competent in the various troubleshooting techniques involved to keep the instrument operational. These functions involve using a keyboard associated with a computer, manually changing or manipulating tubing, glassware, etc. Analyze samples to determine the presence of specific analytes in a variety of matrices. Interpret and evaluate data generated during the analysis to determine if the results are valid and perform appropriate corrective action if invalid. Perform data entry, verification, and inquiry. Generate required reports on the Bureau of Laboratories LIMS and /or other data management systems. Assure that analyses are completed within appropriate time frames. Maintain records of raw data and perform data reduction through calculations. Prepare thorough, scientifically accurate reports of work performed. QUALITY ASSURANCE (QA) /QUALITY CONTROL (QC): Participate in the development and implementation of the quality assurance policies. Participate in Laboratory Audit Compliance Sample Analysis and on-site evaluations to maintain good laboratory practice, and to meet certification requirements by EPA and NELAP. Use appropriate certified standards. Maintain quality control records (e.g., detection limits, percent recovery, known control samples) to ensure the legal defensibility of analytical results and provide copies of raw and/or final data to the Quality Assurance Officer. Evaluate quality control records to identify trends and/or other quality problems, and initiates corrective action as required. Perform required periodic quality assurance studies (e.g., MDL’s, IDC’s, interference checks, etc.) to ensure conformance with required practices. Perform data entry, data reduction and maintain records on the efficiency and quality assurance of each instrument. These records allow measurements on that instrument to be traceable to a known standard. Inputs appropriate data in a prescribed format to meet data quality standards set forth by guidance, training, and policy across all of DEP’s electronic data systems; to include ensuring accuracy and completeness of entries, and where available, the use of system specific tools to ensure duplicative entries and data quality issues are minimized. Maintain a log of preventive maintenance, malfunctions and repairs for instrumentation used. Review scientific literature, vendor publications, and published methods for ways to improve the sensitivity, productivity and accuracy of existing methods. Suggest mechanisms to implement method improvements. Under the direction of the supervisor or Chemist II, implement new methodologies to meet the needs of laboratory clients. Under the direction of the supervisor or Chemist II, implement changes to improve existing methods and documents the changes by: a. Updating, or creating, the written method in the Bureau of Laboratories SOP for the improved or implemented method. b. Performing an initial demonstration of capability study. c. Determining the method’s MDL. d. Performing a method comparability study using real sample matrices to determine whether a method bias exist. Training: Provide instruction and training for analysts and interns including operation of equipment, sample preparation, analytical techniques, quality control procedures, required record keeping and interpretation and reporting of results. Cross train with other analysts in the work unit so as to become proficient in, and be able to act as an alternate analyst for most analytical work done by the work unit. Also, cross train, as directed, in analytical work performed in other work units in the Bureau of Laboratories. Assist in planning and conduct on-the-job training programs to develop proficiency, work skills and knowledge of Department of Environmental Protection personnel. Research the availability of training programs. Complete training request forms, and provide information for making registration, travel, and lodging arrangements. Supplemental Duties: Perform duties, as assigned, to support the work of the section, provide for flexibility in meeting the section’s analytical work and act as a technical resource to the Section, Bureau, and Department. Recommend process improvements to supervisor and customers. Remove solvent wastes and residual hazardous sample material from the section. Label containers with identification of contents and place in waste storage area. LEGAL CONSULTATION: a. Serve as a resource to attorneys who are exploring potential litigation as a result of sample test results. b. Testify as a witness in court cases. c. Make necessary preparations for required court appearances. Act as professional consultant for user programs and public sector as needed. Communicate with technical service representative within his/her area of technical expertise for any information on “troubleshooting” or replacement of parts, as required. Use Department of Environmental Protection communication networks (e-mail, voice mail, etc.) to communicate with Department personnel. This job description in no way states nor implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instruction and to perform any other job-related duties requested by their supervisor. |
Decision Making: Describe the types of decisions made by the incumbent of this position and the types of decisions referred to others. Identify the problems or issues that can be resolved at the level of this position, versus those that must be referred to the supervisor. Example: In response to a customer inquiry, this work involves researching the status of an activity and preparing a formal response for the supervisor’s signature. The Section Chief, on a quarterly and yearly basis, makes generalized assignments that have been derived from the Bureau Program Plan. More specific assignments are made on a verbal basis, as necessary. Work is reviewed by the Section Chief with semi-annual reviews and final performance evaluation annually. Work assignments are usually made on a daily basis as mandated by that day’s workload. Random reviews are conducted. |
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Requirements Profile: Identify any specific experience or requirements, such as a licensure, registration, or certification, which may be necessary to perform the functions of the position. Position-specific requirements should be consistent with a Special Requirement or other criteria identified in the classification specification covering this position. Example: Experience using Java; Professional Engineer License Experience: Licenses, registrations, or certifications: 1. N/A 2. N/A 3. N/A 4. 5. 6. |
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Essential Functions: Provide a list of essential functions for this position. Example: Transports boxes weighing up to 60 pounds.
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