|
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania |
|
|
POSITION DESCRIPTION FOR JOB POSTING |
|
|
Position Number: 00112412 |
Description Activated On: 8/7/2026 2:55:40 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). Primary Analytical Emphasis: Gross Alpha Gross Beta Radium-228 Gas Flow Proportional Counter Secondary Analytical Emphasis: Assist Primary Analyst with: Tritium |
|
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. Sample Analysis a. Organizes samples, as received, for efficient and timely processing and analysis. b. Prepare necessary reagents, standards, spikes, and other quality control samples for analysis. c. Perform efficiency calibrations and reagent standardization for existing procedures. d. Prepare samples for analysis by grinding, drying, gravimetric, and volumetric methods. e. Determines the presence of specific analytes in a variety of matrices. f. Uses proper laboratory glassware throughout the entire procedure g. Performs data entry, verification, inquiry, and generates required reports on the Bureau of Laboratories LIMS and on other data management systems. h. Maintain a comprehensive laboratory notebook to aide in data interpretation and evaluation and ensure proper chain of custody. i. Analyze EPA cross-check and performance evaluation samples and prepare preliminary reports for submittal to EPA. j. Evaluate the data of completed samples with regard to the accuracy, precision, or recovery of the results. k. Initiate orders for supplies and equipment relative to existing methodologies. l. Conduct preventative maintenance of analytical instruments, contact service technicians for instrument repairs, and must be competent in the various troubleshooting techniques involved to keep the instruments operational. m. Maintain a log of preventive maintenance, malfunctions and repairs for instrumentation used. Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) a. Uses certified radiochemical and analytical standards/reagents of known quality. b. Performs and maintains records of all required QA studies (MDL,DOC,PT). Performs an annual review and update of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). c. Performs and maintains records of all required analytical batch QC (RB,LCS,MS,MSD,etc.). d. Performs data entry, data reduction, and maintains records on the efficiency and quality assurance of each instrument. These records allow measurements on that instrument to be traceable to a known standard. e. Is familiar with the requirements of the reference methods and SOPs to ensure that regulatory requirements are met. f. Evaluates QC records to identify trends and/or quality problems, and initiates corrective action as required. g. Reads, understands, and performs the most recent revisions of SOPs for all accredited test methods. h. Reads, understands, and agrees to follow the most recent version of the laboratory’s quality manual. i. Participates in on-site evaluations as required. Implementation: Assist the Section Chief or Chemist 2 in adapting established methods for use in the Bureau of Laboratories. Under the direction of the Section Chief or Chemist 2, implements changes to improve existing methods and documents the changes. a. Review scientific literature, vendor publications, and published methods for ways to improve the sensitivity, productivity, and accuracy of existing methods. b. Suggests mechanisms to implement method improvements c. Updates or creates the written SOP in the Bureau of Laboratories Method Manual for the improved or implemented SOP. d. Performs an initial demonstration of capability study, minimum detection limit determination, method validation, precision determination, work involving quality control schemes, compensating for possible interferences, etc . e. Performs a method comparability study using real sample matrices to determine if a method bias exists. Training: As directed by a supervisor or Chemist 2, provides instruction and training for analysts and interns of the correct methodologies which will ensure laboratory continuity during the absence of the analyst. a. Instruct individuals with correct operation on all equipment used for routine analysis. b. Train individuals to prepare samples correctly for instrument analysis and thoroughly cleanup after the utilization of the lab ware. c. Instruct individuals in proper preparation of all standards and reagents used in methodology. d. Instruct individuals on the maintenance of quality control records and charts on a regular basis. e. Train individuals on the mechanism of the procedure. f. Instruct individuals on required record keeping, data interpretation, and reporting of results. g. As directed by a supervisor, obtains training from designated staff to become proficient in, and be able to act as an alternate analyst for most analytical work done by the work unit. As directed, obtains analytical work training in other work units in the Bureau of Laboratories. h. Researches availability of training programs. Completes training request forms, and provides information for making registration, travel, and lodging arrangements. Data Management Functions a. Perform sample receiving functions for all samples on a routine basis. b. Perform other data management functions such as sample log-in, data entry, data verification and final report generation. Notes and records on the sample submission sheet and in the laboratory computer system any unusual circumstances regarding a sample. c. Perform data and instrument backups on a routine basis. d. Generate the routine work lists for all analysis as necessary. e. Notify supervisor of any abnormal data after reviewing the completed reports. Isotopic Standard Records and Disposal a. Log and calculate data values of all newly arrived radioactive standards. b. Perform calculations and record disposal values of radioactive standards. Dispose of radioactive standards and unusually high level samples according to applicable federal and state regulations. c. Maintain the radioactive standard logbook and/or computer system containing present radioactive standards. Supplementary Duties: Performs duties, as assigned, to support the work of the section, performs data management functions, maintains radioisotopes standard records and disposes of radioisotopes according to applicable federal and/or state regulations. a. Operate and maintain all other analytical instruments within the Radiation Measurements Section. b. Prepares reagents and standard solutions using necessary equipment as an alternate analyst. c. Perform a variety of radioisotopic analysis as needed. d. Assists with washing glassware as necessary to keep the Radiation Measurements Section running efficiently. e. Initiate orders for supplies, chemicals, and equipment necessary to perform all the radiological analysis in the Radiation Measurements Section. f. Performs safety checks on safety showers and eyewashes and storage of hazardous chemicals. Removes solvent wastes and residual hazardous sample material from the section, labeling containers with identification of contents and places them in waste storage area. Ensures that all applicable regulations are properly followed. g. Acts as an alternate analyst for work performed by other sections. h. Uses Department of Environmental Protection communication networks (e-mail, voice mail, etc.) to communicate with department personnel. i. Works overtime and/or flexible schedule, as needed, during emergency situations. j. May appear as a witness in legal or administrative hearing actions. DEP Vision: a. Promotes the Department’s mission. b. 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. This position 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 instructions 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. Work is performed with some degree of independence, but it is reviewed by a supervisor for thoroughness of results and conclusions through reports and conferences. Normally, routine work is directed by the Radiation Measurements Section Chief or a Chemist 2 of the Radiation Measurements' Section. Non-routine work, special projects and research investigations are assigned and reviewed by the Section Chief. Each chemist is assigned analytical work in his/her area of responsibility and expertise. Occasionally, special projects are assigned which require discussion; otherwise, the chemist does work independently and his/her work is reviewed. |
||||||||||||||||||||
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. Real ID or Equivalent 2. N/A 3. N/A 4. 5. 6. |
||||||||||||||||||||
Essential Functions: Provide a list of essential functions for this position. Example: Transports boxes weighing up to 60 pounds.
|