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Commonwealth of Pennsylvania |
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POSITION DESCRIPTION FOR JOB POSTING |
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Position Number: 00122771 |
Description Activated On: 8/7/2026 2:03:49 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 accepted methods (i.e. EPA, Standard Methods, and DEP validated methods and procedures). Primary Analytical Emphasis: Perfluoroalkyl substances analysis, LCMSMS Shim8050 Work Unit: Special Project Unit |
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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. Promotes the Department's Mission. Sample receiving: 1. Organizes and logs received samples, complying with all documentation and chain of custody requirements. 2. Notifies supervisor and collector of samples broken in transit, received with insufficient sample, received in an inappropriate container or any other conditions that would have a negative impact on the analytical results. 3. Maintains custodial control of special priority samples when assigned. 4. Maintains necessary records in laboratory notebooks and/or computer systems to ensure proper chain of custody. Analyze samples utilizing chromatography: 1. Ensures that analyses are completed within the required time frames. 2. Properly operates analytical instruments and associated software. 3. Evaluates the raw instrument data to determine the analyte identifications and quantitates results. 4. Reviews the final data report for unusual data. Notifies supervisor of abnormal or elevated results. Reviews the final data report for accuracy prior to releasing the results to the client. Performs necessary maintenance and/or repair of analytical instrumentation: 1. Performs preventive maintenance of analytical instruments. Maintains a logbook of preventive maintenance, malfunctions, and repairs. 2. Reports instrument malfunctions to supervisor and attempts to correct malfunction and/or contacts contract vendor technical support for guidance. 3. As necessary, contacts contract vendors to arrange for on- or off-site repairs. LCMSMS Analysis: 1. Operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of an LCMSMS system with limited oversight from Organic Section Chief. 2. Understand the effects of matrix enhancement and suppression as it relates to LCMSMS analysis and determine solutions to reduce or minimize. 3. Independently interpret and evaluate LCMSMS data, including the ability to legally defend data produced. 4. Development and implementation of LCMSMS methods including but not limited to new matrices, additional analytes, and effective sample preparation and cleanup techniques. 5. Professional demeanor, technical knowledge, ability to interact and communicate effectively with non-scientists, the public, and the media. Lab safety: 1. Complies with all lab and workplace safety protocols at all times. 2. As directed, performs checks on safety showers and eyewash stations. Maintains records of these tests. 3. Reports any safety-related malfunctions or unsafe conditions to Section Chief and Safety Officer. 4. Properly labels all hazardous waste containers, and arranges for their pickup at the correct intervals. Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC): 1. 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. 2. Participates in on-site evaluations as required by EPA and TNI. 3. Uses Good Laboratory Practices at all times. 4. Uses certified analytical standards and reagents of known quality. 5. Performs and maintains records of all required QA studies (MDL, DOC, PT). Performs an annual review and update of SOPs. 6. Performs and maintains records of all required analytical and extraction batch QC (ICAL, CCAL, LFB, LFM, etc.). 7. Is familiar with the requirements of the reference methods and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and ensures that regulatory requirements are met. 8. Evaluates QC records to identify trends and/or quality problems, and initiates corrective action as required. 9. Reads, understands, and performs the most revision of SOPs for all test methods. 10. Updates established SOPs to reflect recent revisions in procedure, QA/QC acceptance criteria, etc. Method Development: Projects are assigned only after the analyst is fully trained in his/her primary and secondary analytical duties. Method development projects for this position may include: 1. Develop extraction/analysis technique for PFAS in fish tissue. 2. Implementation of EPA Method 533 for small chain PFAS in drinking water. 3. Implementation of EPA Method 1633 for analysis of PFAS in non-drinking water and soil. 4. Develop extraction/analysis technique for PFAS in air. Activities in support of method development may include: 1. Review of scientific literature, vendor publications, and published methods for ways to improve the sensitivity, productivity, accuracy and/or environmental impact of existing methods. 2. Suggest mechanisms to implement method improvements. As appropriate, suggest new equipment purchases to implement method improvements. 3. As appropriate or practicable, prepare and analyze DOCs and/or MDLs. 4. Write or update the Standard Operating Procedure for the new or modified method. Conducts internal audits: 1. As assigned by supervisor, conducts internal audits of co-workers’ data. Records findings and submits them to the Section Chief. 2. While conducting internal audits, reviews both the SOP and published method to determine compliance with the method requirements. Training: 1. At the direction of the Section Chief, provides instruction and training for other analysts. 2. Acts as a resource for all Organic Section personnel with regards to operation of equipment, sample preparation, analytical techniques, QC procedures, documentation and record keeping, interpretation of analytical results, and data reporting. 3. Cross trains with other analysts in the work unit so as to be able to act as an alternate analyst for most analytical work done in the Organic Section. 4. Researches availability of training programs and completes training request forms. 5. Completes all required E-LMS training in a timely fashion. Supplemental duties: Performs any other duties assigned to support work flow within the Organic Section and the BOL. Other duties may include but are not limited to: 1. Assists with washing glassware as necessary to keep the Organic Section running smoothly. 2. Coordinates with other analysts when using common equipment such as the GPC, ASE, MWE, HPLC, N-EVAP, and S-EVAP units. 3. Recommends process improvements to supervisor, and implements them with approval from supervisor. 4. Legal consultation. As necessary, serve as a resource to attorneys who are exploring potential litigation as a result of sample testing; testify in court cases; and make necessary preparations for required court appearances. 5. Acts as an alternate analyst for work performed by other sections. Notifies supervisor when workload is light so other duties may be assigned. 6. Maintains inventory of supplies necessary to perform assigned analyses. Orders replacement supplies in a timely fashion. 7. Use DEP communication networks (email, voice mail, calendars, etc.) to communicate with DEP personnel. 8. Work overtime and/or flexible schedule, as needed, during emergency situations. 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. Employees may be required to work overtime and/or flexible schedules during emergency situations. |
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 assigned by the supervisor. Works with minimum supervision and results are occasionally reviewed. Each chemist is assigned analytical work in their area of responsibility and expertise. Special projects may be assigned, which would require discussion with the supervisor on a regular basis. Although a Chemist 2 works with minimum supervision, full communication with their supervisor is expected and required. |
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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. Real ID or Equivalent 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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