Job Specification
CHEMIST 1
DEFINITION:
Under the close supervision of a supervisory official in a State department or
agency, or local jurisdiction, performs basic and routine chemical analyses and
tests in the laboratory and in the field; does other related duties as required.
NOTE: The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only.
A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job
specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed.
EXAMPLES OF WORK:
Carries out assigned research projects.
Identifies and analyzes substances found in water, waste-water, food,
pharmaceuticals, and other sources; evaluates the validity of results.
Performs routine testing and analysis work on industrial hygiene samples,
milk, food, drugs, water, sewage, industrial waste, and other sources to
determine conformance to established standards.
Utilizes specialized laboratory equipment to examine substances, identify
materials, measure quantities, and evaluate properties of elements and
compounds.
Assists in coordinating and performing qualitative and quantitative organic
constituent analysis using approved methods of ion and gas chromatography
(GC) and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS).
Assists in preparing standardized chemical reagents regularly used and other
regents of a special nature as may be required.
Assists in determining the type of analysis or test to be performed on chemicals
and materials to establish their properties, characteristics, and chemical
compositions.
Interprets and summarizes data collected from analytical instruments and wet
chemical analysis.
Attends appropriate formal and informal courses of instruction and participates
in scientific meetings.
Performs a wide variety of routine, standardized tests and analyses on
environmental samples, including manual procedures such as gravimetric,
colorimetric, or titrimetric tests, and simple instrumental tests such as infrared
or ultraviolet spectrophotometry and continuous flow analysis.
Assists in performing analytical procedures in specific limited areas, requiring
the use of sophisticated instrumentation including gas-liquid chromatographs,
high-pressure liquid chromatographs, plasma emission spectrometers, and
atomic absorption spectrophotometers.
Assists in analyzing urine specimens for drugs of abuse using EMIT procedures;
analyzes blood specimens for lead content, hematocrit, and erythrocyte
protoporphyrin.
Collects water samples.
Assists in conducting bacteriological (microbiological) analyses for coliform,
fecal streptococcus, staphylococcus, and pseudomonas.
Assists in troubleshooting, diagnosing problems, or making minor adjustments
to laboratory instruments and equipment.
Prepares technical reports and correspondence.
Maintains essential laboratory records, reports, and files.
Will be required to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or
manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or
related units.
REQUIREMENTS:
EDUCATION:
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree
in any natural science or physical science, including or supplemented by
twenty-four (24) credit hours in chemistry and/or biochemistry which shall
have included a minimum of six (6) credit hours in analytical chemistry.
NOTE: Some examples of analytical chemistry courses are Mass Spectroscopy,
Instrumental Analysis, Gas/Liquid Chromatography, Introduction to Chemical
Research Technique, Spectroscopic Methods, Research credits earned using
chemistry equipment (GC, HPLC, ICP etc.).
EXPERIENCE:
One (1) year of chemical analysis work in a public health or chemistry
laboratory.
NOTE: Applicants who do not possess a Bachelor's degree, but who do
possess the specialized credits outlined above may substitute experience
for the remaining education (years necessary to complete the degree) on
a year-for-year basis.
NOTE: A Master's degree in chemistry may be substituted for the required
experience.
NOTE: In local government, appointees to water analysis positions may be
required to have successfully completed a formal course in the operation of
atomic absorption and gas chromatography laboratory equipment, or in lieu
of the course, six (6) months of experience in the operation of such equipment.
The responsibility for ensuring completion of the course or experience in the
use of specialized laboratory equipment rests with the Appointing Authority.
LICENSE:
Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey
only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary
to perform the essential duties of the position.
NOTE: Appointees may be required to perform physical activities such as
lifting, carrying, and standing for an extended period of time.
NOTE: Appointees may be required to get vaccinations or submit vaccination
records.
NOTE: Appointees may be required to wear Personal Protective Equipment.
KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:
Knowledge of chemical laboratory procedures, techniques, equipment, media,
reagents, and supplies.
Knowledge of the procedures and techniques used when performing and
interpreting chemical, physical and biochemical tests, examinations and
analyzes on milk, food, drugs, water, sewage, trade wastes, air samples, and
various industrial and institutional materials, equipment, supplies, and other
materials in the laboratory and field.
Knowledge of the standards and procedures used when conducting chemical
tests and analyses.
Knowledge of the precautions to be taken when recording and interpreting
the results of chemical and related tests and analyses.
Knowledge of the methods used to make chemical determinations by
Infra-Red Spectroscopy, Gas Chromatography, Ultraviolet Visible Spectroscopy,
Polarography, and Fluorometry.
Knowledge of quality control and quality assurance procedures used to assess
the validity, accuracy, and precision of chemical tests and analyses.
Ability to follow standards and established procedures when performing
specific tests, examinations, and analyses of raw materials and finished
products, including paints, varnishes, thinners, driers, fuel oils, gasoline,
coal, plastic items, carbon papers, chamois, sponges, and other supplies
and equipment.
Ability to learn and be trained on how to handle potential exposure to
hazardous chemicals and infectious material and how to work in such area.
Ability to handle various laboratory scenarios such as exposed instruments,
equipment noise; as well as potential exposure to hazardous chemicals and
infectious material.
Ability to organize assigned chemical and related laboratory work, analyze
problems in the field of chemistry, and develop work methods.
Ability to follow procedures when performing specific tests and examinations.
Ability to use laboratory equipment and reagents in such a way as to avoid
unnecessary breakage and waste and to obtain accurate, reliable results.
Ability to provide physical testing and measurements, distance appreciations,
photography, and prepare impact molds and tool marks.
Ability to prepare reports and correspondence.
Ability to maintain essential records, reports, and files.
Ability to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual
recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related
units.
Ability to read, write, understand and communicate in English sufficiently
to perform duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may
also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.
Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible if they can perform
the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.
If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer
undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.
This job specification is applicable to the following title code(s) which
are different work week or work month and/or variants of the job class title: | | Job
Spec
Code | Variant | State,
Local or
Common | Class of
Service | Work
Week | State
Class
Code | Local
Class
Code | Salary
Range | Note | | 01552 | | C | C | 35 | 20 | 23 | P19 | - | | 01567 | | S | C | 40 | 20 | N/A | P21 | - |
This job specification is for state and local government use.
Salary range is only applicable to state government.
Local salaries are established by individual local jurisdictions.
3/27/2021 |
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