3H25

                                                                                                                   PAY RANGE: EP11****

GRADUATE CHEMIST

GENERAL DEFINITION

            This is beginning level chemistry work.  Employees in this class perform assignments of limited scope and complexity which are intended to develop knowledge and skills required for analytical chemistry. 

            Work is performed under the close supervision of a higher-level chemist. 

ALLOCATING FACTORS:  (The following conditions must be met for a position to be allocated to this class.)

1.         Employees in this class perform beginning-level chemistry work, developing knowledge and skills required for analytical chemistry.

TYPICAL EXAMPLES OF WORK (ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY)

ALL ASSIGNMENTS

            Collects and analyzes samples of liquid, solid, and gaseous materials, substances and compounds for qualitative and/or quantitative results.

            Logs in samples as received to comply with departmental procedures.

            Analyzes samples with wet chemistry methods or standard laboratory equipment and/or limited instrumentation; receives training in the use of sophisticated instruments, such as, atomic absorption/emission spectrophotometers, gas/liquid chromatographs, UV-visible, infra-red spectrophotometers, polagraphs, mass spectrometers and/or any related equipment.

            Participates in research projects by performing routine tests.

            Checks collector instrumentation for validity and reliability against standards and recalibrates.

            Prepares and standardizes solutions and reagents.

            Maintains data records; prepares reports.

            Performs related work as required.

AIR MANAGEMENT LABORATORY ASSIGNMENT

            Analyzes gaseous pollutants and particulates including carbonyl analysis; performs instrument calibrations as necessary.

MEDICAL EXAMINER’S OFFICE ASSIGNMENT

            Analyzes postmortem specimens such as blood, spleen, liver, brain, gastric contents qualitatively and quantitatively for the presence of drugs.

WATER DEPARTMENT LABORATORY ASSIGNMENT

            Analyzes water, wastewater, sediment, storm water, various materials and related substances qualitatively and quantitatively for physical and chemical parameters.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

KNOWLEDGE OF:

•           the principles, methods, and practices of chemistry

•           mathematics and statistics as they relate to chemistry

•           safety practices and procedures as they apply to a chemistry laboratory

SKILL IN:

•           the use and care of standard laboratory instruments, equipment and materials

ABILITY TO:

•           perform standard tests and make accurate chemical analyses, using quality control techniques

•           read laboratory instruments

•           make color perceptions

•           maintain accurate records

•           learn the use and application of sophisticated instrumentation required in the assigned laboratory

•           establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates and public

MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE (The following statement represents the minimum training and experience standards which will be used to admit or reject applicants for tests.  Applications submitted by candidates for this class will be reviewed based on training and experience requirements as approved on 10/18.)

EDUCATION:

            Completion of a bachelor's degree program, at an accredited college or university, in analytical chemistry, biochemistry, chemistry, forensic chemistry, forensic toxicology, organic chemistry, or materials science.

OR

Completion of a bachelor's degree program at an accredited college or university with a minimum equivalent of 34 semester hours in toxicology, chemistry, or biochemistry.

NOTE: Selective Factor Certification may be utilized, as needed, to fill specific positions.

In accordance with Civil Service Regulation 11.032 - Selective Factor Certification – the appointing authority may request certification of eligible candidates with the specified education or training to fill specific positions in this class. Certification to fill such position will be made from the two highest ranking eligible candidates on the eligible list who possess the specified qualification.

PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS

            Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required of a position in this class.

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND/OR CERTIFICATES

            Possession of a valid proper class motor vehicle operator's license as issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania prior to appointment and during tenure of employment as a Graduate Chemist if required by work assignment.

                                                                                                               Class Established - 2/82

                                                                                                                                Spec. Revised:

CSC - 1/97

                                                                                                                                Ad. Board - 3/97

CSC-11/16

Ad. Board-1/17

Latest Spec Revision:

CSC – 9/18; Ad. Board – 10/18

JH