ANALYTICAL CHEMIST 1

GENERAL DEFINITION

This is analytical chemistry work at the advanced training level analyzing liquid, solid, and gaseous materials, substances, and compounds for qualitative and quantitative results and/or performing research related to drinking water quality and water pollution control. An employee in this class participates in a continuing training program, is given progressively more difficult work tasks, and is expected to become more independent in carrying out these tasks as experience is gained.

The employee works with unknown substances that are potentially dangerous. Work is performed under the supervision of a higher-level chemist.

TYPICAL EXAMPLES OF WORK (ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY)

Determines the type of chemical analysis or test to be performed on chemicals and materials to establish their properties, characteristics, and chemical compositions.

Conducts quantitative and qualitative chemical analyses by using the principles and practices of general analytical chemistry methods such as gravimetric, titrimetric, optical, electrical, and/or chromatographical; analyzes complex mixtures of substances for drugs, toxic organics, organic materials, metals, aerollergens, radioactive levels, asbestos and analyzes construction materials to determine compliance with standards; positions in the Medical Examiner’s Office analyze post-mortem specimens; monitors pollutants in air or water; may recommend courses of action for consideration by superiors.

Participants with a higher-level chemist or engineer in investigating industrial water or air pollution problems; participates with engineering and/or inspectional personnel or personally samples hazardous or toxic materials on local or remote sites; investigates customer complaints concerning water quality.

Performs assigned research tasks that are used to determine effectiveness of water or wastewater treatment methods, to improve analytical methodology or to determine the source of evidence; evaluates laboratory tests results in the area of concern.

Prepares technical reports and department policy or policy papers resulting from analysis or research findings; performs comprehensive literature search; discusses data and issues with colleagues; compiles information and submits verbal and written reports to supervisors.

Operates computer consoles to analyze results of tests or to perform mathematical calculations involved in the analyses of substances.

Appears in court to testify on individual findings of chemical and physical tests.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• the principles, methods, and techniques of analytical chemistry

• mathematics and statistics as they relate to analytical chemistry

• safety practices and procedures as they apply to sampling in the field and analyses in the laboratory

• research methods and techniques

ABILITY TO:

• perform complex chemical analysis using quality assurance techniques

• learn the operation and the application of sophisticated instruments and sampling equipment

• conduct research in chemical methods and techniques

• interpret the results of analytical tests in order to propose possible solutions.

• learn computer programming

• express ideas effectively, both orally and in writing

• prepare technical forms, reports, and other correspondence

• establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates and the general 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.

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.

AND

GENERAL EXPERIENCE:

One year of training level experience in analytical chemistry testing.

NOTE: This note does not apply to career advancement or in-position promotion. A Master’s Degree in a field above may be substituted for the one year of training level experience.

OR

Any equivalent combination of education and experience determined to be acceptable by the Office of Human Resources which has included completion of a bachelor's degree program as specified above as an educational minimum.

City of Philadelphia classes which typically meet the general experience:

Graduate Chemist (3H25)

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 an Analytical Chemist I if required by work assignment.

Class Established 2/82

Spec. Revision: CSC –10/11; Ad. Board – 10/11

CSC – 11/15; Ad. Board – 12/15

Latest Spec. Revision:

CSC – 9/18; Ad. Board - 10/18