3H31
PAY RANGE: EP21
GENERAL DEFINITION
This is analytical chemistry work at the advanced performance level. Employees in the Health Department identify and quantify either organic compounds or volatile organic compounds (VOCs) by utilizing a gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer. Employees in the Water Department use advanced instrumentation or methods, perform research, coordinate quality assurance requirements, and develop or review standard operating procedures. The employees in this class prepare samples for analysis, operate advanced instruments, and interpret test results to identify the presence of trace organic compounds or metals in the samples.
Contact with other chemists to develop or review procedures to be followed in analyzing trace chemicals is a significant aspect of the work.
The employees work with, under specified guidelines, unknown substances that are potentially dangerous. Work is performed under the direction of an analytical chemistry supervisor or equivalent position.
ALLOCATING FACTORS: (The following conditions must be met for a position to be allocated to this class.)
1. The position must perform work utilizing either a gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer or advanced analytical chemistry instrumentation to identify and quantify organic compounds to identify and quantify trace metals at the advanced performance level.
2. Positions in this class must perform the work in the Water Department’s Bureau of Laboratory Services or the Health Department.
TYPICAL EXAMPLES OF WORK (ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY)
ALL ASSIGNMENTS
Reviews analytical methods and researches current literature and technical publications related to gas chromatograph/mass spectrometric analysis or inductively coupled plasma/mass spectrometric analysis; prepares analytical methods reports on results of projects and analyses.
Accesses computer systems and programs and files to aid in identifying and quantifying organic compounds; maximizes chromatograph separation by using packed or capillary gas chromatograph.
Prepares programs in specialized program language to improve or alter computer assisted instrument selectivity for interpretation of results; researches appropriate available computer software to improve instrument interpretive capability.
Prepares written reports on results of projects and analyses; maintains instruments and validates analytical results in accordance with quality assurance/quality control protocol.
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AIR ASSIGNMENT
Utilizes a gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer to quantify and/or identify organic compounds in mixtures that have been desorbed or extracted and concentrated from industrial air emissions and ambient air.
Tests air samples from industrial smokestacks to determine if installed pollution control devices have reduced levels of organic pollutants; identifies harmful and hazardous organic chemicals in industrial waste and air discharges; determines the nature of taste and odor causing organic compounds and the extent of pollution of air resources.
Identifies and quantifies toxic organic compounds or metals that are listed and/or required under the Federal Clean Water Act and Federal Clean Air Act, National Pollution Discharge Elimination System Permit, Federal Safe Drinking Water Act, Philadelphia Air Management Code, primary drinking water regulations and water quality criteria, and "Right to Know" legislation.
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH MEDICAL EXAMINER’S ASSIGNMENT
Performs toxicological analysis of biological specimens from cadavers to determine if any drugs are present in the specimen; primarily utilizes a gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer or a liquid chromatograph/mass spectrometer to quantify and/or identify organic compounds in mixtures in blood, tissue, and stomach contents; accesses computer systems to aid in identifying and quantifying drugs and alcohol ; performs toxicological testing and performs complex toxicological analysis of specimens to determine and quantify poisons present; develops new methods for the analysis of new compounds; assists with the determining of reliability of existing tests and methods; provides quality assurance and analysis of all tests performed.
Trains and leads subordinate analytical chemists in testing and laboratory procedures; reviews forensic literature related to analytical processes and procedures to assist in determining the levels of drugs, alcohol and chemicals are in tissue samples; obtains samples and gathers analytical data and methodologies on various compounds; performs major and minor maintenance on mass spectrometers, including maintenance of the inlet system (GC or LC); troubleshoots instrumental issues and takes corrective actions when problems are round.
WATER DEPARTMENT LABORATORY ASSIGNMENT
Operates and maintains advanced instrumentation and methods to quantify and/or identify chemicals from water resources, drinking water, wastewater, industrial waste, and materials. reviews and develops methods for analyzing liquid or solid samples from rivers, streams, drinking water, wastewater, industrial waste, biosolids, compost, sediments, soils, and materials; accesses computer systems and programs and files to aid in identifying and quantifying chemicals.
Participates in water and wastewater treatment research studies, and other related projects that require advanced knowledge of chemistry.
Coordinates PWD’s participation in studies, cooperates with other units within PWD and with other departments on issues related to general chemistry, laboratory testing, and environmental chemistry.
Maintains data management systems for the laboratory; updates and reviews quality assurance and quality control requirements such as for maintaining accreditation; develops and reviews standard operating procedures; provides reports and makes presentations; reviews and approves data; recommends projects and coordinates related tasks.
Performs related work as required.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
KNOWLEDGE OF:
• the principles, methods, and practices of analytical chemistry
• • organic chemistry
• principles, methods, and practices in the analysis of samples for chemical compounds
• mathematics and statistics as they relate to chemistry
• the applications of data processing systems to chemical analyses
• analytical chemistry techniques utilizing standard laboratory equipment and materials
• • the procedures for operating a gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer or inductively coupled plasma/mass spectrometer
• safety practices and procedures as they apply to chemical analyses in the laboratory
• statistical methods for data analysis and quality control
• regulatory requirements pertaining to the laboratory or to the chemicals of interest for detection and qualification
• • mass spectrometric fragmentation patterns and their interpretation
• • the theory and operation of quadrupole and ion trap mass spectrometers and associated data systems
SKILL IN:
• the use, care and maintenance of laboratory equipment
• creating methods for analytical use
• using instrumental software as necessary to operate instruments and generate reports
ABILITY TO:
• apply quality assurance procedures pertinent to chemical analyses
• conduct research on chemical methods and techniques
• learn to use specialized program language for use in interpretation of results
• prepare reports on test results and analyses
• determine the proper analytical test or procedures for use in conducting chemical analysis
• express ideas effectively, both orally and in writing
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 2/22.)
EDUCATION:
Completion of a bachelor's degree program at an accredited college or university with major course work in chemistry, biochemistry, forensic chemistry, forensic toxicology, organic chemistry, or materials science.
AND
GENERAL EXPERIENCE:
Two years of experience performing analytical chemistry.
AND
SPECIFIC EXPERIENCE:
One year of experience performing analytical chemistry at the full performance level.
Any equivalent combination of education and experience determined to be acceptable by the Office of Human Resources, which has included the Specific Experience and completion of a bachelor's degree program as specified above as an educational minimum.
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, training and/or experience 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.
Class Established 2/80
CSC - 11/01
Ad. Board - 1/02
Latest Spec Revision and change in pay rate:
CSC – 1/22
Ad. Board – 2/22
JA