7/80

Rev 7/12/83

Rev 9/5/90

City of San José

CHEMIST (5116)

CLASS PURPOSE

Under general supervision, performs professional and technical work of moderate difficulty involving the qualitative and quantitative biological, chemical and physical analyses of water, wastewater, industrial waste and related materials. Performs related work as required.

TYPICAL DUTIES AND RESULTS (Any one position may not include all the duties listed, nor do the examples cover all the duties which may be performed.)

• Develops and directs instrumental and wet chemical analyses on water, wastewater, industrial waste and related samples for specific inorganic and organic substances.

• Monitors and evaluates problems related to plant operations and laboratory analyses and recommends solutions to alleviate such problem situations.

• Performs the more complicated and research related biological, chemical and physical analyses of water, wastewater, industrial waste and related samples.

• Determines sampling procedures and programs, implements the quality assurance/quality control program, and recommends methods and procedures for implementation into normal laboratory operations.

• Supervises and directs the daily work activities within the laboratory including the instruction of laboratory personnel, the preparation of daily work schedules, the assignment of duties to laboratory technicians and the maintenance of appropriate inventories of laboratory supplies.

• Assists with the organization and analysis of information from industry, government agencies and the public, which may include hearings, workshops, seminars, etc.

• Compiles, records and manages laboratory data and records; provides organization of record keeping and data retrieval; supervises clerical and other personnel as directed; prepares written and verbal reports as requested.

• Reviews, analyzes and implements requirements for chemical storage facilities, hazardous materials inventory statements and hazardous material management and communication plans.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is an entry level professional class where incumbents perform, under general supervision, work of moderate difficulty related to qualitative and quantitative laboratory determinations upon water, wastewater, industrial waste and related materials. This class is distinguished from the Laboratory Technician series by having supervisory responsibility over the Laboratory Technicians and oversees the daily operation of the laboratory. Positions in this class are responsible for performing the more complicated and research related biological, chemical and physical testing requirements.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Knowledges, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the principles of physical, organic, inorganic and analytical chemistry.

• Knowledge of modern laboratory procedures, techniques and equipment, and the ability to utilize such equipment.

• Knowledge of mathematics, biochemistry and microbiology routinely utilized in a chemical or environmental laboratory.

• Knowledge of standard and sophisticated laboratory equipment, instruments and procedures.

• Knowledge of local, state and federal environmental requlations.

• Ability to perform research work on problems of a chemical, biochemical or physical nature.

• Ability to perform physical, biological, bacteriological and chemical analyses.

• Ability to prepare clear, accurate and concise written technical reports.

• Ability to critically review chemical reports and documents.

Competency Knowledges, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of instrumental analytical methods and their application to environmental analyses.

• Knowledge of laboratory safety and quality assurance methods and procedures.

• Knowledge and ability to perform routine and sophisticated physical, biological and chemical determinations with regard to the environmental characterization of water, wastewater, industrial waste and related materials.

• Ability to provide lead direction, supervision and training.

Training And Experience

Any combination of training and experience equivalent to a bachelor's degree in chemistry, environmental science, environmental chemistry or related discipline, plus two years experience working in a laboratory environment.

(3188Z/1090P)