2487-Chemist III

Job description

CITY AND COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO

DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES

JOB CODE TITLE: CHEMIST III JOB CODE: 2487

Business Unit: COMMN

DEFINITION:

Under general direction, plans, coordinates, and conducts research projects related to the laboratory analysis of water, wastewater, and environment matrices. Develops and applies analytical methods to identify and quantify specific components in water, wastewater, and environmental matrices using sophisticated analytical instrumentation. Works independently and in conjunction with engineers and laboratory personnel to resolve water quality process problems and to achieve compliance with state and federal regulations. Trains technical and professional personnel in instrumental analysis and applications, and communicates results orally and in writing.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES:

Chemist III is the advanced journey level of this job code series and is distinguished by its ability to function independently with little direction. Incumbents function as the lead worker and are assigned non-routine work, research or special projects. This job code is distinguished from the Chemist II which primarily performs analysis and the Supervising Chemist which is a supervisory job code. Chemist III requires comprehensive knowledge in theory and principles of analytical chemistry and expertise and experience in extraction, purification, high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC), gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS), Atomic Absorption, and inductively coupled plasma - atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES) instrumental techniques.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

Positions at this level do not supervise other professional employees, but may coordinate the work of technical personnel (Water Quality Technician I/II and III) and journey-level staff (Chemist I/II). This position may exercise supervision during absence of Supervising Chemist.

EXAMPLES OF IMPORTANT AND ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

According to Civil Service Commission Rule 9, the duties specified below are representative of the range of duties assigned to 2487 Chemist III and are not intended to be an inclusive list.

1. Plans, coordinates, and conducts laboratory studies; develops and performs methods in

instrumental analysis of diverse environmental matrices for determination of specific organic and inorganic constituents.

2. Consults with Supervising Chemist and develops methods to resolve problems in treatment processes and to achieve regulatory compliance; trains laboratory personnel in the operation of laboratory instrumentation and application of developed methods.

3. Utilizes gas chromatography, mass spectrometry, and high performance liquid chromatography in development and applications of methods; utilizes ICP-AES, and inductively coupled plasma - mass spectroscopy (ICP/MS), and Atomic Absorption spectroscopy in developing method; performs diagnostic, corrective, and preventative maintenance on complex instruments; evaluates instrumental capabilities and performance in preparing for purchase of laboratory instrumentation.

JOB CODE TITLE: CHEMIST III JOB CODE: 2487

Business Unit: COMMN

4. Researches relevant literature for most current technology and application to environmental analysis; prepares technical reports and findings for water quality personnel, clients and constituents, and departmental management personnel; prepares technical reports and papers for publication in scientific publications.

5. Handles and processes data from instrumental data acquisition systems; uses a variety of software applications to facilitate reporting of results.

JOB RELATED AND ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS:

Knowledge of: Theory and principles of organic and/or inorganic chemistry; analytical instrumentation; scientific method and research methodology; quality assurance methodology; statistical methods and analysis; handling of computerized data acquisition systems; and applications of automated information systems.

Ability to: Apply theory and principles of organic and/or inorganic chemistry to research projects; interpret and analyze scientific data; develop methodology to address non-routine analytical problems; develop and apply most current analytical technology to environmental analyses; write technical reports for water quality personnel and clients; prepare technical reports for publication; interact effectively with colleagues, supervisors, and clients; train laboratory personnel in developed methodology and instrumental analysis; make recommendations on purchase of laboratory equipment and instrumentation; and operate computerized information systems.

Skill in: oral and written communication: active listening and giving clear and concise verbal presentations and preparing laboratory documentation, reports, notices and correspondence; and use of computerized information systems.

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING GUIDELINES:

1. Possession of baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university with a major in

chemistry or closely related laboratory science; AND

2. Six (6) years verifiable laboratory experience in instrumental analysis, methods

development and applied research in the fields of organic and inorganic chemistry.

License or Certificate: Possession of a valid driver's license.

Effective: 12/4/00

Standard information

Disaster service work

All City and County of San Francisco employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the City requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

Historic and future compensation