2488-Supervising Chemist

Job Description

CITY AND COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO

DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES

JOB CODE TITLE: SUPERVISING CHEMIST JOB CODE: 2488

Business Unit: COMMN

DEFINITION:

Under general direction, supervises the activities of chemists and technicians in the chemical and physical analysis of water, wastewater, and a variety of environmental matrices; provides administrative and technical support for chemists and laboratory technicians in an assigned section; validates the analytical data reported to water quality clients and management; consults and coordinates with water quality clients and personnel to conduct special studies, requests for analysis, and projects related to compliance monitoring and treatment process control; coordinates, develops and implements plans and quality assurance activities in the laboratory.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES:

This is the first level of supervision in the Chemist job code series. Incumbents plan, assign, direct and evaluate the work of an assigned section of chemists and technicians and are responsible for the overall work product of an assigned section of laboratory professional and technicians. This code is distinguished from the Chemist III which is non-supervisory, research-oriented code and Laboratory Manager which is responsible for the performance of all activities of an assigned laboratory including budget controls, personnel and contract development.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

This class supervises the Chemist I/II, Chemist III and the Water Quality Technician I/II and III series.

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 2488 Supervising Chemist and are not intended to be an inclusive list.

1. Assigns and evaluates the work of chemists and technicians in the delivery of water quality analytical services for an assigned section; prepares performance appraisals and develops work plans for assigned staff; takes corrective action to resolve deficiencies.

2. Provides training and orientation on laboratory procedures, bureau policy and laboratory safety; arranges for the technical training and professional development of the group.

3. Develops a work plan for an assigned section; schedules and establishes timelines for goals and objectives in the work plan; and evaluates group's performance measures and adherence to work plan schedules and/or applicable City policies.

4. Directs, implements, and monitors a laboratory quality assurance program; reviews and validates analytical data reported to water quality management, clients, and personnel; assures that validated data meets acceptance and reporting criteria as set forth by the quality assurance plan and regulatory agencies.

5. Implements approved analytical procedures; writes standard operating procedures for the work of the group.

6. Consults with water quality clients regarding the delivery of analytical services; organizes and directs the delivery of analytical services; answers technical questions regarding reported data; implements modification where appropriate; may represent the bureau and laboratory in meetings with other water quality jurisdictions which coordinate regional monitoring activities.

7. Coordinates the planning and development of sample collection and monitoring procedures.

JOB CODE TITLE: SUPERVISING CHEMIST JOB CODE: 2488

Business Unit: COMMN

8. Prepares budget requests and recommends major purchases for section; participates in development of bureau and laboratory policies and procedures; develops and submits policies and procedures to group for review and comment.

9. Performs related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

JOB RELATED AND ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS:

Knowledge of: Theory and principles of water, wastewater treatment; chemistry; organic and inorganic chemistry; principles of analytical chemistry; standard and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved methods of chemical and physical analysis of water and wastewater; principles of quality assurance; laboratory safety; bureau and laboratory policies and procedures; automated information management systems; Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) laboratory guidelines; compliance criteria established by regulatory agencies.

Ability to: Supervise and direct the work of others; produce analytical results in a timely manner; maintain working relationships with water quality clients, bureau personnel, vendors, consultants and others in the organization involved in the delivery of services; interpret data and communicate results; draft written communications to management, vendors, and water quality clients; prepare budgetary requests; take corrective personnel actions.

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. Eight years (8) of verifiable laboratory experience in analytical chemistry of which must include two (2) years experience in a water quality or wastewater laboratory.

License or Certificate: Possession valid driver's license. Possession of a Grade IV California Water Environment Agency (CWEA) Laboratory Technologist certificate is desirable.

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