Environmental Chemist
Category: Classified/Excluded
Pay Grade: C26
Job Code: 02480
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions herein described. Since every duty associated with this position may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in the job description, but which may be reasonably considered to be incidental in the performing of their duties just as though they were actually written out in this job description.
JOB SUMMARY
This is professional scientific work with technical oversight of an environmental laboratory, requiring a high level of experience and expertise in performing complex chemical, biological, microscopic and physical analyses. Employees in this class exercise a high degree of independent judgment and skill in the development, performance and evaluation of analytical data. Work requires expert knowledge of the current regulations and the methods used for collection and analysis of samples. This position is also responsible for timeliness, accuracy and validity of the data being generated for the corresponding laboratory clients and reporting to pertinent regulatory agencies.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS (examples, not all inclusive)
- Provides expert technical oversight in the performance of scientific analyses, including the utilization of specialized techniques or complex laboratory instrumentation;
- Reliably meets or exceeds established analytical data quality measures;
- Troubleshoots complex analytical problems;
- Oversees and reviews routine and complex chemical and biological assessments;
- Calibrates, maintains and operates all manual and automated laboratory instrumentation;
- Reviews, provides recommendations, and determines the proper interpretation of federally approved quality assurance guidance documents, technical assistance documents, and EPA Method Compendiums;
- Develops, modifies and maintains procedures for laboratory certification;
- Manages external laboratory proficiency testing, and performance audits;
- Manages the inventory of the certified standards (VOC gas standards, gauge standards, etc.) and consumable chemicals/supplies. This includes scheduling re-certification services, ordering standards, carrier gasses, and supplies;
- Recommends equipment to be purchased to ensure the proper operation of the laboratory;
- Serves as main point of contact with regulatory agencies;
- Serves as back-up for various duties within the Air Monitoring Section;
- Assists superiors in data acquisition for various reports;
- Trains laboratory personnel as necessary;
- Performs other related job duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience:
Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, bacteriology, biology, or related discipline and four (4) years of experience in general laboratory analysis including the basic understanding of automated analysis and instrumentation; or an equivalent combination of education, training and/or experience.
Special Qualifications (May be required depending on area of assignment):
- Florida Driver’s License or Florida Commercial Driver’s License and endorsement, if any.
- Assignment to work a variety of work schedules including compulsory work periods in special, emergency, and/or disaster situations.
- Other highly desirable knowledge, skills, abilities, and credentials required for a specific position.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Knowledge of laboratory principles, practices and techniques of chemistry, biology and bacteriology;
- Knowledge of the capabilities and limitations of electronic computers and complex automated instrumentation, and the role they perform in laboratory analysis;
- Knowledge of local, state and federal laws and regulations pertaining to air quality and data validity;
- Knowledge of OSHA regulations and recognized safety operating practices for laboratory work;
- Skill in laboratory techniques, and in following and adapting scientific methods and procedures;
- Ability to interpret test results, and to prepare comprehensive analytical reports;
- Ability to perform a variety of laboratory tests on air, water, wastewater, or sludge samples, and to prepare and standardize laboratory reagents;
- Ability to carry on independent research in the chemistry, biology and bacteriology of wastewater treatment or potable water supplies;
- Ability to train, instruct and oversee personnel;
- Ability to operate, maintain and calibrate laboratory equipment and instruct personnel in their use;
- Ability to present scientific ideas and findings clearly and concisely in written, oral and graphic form.
PHYSICAL/MENTAL DEMANDS
The work is light work which requires exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force to move objects. Additionally, the following physical abilities are required:
- Crouching: Bending the body downward and forward by bending leg and spine.
- Feeling: Perceiving attributes of objects, such as size, shape, temperature or texture by touching with skin, particularly that of fingertips.
- Fingering: Picking, pinching, typing, or otherwise working, primarily with fingers rather than with the whole hand as in handling.
- Handling: Picking, holding, or otherwise working, primarily with the whole hand.
- Hearing: Perceiving the nature of sounds at normal speaking levels with or without correction. Ability to receive detailed information through oral communication, and to make the discrimination in sound.
- Kneeling: Bending legs at knee to come to a rest on knee or knees.
- Mental acuity: Ability to make rational decisions through sound logic and deductive processes.
- Speaking: Expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word including the ability to convey detailed or important spoken instructions to other workers accurately and concisely.
- Standing: Particularly for sustained periods of time.
- Talking: Expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word including those activities in which they must convey detailed or important spoken instructions to other workers accurately, loudly, or quickly.
- Visual acuity: Have close visual acuity such as color differentiation, depth perception, and adequate field vision.
- Walking: Moving about on foot to accomplish tasks, particularly for long distances or moving from one work site to another.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Work is typically performed in a dynamic environment that requires sensitivity to changing goals, priorities, and needs.