3H31
MASS SPECTROMETRIST

This is analytical chemistry work identifying and quantifying either organic compounds by utilizing a gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer or metals by utilizing an inductively coupled plasma/mass spectrometer. 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 explain procedures to be followed in analyzing trace organic compounds 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 a chemistry supervisor.

1. The position must perform the work utilizing either a gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer to identify and quantify organic compounds or an inductively coupled plasma/mass spectrometer to identify and quantify trace metals.
2. Positions in this class must perform the work in the Water Department or the Health Department.

• Utilizes a gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer to quantify and/or identify organic compounds in mixtures that have been desorbed or extracted and concentrated from water resources, drinking water, waste water, industrial waste, industrial air emissions and ambient air; 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.
• Utilizes an inductively coupled plasma/mass spectrometer to quantify and/or identify metals in liquid or solid samples from rivers, streams, drinking water, waste water, industrial waste, biosolids, compost, sediments or soils; accesses computer systems and programs and files to aid in identifying and quantifying metals.
• Participates in water and waste water treatment research studies to determine the efficacy of organic compound or trace metal removal; 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 and water 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Performs related work as required.

KNOWLEDGE OF:
• the principles, methods, and practices of analytical chemistry
• organic chemistry
• the applications of chemical principles, methods, and practices in the analysis of samples for organic 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
• 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
ABILITY TO:
• apply quality assurance procedures pertinent to chemical analysis
• 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

EDUCATION
• Completion of a bachelor's degree program at an accredited college or university with major course work in chemistry.
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 which has included performing analyses of either organic compounds with a gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer or metals with an inductively coupled plasma/mass spectrometer.

OR

Any equivalent combination of education and experience determined to be acceptable by the Personnel Department, which has included the Specific Experience and completion of a bachelor's degree program as specified above as an educational minimum.

• Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required of a position in this class.