3H31
PAY RANGE: EP21
ANALYTICAL CHEMIST SPECIALIST
GENERAL DEFINITION
This is analytical chemistry work at the advanced performance level. Employees in the Health Department identify and quantify either organic compounds or volatile organic compounds (VOCs) by utilizing a gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer. Employees in the Water Department use advanced instrumentation or methods, perform research, coordinate quality assurance requirements, and develop or review standard operating procedures. 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. This class is differentiated from lower-level technical classes by the initiation of projects for new regulatory requirements, development of quality assurance procedures and deliverables, such as scientific reports or implementation of a new lab technology or methods. Employee functions as a technical expert, providing guidance to a project team members in specific program areas.
Contact with other chemists to develop or review procedures to be followed in analyzing trace chemicals is a significant aspect of the work.
The employees work with, under specified guidelines, unknown substances that are potentially hazardous. Work is performed under the direction of an analytical chemistry supervisor or equivalent position.
ALLOCATING FACTORS: (The following conditions must be met for a position to be allocated to this class.)
1. The position must perform work utilizing either a gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer or advanced analytical chemistry instrumentation to interpret test results at the advanced performance level.
2. Positions in this class must perform the work in the Water Departments Bureau of Laboratory Services or the Health Department.
TYPICAL EXAMPLES OF WORK (ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY)
ALL ASSIGNMENTS
Leads research to evaluate new or revised laboratory methods for performing chemical analyses or to determine the effectiveness of current analytical methods; develops analysis study plan; evaluates results of study, writes and presents reports, runs meetings.
Keeps current with changes in regulatory and legislative accreditation or certification requirements; Conducts initial analysis of new regulatory requirements or proposed service enhancements; evaluates laboratory compliance with quality assurance procedures; may participate in the evaluation of contractor laboratories. Gathers and analyzes data; selects statistical methods to evaluate test results; develops, tests, and documents sampling and analytical methodologies; consults with program personnel on interpretation of test results; determines the need for related discipline analyses and plans; coordinates and reviews such analyses.
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AIR ASSIGNMENT
Utilizes a gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer to quantify and/or identify organic compounds in mixtures that have been desorbed or extracted and concentrated from industrial air emissions and ambient air.
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 air discharges; determines the nature of odor causing organic compounds and the extent of pollution of air resources.
Identifies and quantifies toxic organic compounds or metals that are listed and/or required under the Federal Clean Air Act, Philadelphia Air Management Code, and "Right to Know" legislation.
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH MEDICAL EXAMINERS ASSIGNMENT
Performs toxicological analysis of biological specimens from cadavers to determine if any drugs are present in the specimen; primarily utilizes a gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer or a liquid chromatograph/mass spectrometer to quantify and/or identify organic compounds in mixtures in blood, tissue, and stomach contents; accesses computer systems to aid in identifying and quantifying drugs and alcohol ; performs toxicological testing and performs complex toxicological analysis of specimens to determine and quantify poisons present; develops new methods for the analysis of new compounds; assists with the determining of reliability of existing tests and methods; provides quality assurance and analysis of all tests performed.
Trains and leads subordinate analytical chemists in testing and laboratory procedures; reviews forensic literature related to analytical processes and procedures to assist in determining the levels of drugs, alcohol and chemicals are in tissue samples; obtains samples and gathers analytical data and methodologies on various compounds; performs major and minor maintenance on mass spectrometers, including maintenance of the inlet system (GC or LC); troubleshoots instrumental issues and takes corrective actions when problems are round.
WATER DEPARTMENT LABORATORY ASSIGNMENT
Prepares quality assurance project plans and standard operating procedures for laboratory programs; independently conducts or leads investigations such as problem-solving or corrective action investigations within or outside of main subject area of analytical responsibility to help troubleshoot analytical method operational difficulties; trains personnel in the theory, operation, maintenance and troubleshooting of instrumentation for the appropriate specialty.
Drafts standard operating procedures for new or updated methods; may determine and make recommendations for resources necessary to develop permanent analytical capabilities for new or revised laboratory methods or technologies.
Under the direction of a supervisor or manager may assume administrative duties related to technical issues, quality assurance, contracting, purchases or services; may technically review work on a contract and make recommendations to a technical superior.
Serves as a resource to and liaison within the Department in area of specialization; interacts with the public for general education purposes or to address issues of concern; arranges evaluation of public responses to areas of departmental responsibility; serves on interdisciplinary committees
Performs related work as required.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
KNOWLEDGE OF:
the principles and practices of quality assurance as applied to the laboratory setting
State and Federal regulations pertaining to laboratory methods and technology for the Water Assignment
Safety procedures as applied to laboratory procedures
the principles, methods, and practices of analytical chemistry
organic chemistry
principles, methods, and practices in the analysis of samples for chemical compounds as required for assignment
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 for the Health assignment
safety and ethical practices and procedures as they apply to chemical analyses in the laboratory
statistical methods for data analysis and quality control
regulatory requirements pertaining to the laboratory or to the chemicals of interest for detection and qualification
mass spectrometric fragmentation patterns and their interpretation for the Health assignment
the theory and operation of quadrupole and ion trap mass spectrometers and associated data systems for the Health assignment
SKILL IN:
performing standard tests and making accurate chemical analyses, using quality control techniques
performing more advanced maintenance and troubleshooting of standard laboratory instruments and equipment
designing and conducting research and investigations related to analytical laboratory work
leading project teams
the use, care and maintenance of laboratory equipment and materials
implementing laboratory methods for analytical use
using instrumental software as necessary to operate instruments and generate reports
ABILITY TO:
Coordinate program activities with technical personnel to achieve quality objectives
apply quality assurance procedures pertinent to chemical analyses
conduct research on chemical methods and techniques
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
MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE (The following statement represents the minimum training and experience standards which will be used to admit or reject applicants for tests. Applications submitted by candidates for this class will be reviewed based on training and experience requirements as approved on 8/25.)
EDUCATION:
Completion of a bachelor's degree program at an accredited college or university with major course work in chemistry, environmental chemistry, analytical chemistry, biochemistry, forensic chemistry, forensic toxicology, physical chemistry, inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, or materials science.
OR
Completion of a bachelor's degree program at an accredited college or university with a minimum equivalent of 34 semester hours in toxicology, chemistry, or biochemistry.
AND
GENERAL EXPERIENCE:
Two years of experience performing analytical chemistry.
NOTE: Completion of a master's degree program at an accredited college or university in a qualifying scientific field may be substituted for one year of the general experience.
AND
SPECIFIC EXPERIENCE:
One year of experience performing analytical chemistry at the full performance level.
OR
Any equivalent combination of education and experience determined to be acceptable by the Office of Human Resources, which has included the Specific Experience and completion of a bachelor's degree program as specified above as an educational minimum.
NOTE: Selective Factor Certification may be utilized, as needed, to fill specific positions.
In accordance with Civil Service Regulation 11.032 - Selective Factor Certification the appointing authority may request certification of eligible candidates with the specified education, training and/or experience to fill specific positions in this class. Certification to fill such position will be made from the two highest ranking eligible candidates on the eligible list who possess the specified qualification.
PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS
Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required of a position in this class.
Class Established 2/80
Spec. Revision:
CSC - 11/01
Ad. Board - 1/02
Spec Revision and change in pay rate:
CSC 1/22
Ad. Board 2/22
Spec Revision:
CSC 10/24: Ad. Board 11/24
Latest Spec Revision:
CSC 8/25; Ad. Board 9/25
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