Job description
DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS
An employee in this class performs complex testing and analyses of samples of drinking water, surface and ground waters, sewage, marine water, liquid and solid hazardous waste, and other substances suspected of causing a public health hazard. The work involves the use and general maintenance of sophisticated modern laboratory equipment. This class differs from Chemist I (Public Health) by virtue of the more complex tests and analyses performed, and the higher level of independence exercised in performing tests and analyses. The employee works under general supervision, with leeway allowed for the exercise of independent judgment and method development. Work may involve training and/or supervision of subordinate laboratory personnel in preparing media, staining, plating, performing routine tests, and adhering to standard procedures. Does related work as required.
Working knowledge of HPLC/UPLC, plus at least one year of hands-on experience with LC/MS/MS instrumentation (analysis, maintenance, data review).
TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES
Prepares, tests, and analyzes various environmental samples using sophisticated modern laboratory equipment to determine the presence or absence of contaminants;
Participates in quality assurance activities and proficiency testing;
Evaluates the findings and results of analyses, writes reports and prepares quality control summaries;
Reviews and updates Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for assigned method(s);
Maintains sufficient quantities of supplies and equipment on hand;
Performs general maintenance of laboratory equipment;
Makes up reagents for use in chemical tests;
May supervise and/or instruct subordinate laboratory personnel in the preparation, testing, and analysis of various samples;
May validate the results and methods of subordinate laboratory personnel;
May handle samples of an unusual nature and/or known problem cases;
May develop and implement new methods of analysis;
May testify in a variety of legal proceedings concerning findings and observations;
May wash glassware and perform other cleanup activities.
FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS
Thorough knowledge of modern chemical laboratory methods, procedures, and equipment; thorough knowledge of the theories, principles, and practices of analytical, organic, and inorganic chemistry; thorough knowledge of Public Health laws and rules; thorough knowledge of Public Health standards for sanitation; thorough knowledge of the indicators, sources, and legal limits of water pollutants; good knowledge of mathematics; good knowledge of statistics; skill in laboratory manipulative techniques; ability to oversee and instruct the work of subordinate laboratory personnel in a manner conducive to full performance and high morale; ability to program and operate complex electronic laboratory equipment; ability to do original research work; ability to make accurate observations and draw sound conclusions; ability to express oneself clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; ability to maintain effective working relationships with co-workers; patience; persistence; physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
OPEN COMPETITIVE
Graduation from a college with federally-authorized accreditation or registration by NY State with a Bachelor's Degree in one of the Chemical, Environmental, Physical, Medical, or Biological Sciences, or Engineering, including or supplemented by sixteen (16) credit hours in Chemistry including Organic Chemistry, and three (3) years of professional experience* in chemical analysis.
NOTE: *Professional experience defined as experience involving independent responsibility for the analysis of evidence or specimens, and includes the signing and issuing of reports. Qualifying experience gained within the last ten (10) years.
Additional graduate education in Chemistry or Environmental Science will substituted for experience on a year-for-year basis up to a maximum of one (1) year.
Benefits:
· Full Medical for member and qualifying dependents through Suffolk County Employee Medical Health Plan: Employee contribution: 2.4% of base salary (or a minimum of $1,500 per year)
Tuition reimbursement available for work (approval based) related continued education.
· Flexible Spending Account (employee contribution) is available for Dependent Care $5,000 Maximum and Health Expenses $2,850 Maximum
· 13 Calendar year holidays: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Day, Lincoln's Birthday, Washington's Birthday, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Election Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day.
· -Vacation Time: During the first year, employees are entitled to 10 Vacation days, earned at the rate of 2.75 per pay period totaling 10 days annually. Employees continue to earn vacation days in accordance with the schedule, reaching a maximum of 30 days per year. Unused vacation time rolls over each year until a maximum of 420 hours.
· Sick Time: Earned at the rate of 1/2 day per pay period totaling 13 days annually. Unused sick time rolls over each year, with no maximum rollover.
· Personal Leave: An employee granted 4 days of personnel leave each year. Employees receive 7.5 hours on their 1st day and will accrue one additional day every quarter. After employee first anniversary, 28 hours of personal days will be frontloaded at the beginning of each year worked. Unused personal time rolls over into sick each year with no maximum rollover.
· Salary: Step increase every 12 months on July 1 completed year of service in addition to contractual raises through 2024.
· Membership in the New York State Retirement Pension System 5 year vested. In order to retire with Health benefits you need to work 10 continuous years with the county and be 55.
Suffolk County Municipal Employees Benefit Fund.
· Short Term and Long Term Disability
· Dental and optical coverage
· Annual Prescription, hearing aid and specialist co-pay reimbursement
· All Members receive $70,000 of guaranteed life insurance at no cost.
· Financial and Retirement planning assistance
· Tax preparation reimbursement
· Legal assistance benefits
· Bereavement and survivor death benefits
· Identity & Fraud Protection
Salary: $59,821.00 - $71,749.00 per year