In the Departments of Emergency Services and Public Protection, Energy and Environmental Protection, Public Health and Transportation, this class is accountable for conducting chemical, biochemical and physical analyses of a variety of substances.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED:
Performs basic tasks independently; works under the close supervision of a Chemist 2, Principal Chemist or other employee of higher grade when performing more advanced tasks.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED:
May lead laboratory personnel of a lower grade as assigned.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES:
Performs qualitative and quantitative chemical and toxicological analyses of organic and inorganic substances to determine identity and concentration of substances; calibrates instruments and prepares and standardizes solutions and reagents; maintains records of examinations; conducts chemical analyses of drinking water from public and private supplies according to standard methods of water analysis; tests samples of sewage, river water, trade wastes and sludge for regulated pollutants; performs chemical and physical examinations of sewage and trade wastes to make determinations such as those for solids, ash, volatile matter, chlorides, nitrates, ammonia and organic nitrogen; performs chemical analyses of samples from swimming pools and bathing beaches for chemical contaminants; tabulates and plots curves of results of water analyses; prepares reports of investigations; prepares reagents; performs chemical analyses of food and dairy products; utilizes universal laboratory precautions; utilizes computers related to laboratory instrumentation, quality assurance data and test reports; may perform biochemical and toxicological analyses of human specimens as well as environmental samples for toxic substances in postmortem and medical/legal cases; may assist in biochemical and toxicological research; performs related duties as required.
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION: Performs chemical and physical analyses using instrumental analysis or wet chemical testing on materials such as paint, portland cement, steel alloys, hydrated lime, lime, fuel oils, chlorides in concrete, water, epoxy, admixtures, sodium and chloride purities used by the department on construction or maintenance projects; performs physical and chemical tests on other materials such as glass spheres, hay and wood fibers, topsoil and wood chips; compiles data for periodic summary and statistical reports; performs laboratory procedures necessary to validate improved and newly developed testing methods and procedures; may calibrate field instruments and prepare and standardize solutions and reagents.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY:
Knowledge of principles, methods and procedures of chemistry; knowledge of quantitative and qualitative chemistry; knowledge of equipment and instruments used in modern public laboratories: knowledge of applicable analytical techniques; knowledge of laboratory quality assurance and quality control policies and procedures; knowledge of universal laboratory precautions; knowledge of basic laboratory hazards and safety; skill in operation of chemical instruments and equipment; skill in data analysis and interpretation; oral and written communication skills; basic interpersonal skills; ability to conduct standard analytical chemical tests; ability to utilize computer software.
EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:
General Experience:
Five (5) years of experience in an industrial, public health, toxicology, medical or materials laboratory involving scientific work in the field of chemistry.
Substitutions Allowed:
1.
College training in chemistry or a related field may be substituted for the General Experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equalling one half (1/2) year of experience to a maximum of four (4) years for a Bachelor's degree.
2.
A Master's degree in chemistry or a related field may be substituted for the General Experience.
3.
Successful completion of the Connecticut Careers Trainee program in chemistry may be substituted for the General Experience.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
1.
Incumbents in this class must be willing to periodically undergo tests and immunizations for communicable diseases.
2.
Incumbents in this class may be required to have specific education and/or experience to meet the various certification and/or licensing requirements.
3.
Incumbents in this class may be required to undergo and successfully complete security background checks.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Incumbents in this class may be exposed to communicable diseases and hazardous substances.
CAREER PROGRESSION:
The next higher class in this career series is Chemist 2.
This replaces the existing specification for the class of Chemist 1 in Salary Group HC 18 approved effective October 2, 2014. (Revised to remove Office of the Chief Medical Examiner from Purpose of Class)
