Job Specification
ASSISTANT CHEMIST
DEFINITION
Under direction, performs professional testing analysis and
interpretation work to determine the chemical and physical composition
and properties of substances; does related work as required.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This is the entry level of professional work in chemistry
requiring a basic knowledge of theories, principles, and units of
measurement in chemistry and the ability to use standard laboratory
techniques, instruments, and methods. The work assignments are
designed to provide experience in the application of laboratory
techniques and operating procedures of the laboratory, and to advance
the chemist's knowledge of the subject matter area with which the
laboratory is concerned. He also learns to recognize irregularities
and deviations from the norm in the various chemical testing
procedures.
The employee receives detailed supervision. Careful review is
made of the work in progress and the results achieved. As the employee
becomes familiar with specific analyses, techniques or substances,
control over the work is decreased but the results are carefully
recorded and reviewed.
Professional chemistry work is characterized by those tasks which
require the worker to apply chemical theory and knowledge in order to:
(A) Evaluate the nature, composition, and properties of substance
being examined.
(B) Evaluate methods and procedures for sample preparation and
analysis.
(C) Adapt methods to samples that deviate from the norm.
(D) Analyze the cause and significance of unexpected reactions.
(E) Evaluate the validity of results on the basis of theoretical
considerations.
Positions in the field of professional chemistry require training
and/or education in the principles, concepts and theories of chemistry
and the application of these principles, concepts, and theories to the
prediction and interpretation of test results and to solving chemistry
problems.
In some cases it may be difficult to differentiate between the
work performed by a technician and that performed by a professional
chemist, particularly at this level in the series. At this level the
tasks assigned may be essentially the same as those performed by a
technician. In order to arrive at a determination as to the proper
classification of the position, consideration has to be given to the
intent and purpose of the work performed as well as the extent to which
the assigned tasks require the knowledge of and application of
established chemistry theories, concepts, and principles.
Typical of the instruments found in a chemistry laboratory are gas
and liquid chromatographs; gas chromatograph-mass spectrophotometers;
ultra-violet, infrared, atomic absorption spectrophotometers and
microscopes and auto analyzes.
Chemistry is an essential part of many kinds of programs carried
out by local government agencies. Typical of these services are (a)
law enforcement programs (b) medical care (c) environmental projects
(d) identification of substances.
A chemist, regardless of the program, may be found working any of
the five branches of chemistry, i.e. organic, inorganic, physical,
analytical, and biochemistry.
EXAMPLES OF WORK:
Performs varied but relatively routine and limited chemical
analyses on a variety of substances in order to determine their
chemical composition or presence of foreign substances.
Based upon previous assignments or instructions as to the specific
analyses and tests to be performed, selects the appropriate methods and
procedures.
Performs the analyses and tests which include physical tests, wet
laboratory analysis, and instrumental analysis using such instruments
as atomic absorption spectrophotometer and gas chromatograph.
Performs routine calculations.
Detects unusual reactions and instances when the established
methods and procedures are not applicable. Recommends to the
supervisor a minor modification to the method, extending examination,
or an alternate method to use.
Writes a laboratory report identifying the sample, stating the
methods and procedures used, and showing the results.
The supervisor assigns individual samples with clear instructions
as to the data to be obtained. For new or more difficult assignments,
the supervisor also provides instructions as to the methods and
procedures to apply and the location of source material available for
reference. The chemist is responsible for independently completing
recurring assignments, but refers all deviations and problems not
covered by the instructions to the supervisor or a higher level chemist
for assistance. The work is reviewed for adherence to instructions and
standard laboratory procedures and for technical soundness of the
results. New or more difficult assignments are reviewed more closely.
The methods and procedures for performing the work are
established. Specific guidelines such as established methodology
manuals, precedents, and standard operating procedures are available
for reference. For each sample, the chemist must exercise judgment to
select the appropriate methods and procedures to carry out the analyses
and tests. Situations in which the guides do not apply are referred,
typically with a recommended action, to the supervisor or a higher
level chemist.
The assignments involve a variety of analyses and tests. To
select the appropriate methods and procedures, the chemical identity of
the sample, its physical state, and the data specified to be determined
must be considered. The work can be performed by applying established
methods and procedures and usually any problems encountered can be
solved by minor method modification or adaptations.
REQUIREMENTS:
EDUCATION:
Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college
or university with a major course of study in chemistry.
LICENSE:
Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid
in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee
mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.
KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:
Knowledge of chemical principles, theories, and practices.
Knowledge of standard manuals such as Association of
Analytical Chemists Book of Methods and other manuals of approved
methods.
Knowledge of the mathematical and physical sciences concerned
with the structure, composition, and properties of substances.
Knowledge of the safety precautions required when working with
chemicals.
Ability to apply basic theoretical knowledge of related
biological sciences to the work of the laboratory.
Ability to calibrate and operate analytical instruments.
Ability to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or
manual recording and information systems used by the agency,
office, or related units.
Ability to read, write, speak, understand, or communicate in
English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American
Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable
forms of communication.
Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as
long as they can perform the essential functions of the job after
reasonable accommodation is made to their known limitations.
If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause
the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.
This job specification is applicable to the following title code: | | Job
Spec
Code | Variant | State,
Local or
Common | Class of
Service | Work
Week | State
Class
Code | Local
Class
Code | Salary
Range | Note | | 05031 | | L | C | | N/A | 21 | | - |
This job specification is for local government use only.
Salary range is only applicable to state government.
Local salaries are established by individual local jurisdictions.
CAH 9/15/1993 |
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