STATE OF CONNECTICUT EXECUTIVE BRANCH JOBS

Chemist 2 (35 Hour)

Recruitment #180725-7520HC-001

Introduction

Within the Department of Public Health Laboratory, this Chemist 2 position will be located in the Organic Chemistry section of the Environmental Chemistry Division. This position involves the analysis of water samples for volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds, primarily in drinking water. The position may also have responsibilities in other areas of the laboratory (for example, other tests in both Organic and Inorganic Chemistry laboratories or in the Chemical Response laboratory) depending on the needs of the Division.

Selection Plan

Should you have questions pertaining to this recruitment, please contact Deb Lyons at Deborah.Lyons@ct.gov, (860) 509-7180.

PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

In the Departments of Emergency Services and Public Protection, Energy and Environmental Protection, Public Health and Transportation, this class is accountable for independently performing the full range of chemical and/or toxicological examinations and analyses.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Performs routine as well as new and unusual or difficult analyses and examinations utilizing sophisticated instrumentation; calibrates instruments and prepares and standardizes solutions and reagents; conducts chemical analyses of food and dairy products; tests samples and analyzes sewage and solid wastes, drinking water, rivers and other surface and trade waters for evidence of pollution according to standard methods for water analysis; tests air samples for pollutants; tests industrial samples to determine composition; tests environmental samples and effluents for radioactivity; makes up and checks standard solutions; utilizes universal laboratory precautions; utilizes computers to operate and maintain instrumentation, quality assurance data and test results; prepares reports and maintains records of investigations; participates in the implementation of quality assurance programs; may perform analyses of physical evidence resulting from criminal and toxicological cases; may perform biochemical and toxicological analyses of human specimens as well as environmental samples for toxic substances in postmortem and medical/legal cases; may act for the Principal Chemist in his or her absence; may testify in court; performs related duties as required.

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION: Performs chemical and physical tests on materials such as paint, steel, alloys, cement, hydrated lime, chlorides in paint, soil and concrete, fuel oils and other related materials which are used on construction and maintenance projects; maintains and calibrates equipment; standardizes reagents in chemical testing unit; responsible for inventory control of supplies; control of hazardous wastes and monitoring safety procedures; tabulates and charts in graphic form records of laboratory work.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

Considerable knowledge of organic, inorganic and analytical chemistry including equipment, instrumentation and material; considerable knowledge of tests and techniques employed in field of chemistry; knowledge of radiochemistry and occupational hygiene; knowledge of laboratory quality assurance and quality control policies and procedures; knowledge of universal laboratory precautions; knowledge of basic laboratory hazards and safety; considerable skill in performance of analytical tests in field of chemistry; skill in data collection, analysis, and interpretation; interpersonal skills; oral and written communication skills; ability to utilize computer software.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

Six (6) years of experience in an industrial, public health, toxicology, medical or materials laboratory involving scientific work in the field of chemistry.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SPECIAL EXPERIENCE

One (1) year of the General Experience must have been at the junior working level in the field of chemistry. For state employees this is interpreted at the level of Chemist 1.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - 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 one (1) additional year of the General Experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Experience in testing samples for toxic compounds using complex instrumentation, such as GC-MS, GC-ECD, GC-FID
  • Experience in prioritizing work and managing workflow
  • Experience utilizing EPA methods for the analysis of Organic Compounds in drinking water and a familiarity with laboratory quality assurance procedures and protocols
  • Experience exercising written and oral communication skills, including writing Standard Operating Procedures
  • Experience meeting regulatory and/or certification requirements, including participation in certification audits

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.

Conclusion

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The Department of Public Health aims to provide equal opportunity in all aspects of employment and advancement, fostering an environment committed to supporting individuals in all protected classes. If you require an aid/accommodation to participate fully and fairly, please contact the Human Resources Office at (860) 509-7177.