Chemist I – Environmental Control

Under supervision, an employee in this class performs entry level professional work conducting quantitative analyses on samples from marine and fresh surface waters, groundwater and industrial and domestic wastewater sources.  An important aspect of this position is that its primary purpose is to monitor the composition of ground and surface waters so as to detect and guard against pollution.  The work involves the supervised use and general maintenance of sophisticated modern laboratory equipment such as an auto-analyzer, an atomic absorption spectrophotometer, an organic carbon analyzer and a gas chromatograph.  The incumbent performs some preparatory and routine functions independently, but performs more complex assignments under either direct or general supervision, depending upon the level of difficulty.  Direct supervision may be exercised over the work of Laboratory Technicians and Aides. 

*Does related work as required.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Sets up, calibrates and runs automated analysis equipment to quantitatively analyze water, industrial and domestic wastewater, and septage samples;

• Performs and directs Laboratory Technicians and Aides in the performance of wet method sample preparations, simple colorimetric tests and other simple volumetric, spectrophotometric and gravimetric analyses;

• Performs analyses associated with the control and determination of performance of wastewater treatment facilities;

• Prepares materials for use by washing, measuring, cooking, etc.;

• Makes up reagents for use in chemical tests;

• Receives and logs in samples, divides into smaller samples, labels and stores properly;

• Reads charts of test results, calculates numerical equivalents and transfers to log sheets;

• Checks to make sure that sufficient quantities of supplies are on hand;

• May be required to testify in court as to findings and observations;

• May wash glassware and perform other clean-up activities.

Benefits For You Now And Your Future

• Health Insurance: Suffolk offers a comprehensive health insurance plan, including medical, dental, and vision coverage

• Pension

• Paid Time Off:  Vacation (2 weeks to start) is accrued based on length of service;  sick leave allows employees to take time off for illness without sacrificing pay; personal days can be used for a variety of reasons; and thirteen (13) paid holidays.

• Work-Life Balance: County jobs offer regular working hours, reducing the need for overtime or irregular shifts. This helps employees maintain a good work-life balance.

Overall, county government jobs offer a combination of competitive benefits and job security, making them an attractive option for many job seekers.

*This position does not offer relocation assistance at this time

**Sponsorship is not available for this role

Starting Salary: $54,392 to $88,531

OPEN COMPETITIVE
Graduation from a college with federally-authorized accreditation or registration by NY State with a Bachelor's degree in one of the natural sciences which includes at least sixteen (16) credit hours in Chemistry including Organic Chemistry.

PROMOTIONAL
Two (2) years of permanent competitive status as a Laboratory Technician or a Laboratory Technician (Public Works) possessing a Bachelor's degree in one of the natural sciences with at least sixteen (16) credit hours in Chemistry including Organic Chemistry.

ADDITIONAL POSITION DETAILS:

• Good knowledge of the theories, principles and practices of organic and analytical chemistry

• Good knowledge of mathematics

• Good knowledge of modern chemical laboratory methods, procedures and equipment

• Good knowledge of the indicators, sources and legal limits of water pollutants

• Working knowledge of statistics

• Skill in laboratory manipulative techniques

• Ability to take field samples and to set up sampling procedures

• Ability to operate complex electronic laboratory equipment

• Ability to perform assigned analyses and tests according to prescribed procedures

• Ability to make accurate observations and conclusions of test results

• Ability to maintain good working relationships with others in close quarters

• Patience

• Persistence

• Physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

Suffolk County’s Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion & Equity:

• Our focus is to promote, support, and implement the County-wide diversity and inclusion strategic plan.
• We achieve results in all our responsibilities through the use of diversity and inclusion best practices.
• We maintain a familiarity with Diversity & Inclusion trends and best practices.

Suffolk County is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against applicants or employees on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, disability that can be reasonably accommodated without undue hardship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, citizenship, marital or veteran status, or any other legally protected status.