Chemist II

Suffolk County Government • Hauppauge, NY

4d • Onsite

About The Position

The Suffolk County Department of Health is seeking to fill the role of Chemist II in their Hauppauge location. 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.

Requirements

• Working knowledge of HPLC/UPLC
• At least one year of hands-on experience with LC/MS/MS instrumentation (analysis, maintenance, data review)
• 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
• Three (3) years of professional experience in chemical analysis
• 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

Responsibilities

• 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

Benefits

• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level