HomeMy WebLinkAbout05.d. Adopt revised job classification description for Chemist I/II.Central Contra Costa Sanitary District
BOARD OF DIRECTORS .
1 •
POSITION PAPER
Board Meeting Date: September 15, 2011
subject: ADOPT CHANGES TO JOB CLASSIFICATION DESCRIPTION OF CHEMIST
1 /11 POSITION
Submitted By. Initiating Dept. /Div.:
Christopher Ko, Provisional Human Administration /Human Resources
Resources Manager
REVIEWED AND RECOMMENDED FOR BOARD ACTION:
41. A W/a
C. Ko M. rr R. Musgraves ames M. Kelly,
eneral Manager
ISSUE: Modifications to job classification descriptions require Board approval.
RECOMMENDATION: Adopt the revised job classification for Chemist 1 /11.
FINANCIAL IMPACTS: None.
ALTERNATIVES /CONSIDERATIONS: Do not adopt the changes or modify as desired.
BACKGROUND: Recently, the California Water Environment Association (CWEA)
modified the certification title of the Laboratory Analyst Certification. The Chemist 1 /11
job classification description currently requires possession of a Grade I Laboratory
Technologist Certificate issued by CWEA, or the ability obtain the certificate within one
year of appointment. The term "technologist" has been changed to "analyst." The
attached changes merely reflect the title change in this requirement.
The District communicated its intent to modify the job description to MS /CG on
September 2, 2011, and MS /CG did not raise any concerns or objections to the
proposed changes.
Since the Human Resources Committee did not meet in September, this matter is being
sent directly to the Board without Committee review.
RECOMMENDED BOARD ACTION: Adopt the revised job classification for Chemist
1 /I1.
H: \Board \Position Papers \Modification of Job Descriptions - Chemist 1 -II 09- 15- 11.doc
CENTRAL CONTRA COSTA SANITARY DISTRICT
Effective: 9/15/11 - - Deleted: 10/18/05
Range: I = S -64
II = S -69
Respirator Class: 3
CHEMIST 1 /II
DEFINITION
Perform a variety of specialized chemical, biochemical, bacteriological, microbiological,
and toxicity analyses of water, receiving waters, wastewater, and related solids and by-
products relevant to wastewater collection, treatment, and disposal; collect samples;
perform and /or assist in the conduct of complex research projects.
Chemist I
This is the entry -level class in the Chemist series and is distinguished from the II level
by a more limited ability to perform the full range of duties as assigned without
immediate supervision. While positions in this class may have relevant work
experience, they are generally less familiar with the specific policies and procedures
unique to the District and the District's laboratory operation.
Chemist .II
This is the journey level class in the Chemist series and is distinguished from the I level
by the ability to perform the full range of duties as assigned including the conduct of
complex research projects which positions in the I level usually assist in. Positions in
this class are distinguished from the Senior level in that responsibilities do not include
administrative or managerial duties relevant to the daily operation of the laboratory.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Chemist I
Receive general supervision from the Laboratory Superintendent and indirect
supervision from the Senior Chemist. Technical supervision may be received from
positions in the Chemist II class.
CENTRAL CONTRA COSTA SANITARY DISTRICT
Chemist 1 /II (Continued)
Chemist II
Receive direction from the Laboratory Superintendent and indirect supervision from the
Senior Chemist.
May exercise technical supervision over subordinate laboratory personnel.
EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES - Duties may include, but are not limited to, the
following:
Perform a variety of chemical, biochemical, bacteriological, microbiological, and toxicity
analyses of water, wastewater, and related solids and liquids relevant to wastewater
treatment collection, treatment, and disposal.
Assist in preparing and completing daily reports relevant to regulatory monitoring and
process control requirements; perform and /or assist in complex research projects
requiring special chemical and biological analyses.
Provide analytical support to all sections within the laboratory, including weekends and
holidays, to assure meeting regulatory monitoring and process control requirements.
Perform complex chemical and mathematical calculations and statistical analyses for
test results; maintain appropriate records and logs.
Operate a variety of laboratory equipment including the gas chromatograph /mass
spectrometer, the atomic absorption spectrophotometer, as well as other computer -
controlled analyzers.
Monitor and sample continuous bioassay system.
Perform related duties as required.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Chemist I
Knowledge of:
Standard methods for the analysis of water and wastewater.
Sampling techniques and statistical analysis.
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CENTRAL CONTRA COSTA SANITARY DISTRICT
Chemist 1 /II (Continued)
Ability to:
Modern laboratory equipment and its uses.
Mathematics as it applies to laboratory work.
Safety hazards and appropriate precautions applicable to work assignments.
On a continuous basis analyze data calculations, identify which rules and
procedures apply, interpret procedures, know chemistry and safety rules,
problem solve deviations from expected results and poor performance of
instruments, remember reference sources, and explain procedures to other
analysts.
Walk around lab areas and stand for long periods of time while performing tests
on a continuous basis, perform simple grasping and fine manipulation, and lift or
carry weight of 50 pounds or less.
Analyze and interpret the results of routine laboratory tests of water and
wastewater.
Assist in the conduct of the more complex research projects.
Maintain accurate records and prepare appropriate reports.
Learn the District's organization, functions, rules, and regulations.
Learn and observe all appropriate safety precautions as required by the District
including, but not limited to, Cal /OSHA General Industry Safety Orders, the
District's Respiratory Protection Program, and District Safety Directives.
Work shift, on -call, weekends, and holidays as assigned.
CENTRAL CONTRA COSTA SANITARY DISTRICT
Chemist 1 /II (Continued)
Experience and Education:
Any combination equivalent to experience and education that could likely provide
the required knowledge and abilities would be qualifying. A typical way to obtain
the knowledge and abilities would be:
Experience
Eighteen months of experience in an analytical laboratory comparable to that of
the District.
Education
Equivalent to a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with
major work in chemistry, bacteriology, or a related science.
Licenses and Certificates:
Possession of a Grade I Laboratory nal st Certificate issued by the California _ _ - - - Deleted: Technologist
Water Environment Association or must obtain the certificate within one year of
appointment.
Possession of a valid California Driver's License.
Chemist II
In addition to the qualifications for Chemist I:
Knowledge of:
Personal computers and software.
District's organization, functions, rules, and regulations.
Current developments in technology and instrumentations related to practices
and procedures.
CENTRAL CONTRA COSTA SANITARY DISTRICT
Chemist 1 /11 (Continued)
Ability to:
Conduct the more complex research projects.
Implement the laboratory's quality analysis /quality control, safety and chemical
hygiene programs.
Apply sound, technical knowledge and professional judgment.
Maintain and requisition laboratory supplies and equipment.
Experience and Education:
Any combination equivalent to experience and education that could likely provide
the required knowledge and abilities would be qualifying. A typical way to obtain
the knowledge and abilities would be:
Experience
Two years of experience comparable to that of the Chemist I class in the District.
Licenses and Certificates:
Possession of a Grade II Laboratory nal st Certificate_issued by the California , _ - Deleted: Technologist
Water Environment Association or must obtain the certificate within one year of
appointment.
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