State of Maryland

A Chemist III is the full performance level of work performing chemical, analytical, diagnostic and environmental laboratory testing to determine compliance with applicable consumer protection, public health and environmental standards and federal, State and local regulations. Employees in this classification do not supervise other positions.  

Employees in this classification receive general supervision from a Chemist Supervisor or other designated official.  The work is performed in a laboratory setting.  Employees may be required to work overtime.  Employees are required to observe safety protocols in order to minimize exposure to toxic substances and corrosive materials.   

Positions in this classification are evaluated using the classification job evaluation methodology.  The use of this method involves comparing the assigned duties and responsibilities of a position to the job criteria found in the Nature of Work and Examples of Work sections of a class specification.   

The Chemist I, Chemist II and Chemist III are differentiated on the basis of degree of supervisory control exercised by the supervisor over these employees.  The Chemist I performs duties under close supervision.  The Chemist II performs duties under close supervision at times and under general supervision at other times depending on the complexity of the specific duty being performed.  The Chemist III performs the full range of duties and responsibilities under general supervision.  The Chemist III is differentiated from the Chemist Advanced in that the Chemist Advanced serves as a leader of special projects and performs the most difficult and complex analyses of sample matrices or serves as a technical expert.

Performs routine and non-routine chemical and physical testing and analyses of various regulated materials, products and substances, such as pesticides, fertilizers, animal feeds, alcoholic beverages, petroleum products, soil, water or air to determine compliance with applicable consumer protection, public health and environmental standards and federal, State and local regulations;

Analyzes organic and inorganic substances to determine chemical and physical properties;

Assesses the acceptability and appropriateness of samples collected for chemical analyses and determines the appropriate method of analysis to obtain accurate and valid results;

Prepares samples for analysis according to protocols and approved standard methods and monitors the testing process to observe validity of procedure and unanticipated reactions and adjusts testing procedures as needed;

Develops in-house methods of analysis or modifies existing methods to analyze complex matrices or to identify and quantify analyses for which there is no applicable standard procedure;

Performs analyses and tests using equipment and instruments, such as gas and liquid chromatographs, nitrogen analyzers, spectrophotometers, hydrometers, pH meters and microscopes;

Prepares interpretive reports to document the analytical method used, instrumental parameters, method modifications, relevant calculations and analytical findings;

Maintains laboratory instruments and scientific equipment in accordance with manufacturer’s specifications to ensure the accuracy of test results and safe operation of equipment;

Adheres to quality control and quality assurance protocols to ensure the validity of test results and safety of the work environment;

Keeps abreast of changes and advancements in laboratory science and participates in continuing education to enhance knowledge and skills;

Testifies in court regarding samples analyzed to attest to the chain of custody being maintained, test methods used, test results and conclusions reached;

Performs other related duties.

Knowledge of the principles, theories and practices of college level chemistry;

Knowledge of mathematics, including algebra, calculus and statistics;

Knowledge of the theory and operation of common laboratory chemicals, equipment and instruments used in a chemistry laboratory;

Skill in understanding and following laboratory procedures and policies;

Skill in conducting analyses, analyzing test data, and drawing accurate conclusions;

Skill in performing complex mathematical computations;

Skill in the application of quality control procedures used in handling hazardous chemicals;

Skill in identifying discrepancies in performance of tests;

Ability to use judgment in modifying established protocols and standards;

Ability to identify, locate and correct method problems;

Ability to develop new methods and to modify existing methods;

Ability to prepare and maintain accurate, clear and concise technical reports;

Ability to communicate effectively.

Education:   A Bachelor’s degree in chemistry or other related science which includes completion of at least 24 credit hours in chemistry from an accredited college or university.

Experience: Two years of experience performing laboratory chemical analysis work in a public health or chemistry laboratory.

Notes:       

1. Possession of a Master’s degree in chemistry or a related science from an accredited college or university may be substituted for one year of the required experience.    

2. Possession of a Doctorate degree in chemistry from an accredited college or university may be substituted for the required experience.                    

3. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a commissioned officer in chemistry classification or chemistry specialty codes in the chemistry field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required experience and education.

Class specifications are broad descriptions covering groups of positions used by various State departments and agencies. Position descriptions maintained by the using department or agency specifically address the essential job functions of each position.

This is a Skilled Service classification in the State Personnel Management System.  All positions in this classification are Skilled Service positions.  Some positions in Skilled Service classifications may be designated Special Appointment in accordance with the State Personnel and Pensions Article, Section 6-405, Annotated Code of Maryland.  

This classification is assigned to Bargaining Unit G, Engineering, Scientific and Administrative Professionals classes.  As provided by State Personnel and Pensions Article, Section 3-102, special appointment, temporary, contractual, supervisory, managerial and confidential employees are excluded from collective bargaining.  Additionally, certain executive branch agencies are exempt from collective bargaining and all positions in those agencies are excluded from collective bargaining.  

This classification is one level in a Non-Competitive Promotion (NCP) series.  NCP promotions are promotions by which employees may advance in grade and class level from trainee to full performance level in a classification series.  In order to be non-competitively promoted to the next level in a NCP series, an employee must: 1) perform the main purpose of the class, as defined by the Nature of Work section of the class specification; 2) receive the type of supervision defined in the class specification and 3) meet the minimum qualifications of the classification.