State of Maryland

A Chemist Supervisor is the supervisory 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 supervise Chemists and may supervise support staff.  

Employees in this classification receive general supervision from a Chemist Manager 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 Supervisor and Chemist Advanced are differentiated in that the Chemist Supervisor has supervisory responsibility for Chemists while 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.  The Chemist Supervisor is differentiated from the Chemist Manager in that the Chemist Manager has supervisory responsibility for Chemist Supervisors. 

Supervises, schedules, assigns and evaluates the work of Chemists;

Trains and provides direction to subordinate staff on assignments, work schedules, analysis priorities and the use and maintenance of laboratory equipment;

Recommends the development or modification of laboratory policies and procedures and quality assurance protocols and implements new policies and procedures as needed;

Performs chemical and physical testing and analyses of various regulated materials, products and substances, such as pesticides, fertilizers, animal feeds, alcoholic beverages, petroleum products, vegetable/animal tissue, 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 compounds to determine chemical and physical properties;

Assesses the acceptability and appropriateness of methods and protocols 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 the procedure and unanticipated reactions and adjusts testing procedures as needed;

Develops and validates 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, Diode Array, 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 safety of equipment;

Adheres to quality control and quality assurance protocols to ensure the integrity 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;

Recommends the purchase of new equipment to facilitate an efficient and effective laboratory operation;

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 laboratory chemicals, equipment and instruments used in a chemistry laboratory;

Skill in understanding and following laboratory procedures and policies;

Skill in the use of diagnostic and environmental laboratory supplies, reagents, chemicals and equipment;

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

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

Skill in performing complex mathematical computations;

Skill in identifying data discrepancies;

Ability to coordinate and supervise the work of Chemists;

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: Four 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 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 three years of 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 not assigned to a bargaining unit, as indicated by the designation of S (Supervisor), M (Manager), T (Agency Head), U (Board or Commission Member), W (Student), X (Used by Agency or Excluded by Executive Order), or Z (Confidential).  As provided by State Personnel and Pensions Article, Section 3-102, special appointment, temporary, contractual, supervisory, managerial and confidential employees are excluded collective bargaining.  Additionally, certain executive branch agencies are exempt from collective bargaining and all positions in those agencies are excluded from collective bargaining.