Chemist II

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.

Working knowledge of HPLC/UPLC, plus at least one year of hands-on experience with LC/MS/MS instrumentation (analysis, maintenance, data review).

Key Elements Of The Role:

• 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 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.

Salary Range: $61,309

*This position does not offer relocation assistance at this time

**Sponsorship is not available for this role

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

OPEN COMPETITIVE

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, and three (3) years of professional experience* in chemical analysis.

NOTE: 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.

This Role Is A Provisional Appointment 

A provisional appointment, which occurs only in the competitive class, is a temporary appointment to a position for which no eligible list exists or for which an eligible list exists with fewer than three candidates who are willing to accept the position. In order to become permanent, the employee who is provisionally appointed must take the next examination for the position in question. The appointment to the position is then made from among the three highest scoring passing candidates who indicate their willingness to accept the position. Civil Service law does not compel the appointing authority to choose the provisional employee should he or she be one of the three candidates 

Additional details regarding a Provisional Appointment can be reviewed at: 

https://www.suffolkcountyny.gov/Departments/Civil-Service/faqs 

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.