State of Maryland

A Chemist I is the entry 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 close 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.

Learns to perform 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;

Learns to analyze organic and inorganic substances to determine chemical and physical properties;

Learns to assess the acceptability and appropriateness of samples collected for chemical analysis and determine the appropriate method of analysis to obtain accurate and valid results;

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

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

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

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

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

Learns to follow 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;

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

Ability to understand and follow laboratory procedures and policies;

Ability to conduct analyses, analyze data and draw accurate conclusions;

Ability to identify data discrepancies;

Ability to learn to operate and maintain specialized laboratory instrumentation;

Ability to learn to modify established protocols and standards;

Ability to learn to identify, locate and correct method problems;

Ability to develop new methods and to modify existing methods;

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: None.

Note: 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 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.  

Employees in this classification are eligible to receive overtime compensation. An employee who works more than the normal workweek is entitled to be compensated for that overtime, as provided by the State Personnel and Pensions             Article, Section 8-305.  

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.