Nature of Work: An employee in this position performs professional work by performing analyses of commercial pesticide products, pesticide use dilutions and residues in groundwater samples. Pesticide residue analyses are performed on various equipment such as the HPLC, GC/MS, and LC/MS/MS. The employee performs pesticide enforcement grant-related work in the development and maintenance of a quality assurance program for pesticide laboratories.

Examples of Work:

• Reviews work for accuracy of lower level Chemists.

• Independently evaluates samples and recommends follow up actions.

• Assists in planning of the laboratories work activities.

• Evaluates problematic sample results to determine error.

• Advises lower level laboratory staff on proper procedures, problems and complex test interpretation.

• Maintains quality assurance measures in relation to the pesticide enforcement grant required for laboratories.

• Determines the type and extent of testing required to ascertain the quality of samples submitted for analyses, guided by the principles and techniques of analytical chemistry and by the methods devised by professional and testing organizations in developing the necessary laboratory procedures.

• Analyzes and interprets test results to assist in the administration of laws, regulations or specifications relating to the pesticide formulations or residues found.

• Reports questionable identifications or finds on work to a supervisor.

• Attends meetings including overnight travel
  Utilizes a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) for data entry and other computer operations. 

• Performs related work as required, such as assisting other division chemists as needed.

• Prepares official reports and may be called upon to testify before the court or the Commissioner.

• Maintains records of all quality activities as documented in SOPs and test methods.

• Handles samples and performing analyses according to SOPs and test methods.

• Writes SOPs and test methods.

• Signs reports when designated with signing authority.

• Maintains and calibrates equipment.

• Reports deficiencies or malfunction to the Assistant Director.

• Identifies and records nonconformities on Corrective Action Requests.

• Identifies and recording potential nonconformities on Preventive Action Requests.

• Corrects nonconformities and potential nonconformities.

• Improves laboratory and/or quality activities on a continuous basis.

• Other duties as assigned.

   

   

  Working Conditions:

   

• Ability to sit, stand, and/or walk for extended periods of time; frequently bend, squat, reach above shoulder level, push, pull and handle objects and capable of lifting up to 50 pounds.

• Employment may require working with pathogenic microorganisms, hazardous chemicals such as disinfectants, acids, bases, mutagens, teratogens, and solvents; hot liquids, steam, and hot solid surfaces capable of burns; and warm, humid conditions can be found in the laboratory environment. Personal protective equipment is supplied to laboratory staff.

• Some jobs require employees to be exposed to non-toxic unpleasant odors.

   

   

  Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

   

• Knowledge of the principles, practices and procedures of pesticide formulation and residue chemistry.

• Skill in the use of computer-controlled laboratory equipment such as gas chromatograph, mass spectrometer, liquid chromatograph, electron capture detectors and other detectors commonly used in pesticide analysis.

• Ability to prepare analytical reports and to organize and present scientific information in a clear and concise manner.

• Ability to do original research and devise new methods of testing for pesticide formulation and residue levels.

• Knowledge of laboratory quality control procedures and appropriate statistical methods.

• Ability to use and care for complex laboratory instruments.

• Ability to perform various tests, adapt techniques as required, and to perform complex computations.

• Ability to prepare scientifically accurate and thorough reports.

• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.

• Knowledge in the procedures involving the use and handling of hazardous chemicals.

   

Qualifications:

Training: Graduation from an accredited 4-year college or university with a major in chemistry.

Experience: A minimum of three years of employment experience in performing laboratory technical work preferably related to pesticide analyses.

Substitution: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master’s of Science in biology or chemistry with two years of experience utilizing HPLC, GC/MS, and LC/MS/MS instrumentation.

Additional Requirements:

• Valid Driver’s License.
• Satisfactory completion of pre-employment drug testing.
• Satisfactory completion of pre-employment law enforcement background investigation, including DMV records.
• Must maintain a positive image of the Commissioner, West Virginia Department of Agriculture, and the State of West Virginia.