STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE
HUMAN RESOURCES


CLASSIFICATION:  LABORATORY SCIENTIST II

 

Class Code:  5592-18                                            Date Established:  01-05-76           

 

Occupational Code:  7-6-4                                   Date of Last Revision:  12-28-01

 

BASIC PURPOSE:  To perform skilled laboratory analyses on samples and to generate test results by implementing laboratory methodology in a assigned program area.

 

CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

 

·        Analyzes and reports laboratory data from a variety of sources involving physical, biological and chemical samples.

 

·        Researches and assists in developing work methods and procedures for use in performing laboratory analysis of new substances and materials.

 

·        Maintains quality control documentation used to monitor compliance with state standards for specific laboratory tests and analyses.

 

·        Assists in the training of subordinate laboratory scientists and laboratory personnel in the theory and practices of specialized fields of laboratory testing.

 

·        Collects and analyzes samples used in statistical summaries and projections.

 

·        Operates and maintains laboratory instruments as applicable to assigned program area.

 

·        Testifies in court to defend testing procedures and analytical results as required.

 

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

DISTINGUISHING FACTORS:

 

Skill:  Requires skill in recommending routine changes in standardized operating procedures OR in retrieving, compiling and reporting data according to established procedures OR in operating complex machines.

 

Knowledge:  Requires logical or scientific understanding to analyze problems of a specialized or professional nature in a particular field.

 

Impact:  Requires responsibility for contributing to immediate, ongoing agency objectives by facilitating the direct provision of services to the public or other state agencies.  Errors at this level result in inaccurate reports or invalid test results and require significant investment of time and resources to detect.

 

Supervision:  Requires partial supervision of other employees doing work which is related or similar to the supervisor, including assigning job duties, providing training, giving instructions and checking work.

 

Working Conditions:  Requires performing regular job functions in an environment which includes exposure to continuous physical elements or a number of disagreeable working conditions with frequent exposure to minor injuries or health hazards.

 

Physical Demands:  Requires light work, including continuous walking or operating simple equipment for extended periods of time as well as occasional strenuous activities such as reaching or bending.

 

 

 

Communication:  Requires explaining facts, interpreting situations, or advising individuals of alternative or appropriate courses of action.  This level also requires interviewing or eliciting information from state employees or members of the general public.

 

Complexity:  Requires coordinating a combination of diverse job functions in order to integrate professional and technical agency goals.  This level also requires considerable judgment to implement a sequence of operations or actions.

 

Independent Action:  Requires a range of choice in applying a number of technical or administrative policies under general direction and in making routine decisions or in recommending modifications in work procedures for approval by supervisor.

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

 

Education:  Bachelor's degree from a recognized college or university with major study in the biological sciences, health sciences, or physical sciences.

 

Experience:  Two years' experience in a laboratory performing duties similar to the assignments of the laboratory in which the position is located.

 

License/Certification:  For positions in the Division of Public Health Services, applicants must meet certification requirements of the Health Care Financing Administration for Clinical Laboratory Personnel.  Eligibility to hold a New Hampshire driver's license if necessary for performing job accountabilities.

 

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

 

For appointment consideration, Laboratory Scientist II applicants must successfully participate in a structured interview measuring possession of knowledge, skills and abilities identified as necessary for satisfactory job performance by this class specification.  The structured interview is developed and administered, according to Division of Personnel guidelines, by representatives of the state agency in which the vacancy exists.

 

RECOMMENDED WORK TRAITS:  Thorough knowledge of laboratory instruments and equipment and the techniques and procedures concerning their use.  Thorough knowledge of the basic theories, principles and practices of scientific technology.  Considerable knowledge of literature and current developments in the field of specialization.  Knowledge of advanced mathematics including college algebra and logarithms.  Knowledge of English and metric systems of weights and measures.  Skill in mathematical calculations.  Skill in reading meters, graphs and other mechanical or electronic instruments.  Ability to prepare specimens for testing, determine the appropriate test procedures and interpret test results.  Ability to perform scientific tests with a high degree of accuracy and precision.  Ability to develop methods and procedures for the analysis of substances and materials.  Ability to prepare scientifically accurate and thorough reports of test results.  Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with subordinates and others for whom work is done and to whom test results must be explained.  Must be willing to maintain appearance appropriate to assigned duties and responsibilities as determined by the agency appointing authority.

 

DISCLAIMER STATEMENT:  This class specification is descriptive of general duties and is not intended to list every specific function of this class title.

 


Back to Human Resources Home Page
Back to State Opportunities Listing Page
Back to Class Specification List

Top of Page

Last Updated 05/10/02
URL: /hr/classspec_l/5592.htm