Leads a major chemical analytic unit within a laboratory regularly involved in complex chemical analyses, and supervise other professional level chemists; manages the operation, of the analytic unit, including work flow, data quality control, exercise fiscal signature authority for an analytic unit; or is the designated expert in a specialized area of chemistry critical to the business needs of the agency.

Leads and manages a chemical analytic unit within a laboratory distinguished by the fact that the principal end-product is the supervision of chemists and guidance of the chemical analytic unit, rather than the performance of chemistry itself. Expert positions are recognized and designated, in writing, by the division appointing authority in a specialty area of chemistry. Criteria for expert designation shall be approved by the assistant director, equivalent, or higher.

Participates in formulation and direction of department-wide policy regarding chemical program, chemical research, and chemical investigative functions; evaluates needs and feasibility of initiating or expanding, reducing, or eliminating significant portions of the chemical program; effectively recommends changes indicated;

Trains and supervises several subordinate chemists or chemists and microbiologist in a chemical program requiring the regular and frequent performance of original chemical research; coordinates laboratory activities and gives technical assistance in areas of research planning and development of original techniques;

Reviews laboratory results obtained and checks research reports of subordinates for justification of conclusions and resolution of the problems for which the study was conducted;

Participates in interagency and interstate committees and within a general framework commits the Department to participation in joint studies and projects;

Meets with representatives of companies, political subdivisions and industries on whom his laboratory has direct impact to discuss and resolve questions of adequacy of studies performed, approaches used and results obtained; initiates changes and restudies according to his own judgment;

In the Department of Agriculture, supervises chemists and microbiologists in the chemical and biological analysis of dairy and food products for adulteration and contamination, including pesticide or other toxic residues on foods and raw agricultural products;

Performs other work as required.

Knowledge of: inorganic, organic and analytical chemistry; physical chemistry related to modern analytical instrumentation; research methods in micro-chemistry; research report writing; activities planning and fiscal aspects of laboratory management; principles of good supervision.

Ability to: plan large-scale chemical studies, including instrumentation and manpower utilization; supervise and train chemists in a laboratory setting; present technical information clearly, both orally and in writing; deal effectively with representatives of other agencies and businesses at an administrative level.

There may be instances where individual positions must have additional licenses or certification. It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure the appropriate licenses/certifications are obtained for each position.

A Bachelor's degree with a major in chemistry or a Bachelor's degree with a minimum of 30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours of college level chemistry and six years of experience performing chemical analysis in an analytical laboratory including at least one year of experience leading or supervising professional chemists.


One year of experience as a Chemist 3.

NOTE: A Master's degree will substitute for two years of the required experience or a Ph.D. degree will substitute for three years of the required experience provided a Bachelor's degree and the required college-level chemistry have been achieved.

Revised minimum qualifications effective 3-1-1966.
Revised minimum qualifications effective 11-12-1987.
Revised definition and distinguishing characteristics effective 6-15-1990.
Revised minimum qualifications effective 1-11-1991.
New class code effective July 1, 2007; formerly 53840.
Revised definition and distinguishing characteristics; base range salary adjustment; adopted June 22, 2023, effective July 1, 2023.