ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF CENTRAL MANAGEMENT SERVICES
CLASS SPECIFICATION
CHEMIST SERIES
Class Title
Position Code
Effective
CHEMIST I
06941
03-01-13
CHEMIST II
06942
03-01-13
CHEMIST III
06943
03-01-13
SERIES DISCUSSION:
The Chemist series encompasses positions which perform professional chemistry laboratory
work. Tests conducted by Chemists principally pertain to the composition and properties of
substances (i.e., elements, compounds, mixtures) and the reactions in which substances
are produced from other substances. Positions performing professional chemistry
laboratory work conduct tests to determine the identity and/or amount of substances present
in a sample and interpret the findings of complex experiments; successful interpretation of
these results is dependent upon a thorough knowledge of the theories, assumptions and
ethical standards underlying the field of chemistry. In contrast, technical positions conduct
chemical tests where the test results lead to obvious conclusions. (For example, the
addition of a particular reagent to a sample causes the sample to change color if the
substance being sought is present, and no discernable reaction occurs if the substance is
not present.)
The various levels in the Chemist series are distinguished from each other primarily by
expertise, decisions and commitments and supervision received. The Chemist I conducts
professional laboratory work under the close supervision of the immediate supervisor, test
results obtained are reviewed by the supervisor prior to release. Typically positions in this
class do not provide expert testimony in court or administrative hearings. Although the test
interpretations made by Chemist II's may be similar in difficulty to the interpretations
rendered by Chemist I's, the increased expertise at the Chemist II level allows positions in
this class to serve as expert witnesses in court and to serve as designated lead workers of
professional laboratory staff. The Chemist III interprets the most highly complex test results
in which findings of all substances in the sample are intermingled. A Chemist III requires
specialized training and experience in highly complex analytical chemistry applications and
requires little direct supervision.
CHEMIST I POSITION CODE: 06941
DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF WORK:
Under direct supervision, performs professional chemistry work in a state laboratory on such
samples as animal feed, fertilizers, coal, food products, water, air, soil, animal and human
blood and sera; interprets test results; retests if necessary; reports test results to immediate
supervisor or lead worker for review and approval; releases test in accordance with
laboratory protocols.
