Life and Physical Sciences #59130

Life & Physical Sciences, #59130
Occupational Family: Natural Resources and Applied Sciences
Pay Band Range: 4 - 7

Concept of Work

This Career Group provides career tracks for life and physical scientists that plan, develop, implement, collect, analyze, interpret, and publish or disseminate scientific findings, facts and recommendations for projects in the physical, life, earth or biological sciences. Employees are responsible for professional conduct of scientific research projects, laboratory analysis and experiments and/or scientific programs in state agencies or colleges and universities. Employees’ responsibilities range from entry-level scientists performing routine standardized test to executive management.

Roles Comprising This Group

These roles describe the collective characteristics of the work performed by employees in the Life and Physical Science Career Group. The roles define the typical career paths for scientists, who pursue careers such as soil & plant scientist, biochemists, microbiologists, toxicologists, chemists, molecular biologists, wildlife biologist, geologists, and transportation research scientists.

Although all of these occupations are scientists, each warrants a separate career track. Each of these career paths requires different knowledge, skills, and abilities and would not naturally lead to the other for career progression. However, a role for each of these occupations represents different levels of work, or career progression. Career paths may exist within a single role, extend to other roles in this Career Group, or to roles in other occupationally related Career Groups.

PAY BAND	PRACTITIONER ROLES	ROLE CODE	MANAGEMENT ROLES	ROLE CODE
4	Scientist I	59131
5	Scientist II	59132	Scientist Manager I	59134
6	Scientist III	59133	Scientist Manager II	59135
7			Scientist Manager III	59136

Role Descriptions

These roles are distinguished based upon the Compensable Factors of Complexity, Results, and Accountability and are used for position classification. These factors should be used for classification and compensation analysis. Recruitment and selection standards must be based on knowledge, skills, and abilities as indicated in the Employee Work Profile.

Scientist I

Code: 59131

Pay Band 4

SOC: 19-0000*

This Scientist I role provides career tracks for scientists that perform work in a laboratory, in the field, and/or for scientific research. Employees’ responsibilities range from entry-level performing standardized scientific tests and research functions using established protocols, to performing independent analysis/studies and serving as technical advisors or lead workers. Employees conduct research, field and/or technical investigations and surveys, laboratory and/or statistical analyses and data interpretation.

Scientist I

COMPLEXITY	Applies knowledge of scientific laboratory, field or research projects or programs for assigned scientific discipline. Applies knowledge of scientific principles and procedures and federal, state and local laws pertaining to the assigned discipline. Follows prescribed protocols or methods for standardized tests, but may exercise independent decision making as more difficult tests are assigned. May perform independent and complex studies, such as the analysis and interpretation of atypical test results. Assignments include: diagnosis of diseases and identification of disease agents; quantitative and qualitative analyses on complex chemical compounds; conducting and reporting results of analyses of geological, biological and environmental specimens or wildlife management research; collecting or preparing samples, researching; operating and maintaining instruments; writing reports (some for publication), making presentations, and/or providing expert testimony. Frequent contact with federal, state and local governments, laboratory colleagues, private organizations and the general public to report and interpret results, provide consultation, technical assistance and make presentations.
RESULTS	Accurate scientific testing, research, or consultation to facilitate informed decision making minimizes adverse impact to health, safety, economic development, and the environment. Effective dissemination of information.
ACCOUNTABILITY	Works independently under established protocols. May seek advice from supervisor or other resources on complex issues. May lead team or special project. May be responsible for day-to-day operation of program(s). May provide technical guidance to laboratory or field personnel.

These two roles provide a dual career track for scientists.

Scientist II	Code: 59132	Pay Band: 5	SOC: 19-0000*
Scientist Manager I	Code: 59134	Pay Band: 5	SOC: 11-9121*

This Scientist II role provides career tracks for scientists that perform a preponderance of advanced work and serve as an expert in a laboratory, in the field, and/or for research; or, for scientist supervisors. The first career track in this role is for employees performing complex scientific research projects or program oversight having a broad scope of responsibility. The second career track is for scientists that continue to deliver scientific services while assuming supervision of professional scientific staff and performing administrative responsibilities.

Scientist II (Technical- Lead)

COMPLEXITY	Applies knowledge of complex scientific laboratory, field or research projects or programs having a broad scope of responsibility in the assigned scientific discipline. Applies knowledge of scientific principles and procedures and federal, state and local laws pertaining to the assigned discipline. Assignments range from technical expert to state expert in a specialized scientific area. May originate new scientific concepts or approaches and may present or publish findings. May be responsible for auditing laboratories for quality assurance. Responsibilities include: independent examination, analysis and oversight of a variety of scientific samples; determining or developing testing or research methods and procedures; designing, conducting and evaluating complex analyses, scientific surveys and investigations, laboratory experiments and research; leading the development of research projects and databases; identifying and protecting endangered plant and animal species; writing articles or reports (some for publication), making presentations, and/or providing expert witness testimony; auditing and conducting inspections of laboratories; operating and maintaining complex instrumentation; leading critical investigations; serving as a technical expert and/or providing technical training to other professionals; guiding and reviewing the work of other scientists. Frequent contacts with federal, state and local governments, academic and scientific staff, private organizations, and the general public to report and interpret complex results, resolve customer concerns, respond to inquires, provide expert consultation and technical assistance, and make presentations.
RESULTS	Accurate scientific testing, research, consultation and appropriate test and methodology design to facilitate informed decision making minimize adverse impact to health, safety, economic development, and the environment. Effective dissemination of information. Employees may conduct research and develop recommendations that lead to cost-effective and innovative and improved technology, technical operations and services.
ACCOUNTABILITY	Independently performs scientific analyses and research. Serves as lead workers and experts who are responsible for the review of work products and the accuracy of results. Provides technical guidance and serves as a technical expert.

Scientist II (Supervisor)

COMPLEXITY	Applies knowledge of complex scientific laboratory, field or research projects or programs for assigned discipline. Applies knowledge of scientific principles and procedures and federal, state and local, laws pertaining to the assigned discipline. Applies knowledge of the principles and practices of supervision and administration. Frequent contacts with federal, state and local governments, private industry; hospitals, laboratories, physicians and clinics, academic and scientific staff, and the general public to report and interpret complex results, resolve customer concerns, respond to inquires, provide expert consultation and technical assistance, and make presentations exchange or provide research information.
RESULTS	Accurate scientific testing, research, and supervision, and appropriate test and methodology design, minimize adverse impact to health, safety, economic development, and the environment. Supervisory actions and decisions impact the work team’s ability to achieve program goals and objectives. Impacts public confidence, consumer satisfaction and overall program success.
ACCOUNTABILITY	Supervises staffing, budget and administers projects. Provides guidance and training to other scientists. Serves as lead workers and experts who may be responsible for the review of work products and the accuracy of results. Responsible for the review of work products and the accuracy of results.

The Scientist Manager I role provides career tracks for managers in a laboratory or scientific research setting. Employees plan, manage and evaluate the work of professional staff working in one or more disciplines; establish program goals; establish and monitor budgets; develop and implement technical methodologies, section objectives, policies and practices; allocate staff and resources; ensure compliance with government regulations, quality control standards and safety procedures; prepare research proposals; prepare technical reports and papers or develop grant contract proposals.

Scientist Manager I

COMPLEXITY	Applies knowledge of the principles and methods of scientific research or analysis to a particular discipline(s). Ability to manage and evaluate programs and professional staff. May serve as the technical expert in a particular field of science. Frequent contact with federal, state and local governments, faculty members, private organizations and/or consumers to report and interpret results, provide technical consultation and guidance, and make presentations.
RESULTS	Proper management of programs, laboratory and/or field operations and staff ensures scientific accuracy, timeliness and quality of services and impacts public health, safety, and the environment. Impacts public confidence, consumer satisfaction and overall program success.
ACCOUNTABILITY	Responsible for the management of a professional staff. Responsible for the provision of quality and timely laboratory and/or field and program operations, quality assurance and safety. Exercises independent judgment within scope of authority; refers significantly complex issues to upper management.

These two roles provide a dual career track for scientists.

Scientist III	Code: 59133	Pay Band: 6	SOC: 19-0000*
Scientist Manager II	Code: 59135	Pay Band: 6	SOC: 11-9121*

The Scientist III role provides career tracks for molecular biologists, toxicologist, and transportation research scientists who serve as advance-level to expert scientists in toxicology, molecular biology or transportation research (engineering, materials, maintenance, economic development, operational programs, and safety).

Scientist III

COMPLEXITY	Applies knowledge of toxicology, molecular biology or transportation research to perform the most technically complex research or analyses within individual or multiple scientific disciplines. Responsibilities include developing, managing and conducting highly specialized laboratory or scientific research that includes: overseeing the design, and implementation of scientific experiments and projects; developing topics for and leading multiple research projects; preparing technical reports and publications; preparing and conducting training and presentations; researching and preparation of grant proposals; managing project budgets and expenditures; designing and conducting the most complex scientific laboratory analyses; coordinating research efforts conducted by other medical or environmental scientists; developing and validating scientific methods and writing training, procedure and reference manuals; providing extensive technical assistance and consultative activities, and providing testimony as an expert witness. Frequent contacts with federal, state and local agencies; national or international organizations; physicians; faculty members; and officers of the court to provide technical assistance and consultation, develop research protocols and present new/innovative research findings, provide training and make presentations, and provide court testimony as an expert witness.
RESULTS	Accurate scientific testing, research or consultation and appropriate test and methodology design minimize adverse impact to public and industrial health and safety, the environment, economic development, and transportation research. May perform innovative research and develop recommendations that impact effective products, services and utilization of financial resources.
ACCOUNTABILITY	Responsible for provision of quality and timely laboratory and/or research projects in assigned scientific area. Exercises independent judgment within scope of authority. May be responsible for complete project management to include: budgets, expenditures, people, equipment, and results.

The Scientist Manager II role provides career tracks for senior level to director level managers with responsibilities in a laboratory or scientific research setting. Employees have responsibility for an agency-wide laboratory operation; serve as assistant director of a statewide laboratory; or serve as a manager over multiple operations within a statewide laboratory. Some employees direct statewide scientific research operations or multidisciplinary research operations.

Scientist Manager II

COMPLEXITY	Applies knowledge of the principles and methods of scientific research or analysis to a particular discipline(s). Applies knowledge of administration and management principles and practices to direct scientific laboratory or research programs. Ability to direct and evaluate programs and professional staff. Responsibilities include: managing and coordinating technical scientific programs; developing and implementing strategic plans; providing direction and policy interpretation for programs and processes; reviewing and overseeing budgets; reviewing proposed legislation to determine its impact on programs; providing consultation to agency management; and/or write research reports/articles or make presentations. Frequent contacts with federal, state and local governments, faculty members, professional associations, legislators, private organizations and/or consumers to provide technical consultation and guidance and to make presentations.
RESULTS	Proper direction of laboratory operations or research programs and staff ensures scientific accuracy, timeliness and quality of services and impacts public health, safety, economic development and the environment. Impacts public confidence, consumer satisfaction and overall program success.
ACCOUNTABILITY	Responsible for the direction of subordinate managers and/or professional staff, program operations and budgets. Responsible for the provision of quality and timely laboratory and program operations, quality assurance and safety. Exercises independent judgment and decision-making regarding assigned program(s).

Scientist Manager III

Code: 59136

Pay Band: 7

SOC: 11-9121*

The Scientist Manager III role provides career tracks for executives that serve as directors of scientific research centers responsible for diverse research programs or, for a statewide-consolidated scientific laboratory responsible for diverse testing, reporting and research programs. Employees direct statewide research programs and strategic research direction through subordinate managers. The results of which are shared statewide, nationally and/or internationally with research groups, agencies, businesses and associations. Employees may direct a statewide program that provides analytical support to local, state and federal human and animal health, law enforcement, consumer protection and environmental programs.

Scientist Manager III

COMPLEXITY	Applies knowledge of the principles and methods of advanced research to develop new concepts and scientific innovations. Applies knowledge of principles and practices of management and administration. May provide services statewide to geographically disbursed laboratories providing microbiological and chemical analyses, testing and examinations. Provides advice on major trends and issues to state government officials. Develops and implements strategic plans and implements scientific research programs. Frequent contact with federal, state and local governments, legislators, international, national or state associations, and academicians to provide technical assistance, serve on or chair committees, discuss research findings and share information, and make presentations.
RESULTS	Objective research and technical consultation ensures the development of innovative technologies. Impacts public safety, economic development and the environment.
ACCOUNTABILITY	Responsible for directing operations of an independent research center. Delivers quality, timely, comprehensive, and cost effective scientific innovations. Exercises independent judgment and decision-making for assigned research programs. May serve as the Commonwealth’s Laboratory Officer responsible for establishing programs of inspection and certification of commercial laboratories.

*Statistical Reporting

This Career Group includes, but is not limited to the following Standard Occupational Classifications:

11-9121	Natural Science Managers
19-0	Life, Physical and Social Science Occupations
19-1020	Biological Scientists
19-1013	Soil & Plant Scientists
19-1022	Microbiologists
19-1023	Wildlife Biologists
19-2031	Chemists
19-2032	Material Scientists
19-2042	Geo-scientists

New Effective Date: 11/01/01

History

Previous class titles (listed by new role title).

Scientist I

CLASS CODE	CLASS TITLE	GRADE
53111	Marine Scientist	9
53122	Geologist	9
32064	Archeologist	10
53072	Microbiologist	10
53012	Analytical Chemist	11
53017	DCLS Scientist	11
53075	Microbiologist Senior	11
53123	Geologist Senior	11
82031	Wildlife Biologist I	11

Scientist II

CLASS CODE	CLASS TITLE	GRADE
82032	Wildlife Biologist II	UG
82033	Wildlife Biologist III	UG
82072	Wildlife Biologist Senior	12
32065	Archeologist Senior	12
53013	Analytical Chemist Senior	12
53112	Marine Scientist Senior	12
53018	DCLS Scientist Senior	12
53038	Consolidated Laboratory Quality Assurance Analyst	12
53073	Microbiologist Supervisor	12
81154	Agricultural Biologist Supervisor	12
53014	Analytical Chemist Supervisor	13
53131	Geologist Supervisor	13
53074	Microbiology Laboratory Supervisor	13
51051	Transportation Research Scientist	14
53016	DCLS Principal Scientist	14
53113	Marine Scientist Supervisor	14

Scientist III

CLASS CODE	CLASS TITLE	GRADE
53061	Molecular Biologist	15
43452	Toxicologist	16
51052	Transportation Research Scientist Senior	16
51053	Transportation Research Scientist Principal	17

Scientist Manager I

CLASS CODE	CLASS TITLE	GRADE
82074	Wildlife Biologist Manager	13
53134	Geologist Manager	14
53015	Analytical Chemist Section Chief	14
53031	Consolidated Laboratory Group Manager	14
53039	Consolidated Laboratory Quality Assurance Manager	14
82075	Wildlife Biologist Assistant Director	14

Scientist Manager II

CLASS CODE	CLASS TITLE	GRADE
53032	Consolidated Laboratory Assistant Bureau Director	15
53035	Consolidated Regional Lab Manager	15
53132	Deputy State Geologist	15
82076	Wildlife Biologist Director	16
53133	State Geologist	17
53033	General Services Laboratory Bureau Director	17
51061	Transportation Research Manager	17

Scientist Manager III

CLASS CODE	CLASS TITLE	GRADE
51062	Transportation Research Director	19
21024	General Services Deputy Director for Consolidated Labs	20