Chemist 1

The Department of Environmental Protection is actively looking to hire a Chemist 1 to join their team. This position involves conducting professional laboratory work that focuses on the analysis and examination of various substances and materials to identify environmentally significant analytes. Utilizing specialized equipment and adhering to established methodologies, the Chemist 1 will play a crucial role in ensuring the integrity of environmental assessments. This is an excellent opportunity for individuals passionate about environmental science and laboratory work to contribute to meaningful projects. If you are interested in making a difference in environmental protection, we encourage you to apply now!

In this position, you will be tasked with conducting laboratory analyses and examinations of chemical substances and materials, playing a vital role in supporting essential Bureau operations that are influenced by varying workloads and program requirements. Your primary responsibilities will include receiving samples, extracting pollutants of interest from diverse matrices, and analyzing these samples through chromatography techniques.

Additionally, you will assist in the implementation, modification, and enhancement of existing methodologies, ensuring that analytical instrumentation is properly maintained. A strong emphasis will be placed on laboratory safety and adherence to Quality Assurance/Quality Control protocols. The primary focus of your analytical work will involve the volatile analysis of water, soil, and COWS using advanced techniques such as GC/MS with instruments like the HP5975 and HP5977. Furthermore, you will also engage in secondary analytical tasks, specifically targeting volatiles in drinking water through Method 524.3, utilizing the GC/MS HP5977 and Thermo ISQ7610 systems.

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment
• Work hours are 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch.
• Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time. In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection and work from an approved location inside Pennsylvania. If you are unable to telework, you will have the option to report to the headquarters office in Harrisburg. The ability to telework is subject to change at any time. Additional details may be provided during the interview.
• Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• A bachelor's degree in chemistry; or
• A bachelor's degree that includes 30 credits in chemistry or biochemistry.
• Applicants will be considered to have met the educational requirements once they are within 3 months of graduating with a qualifying degree.

Condition of Employment:

• This position requires possession of a valid Class C driver's license that is not under suspension.

Other Requirements:

• You must meet the PA residency requirement. For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link and click on Residency.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

How to Apply:

• Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
• If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
• Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
• Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.

Veterans:

• Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. *7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.

• Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as your exam for this position. No additional exam is required at a test center (also referred to as a written exam).
• Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions.
• Your score is valid for this specific posting only.
• You must provide complete and accurate information or:
  • your score may be lower than deserved.
  • you may be disqualified.
• You may only apply/test once for this posting.
• Your results will be provided via email.