Chemist I

Description of Work

The Soil Testing Laboratory at the Agronomic Division in the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (NCDA&CS) is excited to announce the opening of a Chemist I position in the Soil Testing lab. You will work in a team environment that is high-volume and fast-paced analyzing soil samples. In its busiest time, 3,200 samples are analyzed daily. From the lab results, soil fertility recommendations that maximize plant growth and yield, optimize profitability, and protect the environment are provided to the client.

Duties

This position is primarily responsible for performing a range of complex analytical tests on a variety of soil samples in the Soil Testing Laboratory. This is an advanced level position. Duties include:

• Operate and maintain Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP) Spectroscopy instruments for elemental analysis.
• Supervise and evaluate the work of four Senior Chemistry Technicians in daily laboratory operations.
• Extract and analyze nutrient content from soil samples using standardized lab methods.
• Measure soil pH and electrical conductivity, ensuring proper calibration and maintenance of related instruments.
• Perform UV/VIS spectroscopy analysis and oversee routine maintenance of equipment.
  
  

Other Aspects Of The Position Include

• Prepare solutions and standards.
• Evaluate data accuracy and maintain accurate records daily.
• Analyze laboratory proficiency samples and prepare and review reports for accuracy and precision.
• Utilize a custom-made Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
• Train and mentor staff in established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and in good laboratory practices.
• Assist in developing SOPs and safety protocols.
• Adhere to all Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and safety protocols.
• Cleaning laboratory glassware and equipment.
  
  

The employee must be able to function largely independently, with minimal supervision.

Normal working hours are 6:00 am to 3:00 pm, Monday through Friday, but occasional overtime may be required to meet established turnaround times. These working hours may be flexed depending on the length of lunch break taken.

About Us

The NCDA&CS Agronomic Services Division provides statewide diagnostic and advisory services that increase agricultural productivity, promote responsible land management, and safeguard environmental quality. The Division is comprised of three laboratory sections and a field services section with a combined total of 60 full-time employees. The Agronomic Division maintains a very active, employee-led safety program and is recognized as a Public-Sector Star site by the NC Department of Labor.

Click Here To Learn More About State Employee Benefits.

The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services provides services that promote and improve agriculture, agribusiness, and forests; protect consumers and businesses; and conserve farmland and natural resources for the prosperity of all North Carolinians. The Department employs approximately 2,000 employees.

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Knowledge, Skills And Abilities / Competencies

• Knowledge of basic scientific principles, concepts, theories, reference sources and laboratory applications of analytical chemistry and other related sciences effective to pass a written practicum test and passing post-offer fitness for duty/function capacity evaluation.
• Ability to understand and follow scientific methodology and laboratory safety practices and independently perform and record complex standardized and non-standardized laboratory tests and procedures.
• Ability to analyze results, interpret methodology, understand and solve theoretical problems, and to provide work direction and instruction to chemical technicians.
• Ability to express technical information clearly, both orally and in writing, when reporting results, testifying or explaining procedures to others.
• Ability to perform advanced mathematics and statistical analysis, to understand and follow complex oral and written instructions, to perceive colors normally and to make olfactory distinctions and able to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
  
  

Minimum Education And Experience Requirements

You may qualify by an equivalent combination of education and experience, either through years of education or years of directly related experience, or a combination of both.

Bachelor's degree in chemistry from an appropriately accredited institution and two years of progressive chemistry laboratory experience; or an equivalent combination of education and directly related experience.

Supplemental and Contact Information

Any employment offer may be less than the maximum of the range due to salary equity with similarly situated employees or the selected candidate's related education and experience.

Please follow the instructions to apply online. It is important that your application includes all your relevant education and experience. Text or attached resumes ARE NOT accepted as a substitution for a completed application. Applicants seeking veteran's/National Guard preference should submit a copy of their Form DD-214, NGB 23A (RPAS), DD256 or NGB 22.

All Law Enforcement positions, aviation safety-sensitive positions, and positions requiring a Pilot's License or a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) shall be subject to pre-employment drug testing. All positions requiring a Commercial Driver's License shall also be subject to pre-employment DMV physicals. Selected applicants must obtain a U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) medical certificate prior to employment. If a CDL is listed as a preference and the selected applicant has a CDL at the time of hire, then the CDL will become a requirement for the position.

* Note: When required, you must answer the question(s) for this position, or your application will be considered incomplete. *

Questions regarding this posting? Contact 919-707-3201.

NOTE: For temporary, contract or other supplemental staffing appointments: There are no paid leave, retirement or other benefits associated with these appointment types.

For Permanent And Time-limited Appointments

Eligible employees have benefits that include employee health insurance options, standard and supplemental retirement plans, NC Flex (a variety of high-quality, low-cost benefits on a pre-tax basis), and paid vacation, sick, and community service leave, to name a few. Paid parental leave is available for eligible employees. Some benefits require 30 + hours work/week for participation.

01

Have you ever been convicted of an offense against the law other than a minor traffic violation? (A conviction does not mean that you cannot be hired. The offense and how recently you were convicted will be evaluated in relation to the job for which you are applying).

• Yes
• No
  
  

02

If you answered "yes" that you have been convicted of an offense against the law other than a minor traffic violation, please explain the nature of the conviction and the date. If you answered "no" enter NA

03

To the best of your knowledge, have you or a company that you have worked for been given a warning letter, civil penalty, notice of violation or a settlement agreement by the NC Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services or one of its divisions while you were employed with that company?

• Yes
• No
  
  

04

If you answered "yes" to the previous question, please explain the nature of the warning letter, civil penalty, notice of violation or settlement agreement, the date, and how it was resolved if you have knowledge of that information. If you answered "No", please type N/A.

• Required Question