Chemist (208599)

Job Description and Responsibilities:

Our agency is led by Secretary Janet Stanek, who was appointed by Gov. Kelly in Dec 2021. KDHE is comprised of three divisions: Public Health, Environment, and Health Care Finance (which includes the State’s Medicaid program, KanCare). We are the only agency in the nation to have these three entities under one roof which allows us to take a holistic approach to improving and protecting the health and well-being of all Kansans.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment is seeking a talented chemist to perform radiochemical testing including gross Alpha, gross Beta, Gamma radionuclides, Radium 226&228, and Tritium. Wolf Creek Nuclear Power Generating Station – Perform radiological analyses of samples collected from Wolf Creek Nuclear Power Generating Station and other routine radiological samples. Sample types include charcoal cartridge, air filter, water, food, vegetation, soil, sediments, milk, biota, algae, fish, etc. following written SOP’s and Test Methods. Analyze samples in accordance with the precision and accuracy required by State and Federal guidelines.

Public Drinking Water and Environmental Monitoring – Analyze public drinking water samples and other environmental samples such as air particulate, groundwater, surface, water, wipe etc. to determine the contents of gross alpha/beta, radium-226, radium-228, gross and/or isotopic uranium, gamma-emitting radioisotopes, and other radionuclides following written SOP’s and Test Methods as defined. Prepare public drinking water mailing schedules and ensure all drinking water samples are mailed out in a timely manner. Composite drinking water samples. Analysis should be performed in accordance with the precision and accuracy required by the State and EPA.

Job Responsibilities:

Implements rigorous quality assurance measures to assess and assure the reliability and quality of data. Participate in external and internal performance sample evaluation programs. Develops or modifies analytical methods to assure current and acceptable methods are being used. Perform gross alpha/beta, radium-226, radium-228, gross and isotopic uranium, tritium, strontium-89, strontium-90, gamma isotopic and other radiochemical analyses. Assist in calibrations and maintenance of nuclear instrumentation, and cleaning of laboratory. Document and maintain legally defensible record of all analytical work. Follow all quality assurance and quality control procedures of the laboratory, EPA, and other federal agencies where applicable. Evaluates and directs corrective actions as required. Provide technical consultation and expertise to engineering staff of the Division of Environment on radiological pollutants and related testing and sampling procedures. Respond to verbal and written communications with professional personnel in private industry, federal, state, and local governmental agencies to resolve problems and answer questions as necessary.

Qualifications: 

The minimum level of education and experience required to perform the job.

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in a Natural Science field with a minimum of 25 hours in chemistry. Experience in the natural science field may be substituted for the required education as determined relevant by the agency.

Licensing & Certification:

Valid Driver’s License – Incumbent is required to have and maintain a valid driver’s license when operating a state vehicle, a private vehicle, or a rental vehicle for the benefit of the State.

Preferred Qualifications: 

Any additional skills, experiences, or qualifications that would be beneficial, but aren’t strictly necessary.

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry/Radio Chemistry
• Master’s degree in Chemistry/Radio Chemistry
• Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access
• Proofreading, editing, attention to detail
• Radio Chemistry analysis
• Radio Chemistry Safety protocols
• Knowledge of radionuclide counting techniques, statistics, radio-analytical techniques
• One year experience in a lab setting

About the Position: 

• Who can apply: Anyone (External)
• Classified/Unclassified Service: Unclassified
• Full-Time/Part-Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm (Flexible schedules available)
• Eligible to Receive Benefits: Yes
• Veterans’ Preference Eligible: Yes

Employment Benefits:

• Comprehensive medical, mental, dental, vision, and additional coverage
• Sick & Vacation leave
• Work-Life Balance programs: parental leave, military leave, jury leave, funeral leave
• Paid State Holidays (designated by the Governor annually)
• Fitness Centers in select locations
• Employee discounts with the STAR Program
• Retirement and deferred compensation programs

How to Apply:

Specific instructions for applying, which might include submitting a resume, cover letter, list of references, or completing an online application.

• Please include the Job ID number (208599) when emailing.

Job Application Process:

Only applications submitted within our State of Kansas Careers Portal will be considered.

• First Sign in or register as a New User at https://admin.ks.gov/offices/personnel-services/jobs
• Complete or update your contact information on the State of Kansas Careers Portal > My Contact Information page. *This information is included on all your job applications.
• Upload required documents listed for each specific job posting.
• Start your draft job application, upload other required documents, and Submit when it is complete.
  • Manage your draft and submitted applications on the Careers> My Job Applications page.
• Check your email and My Job Notifications for written communications from the Recruiter.
  • Email – sent to the Preferred email on the My Contact Information page
  • Notifications – view the Careers> My Job Notifications page

Contact Information:

[email protected]

Salary Range

$ 23.26 to 25.70