Chemist (212967)

Job Description:

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has a Chemist opening in Topeka. The Kansas Health and Environmental Laboratories is seeking a talented chemist to join the Inorganic Unit. This unit tests a variety of analytes in water, soil and other matrices for environmental pollutants using EPA methods. Primary duties involve testing metals, nutrients using ICPMS, ICPOES, Discrete analyzer, Ion Chromatography.

Job Responsibilities may include but are not limited to the following:

Primarily performs analysis within the Environmental Chemistry Unit. Some of these analyses include ammonia, phosphate, TKN and other analyses using automated colorimetric flow chemistry analyzer. This will entail reagent and standard preparation, calibration, and instrument maintenance. Perform determinations using approved KHEL methodology in accordance with EPA methods using appropriate and approved quality control procedures. Additional analysis may be performed within the unit which would require method development.

Performs instrumental analysis using Ion chromatography to determine various anions in aqueous samples, following the requirements of KHEL Method CM 311. Operates the instruments to accurately determine concentration of contaminants and obtain optimum performance from the instruments with considerable skill and careful techniques. Responsible for compliance data review and reporting of regulated analytes. Follow specific instrumental checks, appropriate to KHEL Methods CM 311, to assure that the instrument is performing properly before analyzing any samples. Prepares and analyzes standard reference materials used for confirmation, identification, and quantization of inorganic anions. Reviews the chromatograms and data for accuracy identifying any out-of-control data. Other instrumental analysis may be required that may include mercury, alkalinity pH or Automated colorimetric.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in a Natural Science field with a minimum of 25 hours chemistry and six months of experience 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.
• Skilled in using analytical instrumentation such as Ion Chromatography, ICP-MS, CVAA, Colorimetry.
• Familiarity with Quality Assurance/Control principals.
• Experience in environmental chemistry.
• Experience with laboratory procedures; preparing reagents, calibrations, reporting data.
• Proofreading, editing, attention to detail.
• Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access.

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 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.

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Contact Information

[email protected]

Salary Range

$ 25.05 to 26.29