Chemist III (213251)

Job Description

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has a Chemist III opening in Topeka. The Kansas Health and Environmental Laboratories is seeking an experienced chemist to perform organic analytical testing using GC, GCMS, for analysis of pesticides, volatiles, disinfecting by products in water and soil. Specific method training will be provided.

Job responsibilities: Public Drinking Water and Environmental Monitoring – Analyze samples from Public Water Systems to ensure they are meeting the Safe Drinking Water requirements. These samples are analyzed for Volatile Organic Compounds, Semi-Volatile Organic Compounds, and disinfectant by products. In addition, raw water samples such as ground water or surface water and soil samples are analyzed for Volatile Organic Compounds to support the environmental monitoring programs of the State of Kansas.

Must be able to follow written SOP’s, Test Methods and EPA methods as defined.

Responsible for compliance data review and reporting as required by the State and US-EPA.

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

Provide technical leadership and guidance in the organic unit, in the analysis, extractions and sample preparations of pesticides, herbicides, volatiles, disinfection by-products. Perform peer reviews on reported data. Assists supervisor in reviewing daily operations to assure efficient, timely, and accurate chemical analysis and assists in the evaluation and performance of staff as needed. Use EPA Drinking Water Certification knowledge to provide additional support and leadership.

Performs and conducts the highly complex chemical analyses for PNAs, phthalates and adipates in drinking water by EPA Method 524.3 using the advanced instrumental technique of gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Using the same instrumental technique this individual also performs confirmation of organic contaminants and pollutants in a variety of matrices. Provides technical skill and leadership in this area and assures a high degree of operational capability. Prepare reports, including analysis of quality assurance data for the method listed above. Assure that EPA lab certification for VOC’s or THM’s in drinking water is maintained by performing acceptably on Performance Evaluation Audits.

Minimum Qualifications

• Two years of experience in chemistry.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in a Natural Science field with a minimum of 25 hours chemistry.

Preferred Qualifications

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

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry.
• Proofreading, editing, attention to detail.
• Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access.

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.

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

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.

Helpful Resources at jobs.ks.gov: “How to Apply for a Job – Instructions” and “How to Search for a Job – Instructions.”

Contact Information

[email protected]

Salary Range

$ 26.29 to 27.61