Chemist

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 and Radiochemistry unit. This unit tests a variety of analytes in water, soil and other matrices for environmental pollutants using EPA methods. This position will perform radiochemical testing including gross Alpha, gross Beta, Gamma radionuclides, Radium 226 & 228, and Tritium, using Gas proportional counting, Gamma spectroscopy and liquid scintillation.

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

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 US-EPA.

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.

Nuclear Emergency Preparedness – Assist in developing procedures and methodologies used in preparing and analyzing nuclear emergency and special samples. Perform isotopic gamma and other analyses on nuclear emergency samples such as air, water, food, vegetation, soil, air particulate etc. Participate in nuclear emergency training, drills, and exercises. Assume duty of a shift supervisor in the event of Nuclear emergency and manage the laboratory to ensure emergency sample results are reported to the state’s EOC as quickly as possible. Document and keep records of all nuclear emergency samples received and analyzed by the laboratory.  Analyze all nuclear emergency samples and report analytical results according to State and Federal guidelines. Assist the laboratory manager in completing tasks required in the EPA nuclear emergency workplan.

Qualifications: 

Education:

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

Bachelor’s degree in a natural science field with a minimum of 25 hours in chemistry and two years 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.

• Master’s degree in chemistry or chemical engineering.
• EPA certification for drinking water labs.
• Experience with radiation chemistry testing.
• Word, Excel, PowerPoint.
• Proofreading, editing, attention to detail.
• Attention to detail in analytical work and writing.
• Writing and updating SOP’s, Test Methods, QA Plans.
• Knowledge of Lab Information Management Systems.
• Knowledge of statistics, radio-analytical techniques.
• Able to safely handle radiological samples.
• Experience with both low- and high-level radiological samples.
• Knowledge of gamma and alpha spectrometry.
• Knowledge of radionuclide counting techniques (including liquid scintillation counting).

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

Contact Information:

[email protected]

Salary Range

$ $20.13 to $22.16