Chemist 1

Commonwealth Of Pennsylvania; Harrisburg (Dauphin County); On-site; USD 53,000 - 81,000; Full time

Job summary

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Department of Environmental Protection seeks a Chemist 1 to analyze samples supporting environmental testing and public health.

This civil service, full-time position in Harrisburg involves preparing samples, operating instruments, ensuring data quality, and contributing to method development, with work hours 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Salary starts at $53,008 and ranges to $80,646 annually.

Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree in chemistry; or a bachelor's degree that includes 30 credits in chemistry or biochemistry.
• Applicants will be considered to have met the educational requirements once they are within 3 months of graduating with a qualifying degree/credits.
• You must possess and maintain a REAL ID or passport for this position.

Responsibilities

• Sample Handling: Prepare samples, standards, and reagents while maintaining accurate laboratory records
• Instrument Operation: Run analytical instruments, troubleshoot equipment issues, and follow approved scientific procedures
• Data Quality: Review results, maintain quality control documentation, and support certification requirements
• Method Development: Assist senior staff with method testing, validation, and improvements to laboratory practices
• Training Duties: Support training of analysts and interns on correct procedures and laboratory techniques
• Safety Practices: Follow laboratory safety rules, manage chemical storage, and complete required safety checks

Education

Bachelor's degree in chemistry

Degree with 30 chemistry/biochemistry credits

Job description

Salary

$53,008.00 - $80,646.00 Annually

Location

Dauphin County, PA

Job Type

Civil Service Permanent Full-Time

Job Number

CS-2026-55682-15120

Department

Department of Environmental Protection

Division

EP BL Inorganic Srvs Div

Opening Date

08/07/2026

Closing Date

8/20/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

Job Code

15120

Position Number

00122768

Union

AFSCME

Bargaining Unit

B4

Pay Group

ST06

Bureau / Division Code

00351510

Bureau / Division

Bureau of Laboratories, Inorganic Services Division

Worksite Address

2575 Interstate Drive

City

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

Zip Code

17110

Contact Name

Alison Zener

Contact Email

[e-mail]

THE POSITION

Are you searching for a career where you can apply your scientific skills to protect the environment and support public health? As a Chemist 1 with the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), you will have the opportunity to work directly with environmental testing. In this role, you will analyze samples that support vital scientific decisions across the Commonwealth. Your efforts will help ensure clean water, safe environments, and reliable laboratory results. Apply today to join a team that values accuracy, curiosity, and growth in environmental science!

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

This position centers on environmental sample testing, laboratory quality control, and scientific method support. Through your work, you will help to maintain dependable laboratory practices and support improvements to analytical procedures. As a Chemist 1, you will perform the following duties:

• Sample Handling: Prepare samples, standards, and reagents while maintaining accurate laboratory records
• Instrument Operation: Run analytical instruments, troubleshoot equipment issues, and follow approved scientific procedures
• Data Quality: Review results, maintain quality control documentation, and support certification requirements
• Method Development: Assist senior staff with method testing, validation, and improvements to laboratory practices
• Training Duties: Support training of analysts and interns on correct procedures and laboratory techniques
• Safety Practices: Follow laboratory safety rules, manage chemical storage, and complete required safety checks

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment
• Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch.
• This position may require travel.
• Telework: You will not have the option to telework in this position.
• Salary: Selected candidates who are new to employment with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will begin employment at the starting annual salary of $53,008.00 (before taxes)
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• A bachelor's degree in chemistry; or
• A bachelor's degree that includes 30 credits in chemistry or biochemistry.
• Applicants will be considered to have met the educational requirements once they are within 3 months of graduating with a qualifying degree/credits.

Other Requirements:

• You must possess and maintain a REAL ID or passport for this position. Proof of possession will be needed at the time of a conditional offer of employment.
• You must meet the PA residency requirement. For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link and click on Residency Guidelines.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Veterans:

• Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. *7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.

EXAMINATION INFORMATION

• Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as your exam for this position. No additional exam is required at a test center (also referred to as a written exam).
• Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions.
• Your score is valid for this specific posting only.
• You must provide complete and accurate information or:
  • your score may be lower than deserved.
  • you may be disqualified.
• You may only apply/test once for this posting.
• Your results will be provided via email.