Chemist 1

Commonwealth-of-Pennsylvania; Harrisburg (Dauphin County); On-site; USD 48,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Department of Environmental Protection seeks a Chemist 1 to test materials for environmental substances using specialized lab equipment. The role supports the Volatile Analysis Unit, preparing samples, running tests, and reviewing data to ensure standards are met.

A bachelor’s degree in chemistry (or a degree with 30 chemistry credits) is required, with travel and full-time hours. Starting salary is $53,008; telework is not available.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in chemistry or a degree that includes 30 credits in chemistry/biochemistry.
• Within 3 months of graduation, candidates may be considered to meet educational requirements.
• Must possess a valid Pennsylvania driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Prepare samples and maintain chain of custody.
• Perform pollutant extraction using approved solvents.
• Operate chromatography instruments and review results.
• Assist with developing and revising SOPs.
• Complete preventive maintenance and coordinate repairs as needed.
• Apply QA/QC standards and track QC records.

Skills

Analytical chemistry

Laboratory documentation

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry

Degree with 30 chemistry credits

Tools

Chromatography instruments

Job description

Are you interested in a career in chemistry that helps protect the environment? The Department of Environmental Protection, Bureau of Laboratories, is seeking a Chemist 1 to help test different materials for important environmental substances. This work uses specialized laboratory equipment and proven scientific methods. If you enjoy science and want to support the environment, this opportunity may be a great fit for you!

This position supports the Volatile Analysis Unit by preparing samples, running analytical tests, and reviewing results to ensure they meet required standards. The work requires careful documentation, accurate operation of instruments, and close attention to laboratory procedures. As a Chemist 1, you will perform the following duties:

• Sample Handling: Log samples, maintain chain of custody, and report issues that may affect analytical accuracy
• Pollutant Extraction: Use approved solvents and techniques to extract analytes and include required QC samples in each batch
• Chromatography Analysis: Operate instruments, evaluate raw data, identify analytes, and review reports for accuracy before release
• Method Support: Assist with implementing and improving methodologies, performing studies, and helping create or revise SOPs
• Instrument Care: Complete preventive maintenance, document malfunctions, and coordinate repairs when needed
• Quality Control: Use certified standards, conduct required QA studies, track QC records, and take corrective action when needed

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 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch.
• Travel is required
• 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.

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.

Conditions of Employment

• This position requires possession of a valid Pennsylvania driver’s license.

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.

• 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/testoncefor this posting.
• Your results will be provided via email.