Chemist 1

State of Montana; Helena (MT); On-site; USD 65,000 - 68,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare coverage

Paid vacation & holidays

Retirement plans

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

Work-life balance

Job summary

The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) in Helena is seeking a professional to perform chemical analyses on emerging contaminants. You will validate and run complex analyses, drive quality improvements, and implement QA measures with partners, reporting defensible data.

Requirements include a Bachelor's in biology, chemistry, or physical sciences, plus two years in a regulated lab with Organics instrumentation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, or physical sciences.
• Two years of related laboratory experience in a regulated environment.
• At least two years of experience with instrumentation used for Organics testing.
• At least two years of laboratory experience in microbiology, analytical chemistry, and QA practices.
• Advanced knowledge in analytical chemistry testing processes, including Organics instrumentation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Knowledge of quality management systems, quality control, quality improvement, and good laboratory practices.
• Accute attention to detail and observation skills.

Responsibilities

• Validate and perform complex analytical analyses for emerging contaminants.
• Develop and implement quality improvement projects with internal and external partners.
• Research best practices to improve laboratory procedures for QA and compliance.
• Report legally defensible data using QA/QC procedures.

Skills

Analytical chemistry

Quality assurance

Quality control

Quality improvement

Written communication

Verbal communication

Attention to detail

Regulated lab practices

Education

Bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry, or physical sciences

Tools

Organics instrumentation

EPA/ISO17025 environment experience

Job description

Position Title:

The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) has a career opportunity within the Public Health and Safety Division in Helena.

This position performs chemical analyses related to emerging contaminants within the Environmental Laboratory Program. Responsibilities include, but not limited to: Validating and performing complex analytical analyses for emerging contaminants; Developing and implementing quality improvement projects internally and with external partners; Researching best practices to improve laboratory procedures for quality assurance and compliance purposes; Reporting legally defensible data using quality assurance and quality control procedures.

Why Join DPHHS

Our mission at DPHHS is serving Montanans in their communities to improve health, safety, well-being, and empower independence. By joining our department, you will have the opportunity to perform meaningful work in public service to our state and its residents.

The State of Montana's comprehensive benefits package includes healthcare coverage, retirement plans, paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays, work/life balance, and eligibility to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. In addition, DPHHS is the largest state agency with a wide range of advancement opportunities w hether you are joining the workforce or have several years of experience.

Qualifications for this Career Opportunity

Advanced knowledge and experience in analytical chemistry testing processes, including experience with instrumentation used for Organics testing.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Knowledge and experience in quality management systems, quality control, quality improvement, and good laboratory practices.

Accute attention to detail and observation skills.

Bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, or physical sciences.

Two years of related laboratory experience in a regulated environment, such as EPA or ISO17025 certified laboratories.

At least two years of experience with instrumentation used for Organics testing.

At least two years of laboratory experience in microbiology, analytical chemistry, and quality assurance practices.

Other combinations of related education and experience may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Successful applicants will be subject to background checks relevant to the position and must pass reference checks before an offer will be extended. DPHHS is an equal opportunity employer. Women, minorities, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. For a copy of the full job description or if you need a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process, contact DPHHS Human Resources listed below.

Additional Information

This position is grant funded through September 30, 2028, with intention to seek additional funding.

Applicant Pool Statement : If another department vacancy occurs in this job title within six months, the same applicant pool may be used for the selection. Training Assignment : This agency may use a training assignment. Employees in training assignments may be paid below the base pay established by the agency pay rules. Conditions of the training assignment will be stated in writing at the time of hire.

Salary

31.86 - 31.86 Hourly Telework Eligibility : Not Telework Eligible Benefits Package Eligibility : Health Insurance, Paid Leave & Holidays, Retirement Plan

Number of Openings

1 Employee Status : Regular Schedule : Full-Time

Job Type

Standard

Shift

Day Job

Travel

Yes, 5 % of the Time

Primary Location

Helena Agency : Department of Public Health & Human Services Union : Montana Federation of Public Employees

Posting Date

Oct 6, 2026, 7:20:26 PM Closing Date (based on your computer's timezone) : Nov 7, 2026, 6:59:00 AM

Required Application Materials : Cover Letter, Resume, References

Contact Name : Jenny Fowler | Contact Email : [e-mail] | Contact Phone : [phone] Anyone who needs to request a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the HR staff identified on the job listing or by dialing the Montana Relay at 711. Montana Job Service Offices also offer services including assistance with submitting an online application.State government does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, childbirth or medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, creed, political beliefs or affiliation, veteran status, military service, retaliation, or any other factor not related to merit and qualifications of an employee or applicant.