CHEMIST I

State of Arkansas; Little Rock (AR); On-site; USD 53,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The State of Arkansas is seeking an entry-level Chemist I to perform routine chemical and analytical testing to support the Arkansas Department of Agriculture's mission. Under supervision, ensure tests are accurate, safe, and compliant with procedures and regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities include conducting standardized tests on various samples, maintaining records, preparing reagents, and assisting with audits while upholding quality assurance practices.

Qualifications

• Six months of chemistry or chemical testing experience.
• Bachelor of Science in Chemistry or related sciences preferred.
• Experience with ISO 17025:2017 quality system requirements.
• Experience operating LC/MS, ICP/MS, and Ion Chromatography.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine chemical, biological, or environmental tests.
• Maintain lab notebooks, electronic systems, and reports.
• Calibrate instruments and troubleshoot under supervision.
• Ensure compliance with GLP and QA/QC guidelines.
• Assist with audits and sample documentation.

Skills

Attention to detail

Data entry accuracy

Task prioritization

Reliability & ethics

Education

Bachelor of Science in Chemistry

Tools

LC/MS

ICP/MS

Ion Chromatography

Ideagen Quality Management Software

Job description

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Position Number: 22087988
County: Pulaski
Anticipated Starting Salary: 58,700
Agriculture

As the largest industry in Arkansas, the Arkansas Department of Agriculture is dedicated to the development and implementation of policies and programs for Arkansas agriculture and forestry to keep its farmers and ranchers competitive in national and international markets while ensuring safe food, fiber, and forest products for the citizens of the state and nation. The Department is organized into five Divisions: Forestry Division, Livestock and Poultry Division, Natural Resources Division, Plant Industries Division, and Shared Services Division.

The Chemist I is an entry-level professional responsible for performing routine chemical and analytical testing to support the mission of the assigned state agency. Under supervision, this position ensures that laboratory tests are conducted accurately, safely, and in compliance with standard procedures and regulatory requirements.

Primary Responsibilities

Conduct standardized chemical, biological, or environmental tests on water, air, soil, food, pharmaceuticals, forensic evidence, or other sample types depending on agency function.Utilize analytical techniques such as titration, pH measurement, spectrophotometry, chromatography (e.g., GC or HPLC), and gravimetric analysis.Prepare reagents, solutions, and standards according to established procedures.Document all test results clearly and accurately in laboratory notebooks, electronic systems, and reports.Maintain accurate chain-of-custody and sample tracking logs.Assist with preparing technical reports or summaries for internal and external use.Clean and maintain laboratory instruments and workspaces in accordance with quality and safety guidelines.Perform basic instrument calibrations and routine troubleshooting under supervision.Ensure compliance with agency quality assurance/control protocols and good laboratory practices (GLP).Assist with internal audits and sample documentation for regulatory compliance.

Knowledge and Skills

Maintains accuracy in sample handling, calculations, and data entry.Prioritizes tasks efficiently to meet reporting deadlines and testing schedules.Identifies errors, inconsistencies, or unusual results and reports them appropriately.Demonstrates reliability, confidentiality, and ethical conduct in all work activities.

Minimum Qualifications

At least six months of experience in chemistry, chemical testing, laboratory testing, or a related field.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Chemistry or other related sciences
• At least one year experience in the characterization of toxicologically significant compounds within environmental matrices
• Hands on experience in operating analytical instruments such as LC\/MS, ICP\/MS, and Ion Chromatography
• Proficiency in sample preparation, including matrix extraction and clean-up methodologies
• At least one year of experience working under ISO 17025:2017 quality system requirements
• Experience with document management software such as Ideagen Quality Management Software, formerly known as Qualtrax, is highly desirable
• Readiness to perform additional responsibilities as assigned, including, but not limited to, receiving training to support operations in other laboratories.

Satisfaction of the minimum qualifications, including years of experience and service, does not entitle employees to automatic progression within the job series. Promotion to the next classification level is at the discretion of the department and the Office of Personnel Management, taking into consideration the employee’s demonstrated skills, competencies, performance, workload responsibilities, and organizational needs.

Licensure/Certifications

N/AOTHER JOB RELATED EDUCATION AND\/OR EXPERIENCE MAY BE SUBSTITUTED FOR ALL OR PART OF THESE BASIC REQUIREMENTS, EXCEPT FOR CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS, UPON APPROVAL OF THE QUALIFICATIONS REVIEW COMMITTEE.

The State of Arkansas is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, citizenship, national origin, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by law.