CHEMIST I

State of Arkansas; North Little Rock, Northern (AR, KY); Hybrid; USD 59,000 - 87,000; Full time

Job summary

The State of Arkansas, Office of Water Quality, seeks a Chemist I to perform routine chemical and analytical testing to support agency missions. Under supervision, you will ensure tests are conducted accurately, safely, and in compliance with established procedures and regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities include conducting tests on water and other samples, preparing reagents, documenting results, maintaining equipment, and assisting with audits.

Qualifications

• 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.

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.

Skills

Sample handling

Calculations

Data entry

Task prioritization

Error detection

Integrity

Job description

Select how often (in days) to receive an alert:

Category: DIVISION OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY

Anticipated Starting Salary: $58,700

Position Number: 22091230
County: Pulaski
Posting End Date: October 16, 2026
Anticipated Starting Salary: $58,700
Office of Water Quality
E&E promotes responsible management of resources, protects the environment, and implements effective and efficient policies for the benefit of Arkansas.

Position Information

Job Series: Chemists – Career Path

Class Code: SCH01P

Pay Grade: SPC01

Salary Range: $58,700 - $86,876

Job Summary

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.

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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in water chemistry analyses
• Experience applying lab methods and standard operating procedures
• Knowledge of lab safety protocols
• Experience with database management

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.