Chemist I - 1842 - Augusta

Department of Marine Resources; Augusta (ME); On-site; USD 34,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid holidays

Sick leave

Vacation leave

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Retirement plan

Job summary

Department of Environmental Protection in Augusta, ME seeks a Chemist I to provide technical assistance in environmental chemistry and geochemistry. The role involves reviewing analytical data, supporting QA/QC, and input into the EGAD database.

Applicants should have a four-year chemistry-related degree and relevant laboratory experience. The position is full-time and year-round, with a salary range of $24.76–$34.65 per hour and a 10% salary adjustment.

Qualifications

• Four-year combination of education, training, and/or experience in chemistry or related field.
• Experience with laboratory practices and analyzing samples for organic contaminants.
• Ability to review and interpret analytical laboratory data reports.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical assistance in environmental chemistry and geochemistry to the Bureau of Remediation and Waste Management.
• Review analytical laboratory data reports and QA/QC documents; support with data in EGAD.
• Collaborate with staff and laboratories to support project work as needed.

Skills

Laboratory practices

Organic contaminants analysis

Analytical data reviews

Data quality processes

Database query knowledge

Oral and written communication

Prioritization

Understanding analytical methods

Problem solving

Education

Four-year chemistry degree

Tools

EGAD database

Job description

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

CHEMIST I

The Department of Environmental Protection, Bureau of Remediation and Waste Management, is seeking to fill an anticipated Chemist I vacancy in Augusta.

Opening Date: October 23, 2026

Closing Date: End of the day November 06, 2026

Location: Augusta

Position Number: 08300-1842

Position Type: Full Time/Year-Round

Class Code: 6401

Grade: 21 (Professional/Technical Unit)

Salary: $24.76 - $34.65 Per Hour*

* (This includes a 10% Salary Adjustment). This is the earning potential over the course of nine steps; new hires generally start at step one. Annual step increases are based on performance reviews and authorization of such increases.

Interested candidates need to submit a Direct Hire Application, Cover Letter , and a detailed Resume**

**For us to properly determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for any posting, you must be sure your resume includes the month and year for any relevant experience listed. Your resume should include the duties and responsibilities associated with each position. Any experience that was not full-time employment should be identified as such.

BRIEF JOB DESCRIPTION:

This position provides technical assistance in environmental chemistry and geochemistry to all programs in the Bureau of Remediation and Waste Management. This support is provided in the form of technical input and recommendations to project staff, consultants, and commercial laboratories. The position conducts formal reviews of analytical laboratory data reports, license and remediation project proposals and quality assurance project plans. In addition, the position assists with data quality control and input into the Department's Environmental Geographic and Analysis Database (EGAD). The position collaborates with staff throughout the Department to assist with other project work as needed.

For more information on the specifics of the position, please contact Kelly Perkins at: [e-mail]

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

A four (4) year combination of education, training, and/or experience in chemistry or directly related field.

Preference will be given to candidates with the following skills and experience:

• Experience with laboratory practices.
• Experience in a commercial or governmental laboratory analyzing samples for organic contaminants.
• Experience reviewing and interpreting analytical laboratory data reports.
• Experience working with laboratory data quality processes.
• Knowledge of computer database query building.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to manage priorities to meet project deadlines.
• Ability to read and understand published analytical laboratory methods.
• Ability to identify and analyze problems, reach logical conclusions, and make sound, cost-effective decisions.

Currently, this position is not eligible for visa sponsorship or STEM OPT extensions.

No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto-"Dirigo" or "I lead"-as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:

• Work-Life Balance - Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays , 12 days of sick leave , and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
• Health Insurance Coverage - The State of Maine pays 85%-100% of employee-only premiums ($12,213.60-$14,369.04 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.
• Health Insurance Premium Credit - Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%. Visit the Office of Employee Health and Wellness for more information about program requirements .
• Dental Insurance - The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($365.28 annual value).
• Retirement Plan - The State of Maine contributes 14.06 % of pay to the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS), on behalf of the employee.
• Gym Membership Reimbursement - Improve overall health with regular exercise and receive up to $40 per month to offset this expense.
• Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts - Set aside money pre-tax to help pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses and/or daycare expenses.
• Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness - The State of Maine is a qualified employer for this federal program. For mor