Chemist I - 1842 - Augusta

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

Benefits offered by this job

13 paid holidays

12 days of sick leave

3+ weeks vacation leave annually

Health Insurance Coverage

Dental Insurance

Retirement Plan

Gym Membership Reimbursement

Public Service Student Loan Forgivness

Job summary

The Department of Environmental Protection in Augusta, ME seeks a Chemist I to provide technical assistance in environmental chemistry and geochemistry to all programs within the Bureau of Remediation and Waste Management. The role reviews lab data, project proposals, and QA plans, and supports data quality control and EGAD input.

This full-time/year-round position includes a nine-step salary with annual step increases based on performance.

Qualifications

• A four year combination of education, training, and/or experience in chemistry or related field.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• Provides technical assistance in environmental chemistry and geochemistry to programs in the Bureau of Remediation and Waste Management.
• Reviews analytical laboratory data reports, license and remediation project proposals, and quality assurance project plans.
• Assists with data quality control and input into EGAD; collaborates with staff across the Department.

Job description

Job Details

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION CHEMIST IOpening Date: October 23, 2026Closing Date: End of the day November 06, 2026Location: AugustaPosition Number: 08300-1842Position Type: Full Time/Year-RoundClass Code: 6401Grade: 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.

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.

• 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.

Benefits

• 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 more information, visit the Federal Student Aid office.
• Living Resources Program – Navigate challenging work and life situations with our employee assistance program.
• Parental leave is one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child—including fathers and adoptive parents—receive forty-two (42) consecutive calendar days of fully paid parental leave. Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under the Family and Medical Leave Act.
• Voluntary Deferred Compensation – Save additional pre-tax funds for retirement in a MaineSaves 457(b) account through payroll deductions.
• Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness.

Company Culture and Commitment to Diversity

There's a job and then there's purposeful, transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn, grow, and continuously refine your skills. Applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways, and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role. As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics. Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.