Chemist II

State of North Carolina - Health & Human Services; North Carolina; On-site; USD 64,000 - 112,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plans

Paid parental leave

Paid vacation and sick leave

Job summary

The Chemist II position at North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Environmental Sciences Branch requires senior technical leadership in inorganic chemistry, performing advanced drinking water and environmental lead analyses using ICP‑OES, ICP‑MS, and ion chromatography.

The role includes QA/QC oversight, data verification, training staff, and supporting supervisory duties. Strong instrumentation experience and SOP/QA plan updates are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in chemistry required.
• Four years of progressive chemistry laboratory experience required.
• Advanced proficiency with instrumentation used in inorganic chemistry testing.

Responsibilities

• Perform advanced drinking water and environmental lead analyses using ICP‑OES, ICP‑MS, and ion chromatography.
• Provide quality assurance oversight for inorganic chemistry laboratory activities.
• Review raw instrument data and final analytical report deliverables.
• Coordinate daily sample accessioning workflows to support laboratory operations.
• Assist chemists with troubleshooting instrumentation and analytical methods.
• Serve as acting backup supervisor during absence of the Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory Supervisor.
• Train staff on instrumental analysis and related procedures.
• Review and update laboratory SOPs and QA plans.
• Prepare and report proficiency testing samples for external programs.
• Coordinate instrument repairs and preventative maintenance with vendors.

Job description

About Us

Agency Dept of Health and Human Services Division Public Health Job Classification Title Chemist II (NS) Position Number 65041689 Grade NC18

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is one of the largest, most complex agencies in the state, and has approximately 17,000 employees. It is responsible for ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of all North Carolinians, providing human service needs for special populations including individuals who are deaf, blind, developmentally disabled, and mentally ill, and helping poor North Carolinians achieve economic independence.

Description of Work

The Chemist II serves as a senior technical lead within the Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory of the State Laboratory of Public Health’s Environmental Sciences Unit. The position conducts advanced analytical testing of drinking water and environmental lead samples using ICP‑OES, ICP‑MS, and ion chromatography. Work includes providing quality assurance oversight, reviewing instrument data, and supporting release of final analytical reports. This role supports laboratory operations through daily sample accessioning coordination, troubleshooting instrumentation, training staff, and assisting with supervisory duties when needed. Additional responsibilities include reviewing standard operating procedures, contributing to quality assurance plan updates, reporting proficiency testing samples, and ensuring accurate and timely delivery of inorganic chemistry data.

Key Duties

• Perform advanced drinking water and environmental lead analyses using ICP‑OES, ICP‑MS, and ion chromatography.
• Conduct quality assurance oversight for inorganic chemistry laboratory activities.
• Review and verify raw instrument data and final analytical report deliverables.
• Coordinate daily sample accessioning workflows to support efficient laboratory operations.
• Assist chemists with troubleshooting of instrumentation and analytical methods.
• Serve as acting backup supervisor during the absence of the Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory Supervisor.
• Train laboratory staff on instrumental analysis and related procedures.
• Review and update laboratory standard operating procedures and support annual quality assurance plan revisions.
• Prepare and report proficiency testing samples for external programs.
• Coordinate instrument repairs and preventative maintenance with contracted service vendors.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities / Management Preferences

Salary Grade Range: $63,927.00 - $111,871.00 Recruitment Range: $63,927.00 - $85,546.00

Applicants now meet the minimum qualifications of a position if they meet the minimum education and experience listed on the vacancy announcement. The Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)/ Management Preferences are not required. Applicants who possess the following skills are preferred: Advanced proficiency with EPA Drinking Water Laboratory Certification Program processes demonstrated through direct experience supporting certified drinking water and environmental testing workflows. Experience with instrumental analysis skill demonstrated through routine use of ICP‑OES, ICP‑MS, ion chromatography, and automated titration for inorganic chemistry testing. Expert‑level laboratory QA/QC competency demonstrated through implementing quality assurance plans, reviewing analytical documentation, and ensuring accurate reporting of inorganic chemistry results. Intermediate proficiency using Microsoft Office applications and Laboratory Information Management Systems demonstrated through preparing data reports, organizing QA materials, and supporting laboratory documentation workflows. Demonstrated experience performing wet chemistry techniques supported by validated analytical methods within an environmental or drinking water laboratory setting.

Posting Will Close At 11:59 P.M. The Night Before The End Date

This Position Is 100% Federally Funded

Physical Requirements

Must be able to stand for prolonged periods.

Must be able to lift 40 lbs.

About the NC Division of Public Health (DPH)

The NC Division of Public Health works to promote and contribute to the highest possible level of health for the people of North Carolina. Our entire statewide system of public health has dedicated professionals who carry out our mission every day through a wide range of essential and activities touching the lives of everyone in our state.

About the Environmental Sciences Branch (ESB)

As part of The North Carolina State Laboratory of Public Health (NCSLPH), the Environmental Sciences Branch (ESB) provides accurate, timely, and cost‑effective analytical laboratory services to support local health departments and DHHS programs. ESB offers drinking water analysis, consultation, and oversight of laboratory accreditation for milk and water testing. The branch includes five units: Environmental Inorganic Chemistry, which analyzes water, paint, and soil samples; Environmental Microbiology, which performs bacteriological testing of water and Grade A dairy products; Environmental Organic Chemistry, which tests water for organic chemicals; Radiochemistry, which monitors natural and manmade radiation in environmental samples; and Laboratory Certification, which evaluates and certifies laboratories regulated under the North Carolina Drinking Water Act and Grade A Milk Ordinance, while also providing training and guidance.

Compensation and Benefits

The State of North Carolina offers excellent comprehensive benefits. Employees can participate in health insurance options, standard and supplemental retirement plans, and the NCFlex program (numerous high-quality, low-cost benefits on a pre-tax basis). Employees also receive paid vacation, sick, and community service leave. In addition, paid parental leave is available to eligible employees. Visit the website for State Benefits.

Minimum Education and Experience

Bachelor's degree in chemistry from an appropriately accredited institution and four years of progressive chemistry laboratory experience OR An equivalent combination of education and experience.

EEO Statement

The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.