Chemist II

nc; North Carolina; On-site; USD 64,000 - 112,000; Full time

Job summary

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services seeks a Chemist II (NS) to serve as a senior technical lead in the Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory of the State Laboratory of Public Health. The position performs advanced drinking water and environmental lead analyses using ICP‑OES, ICP‑MS, and ion chromatography.

You will provide QA/QC oversight, review instrument data and final reports, coordinate daily sample accessioning, train staff, and assist with supervisory duties as needed.

Qualifications

• Advanced proficiency with EPA Drinking Water Laboratory Certification Program processes.
• Experience with ICP‑OES, ICP‑MS, ion chromatography and automated titration.
• Expert QA/QC competency in environmental testing and reporting.

Responsibilities

• Perform advanced drinking water and environmental lead analyses using ICP‑OES, ICP‑MS, and ion chromatography.
• Conduct quality assurance oversight for inorganic chemistry activities.
• Review raw instrument data and final analytical reports for accuracy and timeliness.
• Coordinate daily sample accessioning workflows to support laboratory operations.
• Assist with troubleshooting instrumentation and analytical methods.
• Serve as acting backup supervisor when the Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory Supervisor is absent.
• Train staff on instrumental analysis and related procedures.
• Review and update SOPs and QA plans; report proficiency testing results.
• Coordinate instrument repairs and preventative maintenance with vendors.

Skills

EPA Drinking Water QA

Instrumental analysis

QA/QC proficiency

MS Office / LIMS

Wet chemistry

Tools

ICP‑OES

ICP‑MS

Ion chromatography

Automated titration

Job description

Agency

Dept of Health and Human Services

Division

Public Health

Job Classification Title

Chemist II (NS)

Position Number

65041689

Grade

NC18

About Us

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 Include:

• 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

Candidates 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.

The 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 Microbiolo