Chemistry Technician I

State of North Carolina; Wake Forest (NC); On-site; USD 33,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

The Soil Testing Lab within the Agronomic Division of the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is seeking a Chemistry Technician I to analyze soil samples for residents across the state. You will work in a fast-paced team, performing subsampling, weighing, nutrient extraction, pH and conductivity tests, and UV/Vis analyses using a custom LIMS.

The role requires adherence to SOPs, accurate data recording, and the ability to lift up to 45 lbs.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of basic scientific principles applicable in a laboratory setting.
• Ability to independently perform and record complex laboratory tests with accuracy.
• Ability to follow SOPs and safety procedures.
• Ability to stand for long periods and lift up to 45 lbs.

Responsibilities

• Subsampling soil samples using volumetric scoops.
• Weighing soil samples on an analytical balance.
• Extracting nutrients from soil samples.
• Determining soil pH and electrical conductivity.
• Conducting UV/Vis spectroscopy analysis.

Skills

Laboratory knowledge

Analytical testing

Safety procedures

Record keeping

Physical stamina

Education

Associate’s degree in chemistry or related field

Tools

LIMS

Job description

Agency

Dept of Agriculture , Consumer Services

Division

Agriculture Consumer Service

Job Classification Title

Chemistry Technician I (S)

Position Number

60011787

Grade

NC06

About Us

The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services provides services that promote and improve agriculture, agribusiness, and forests; protect consumers and businesses; and conserve farmland and natural resources for the prosperity of all North Carolinians. The Department employs approximately 2,000 employees.

Description of Work

Please note: Job postings close at 11:59:59 p.m. the night before the listed Posting End Date above.

The NCDA&CS Agronomic Services Division provides statewide diagnostic and advisory services that increase agricultural productivity, promote responsible land management, and safeguard environmental quality. The Division is comprised of three laboratory sections and a field services section with a combined total of 60 employees. The Agronomic Division maintains a very active, employee-led safety program and is recognized as a Public-Sector Star site by the NC Department of Labor.

The Soil Testing Lab at the Agronomic Division in the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (NCDA&CS) is excited to announce the opening of a Chemistry Technician I position. You will work in a team environment that is high-volume and fast paced analyzing soil samples for North Carolina residents. In its busiest time, 3,000 samples are analyzed daily. From the lab results, soil fertility recommendations that maximize plant growth and yield, optimize profitability, and protect the environment are provided to the client.

Duties include:

• Subsampling soil samples using volumetric scoops
• Weighing soil samples on an analytical balance
• Extracting nutrients from soil samples
• Determining soil pH and electrical conductivity
• Conducting UV/VIS spectroscopy analysis

Other aspects of the position include:

• Utilizing a custom-made Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS)
• Evaluating data for accuracy
• Preparing solutions and standards
• Maintaining accurate records
• Cleaning labware
• Adhering to all Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and safety protocols

The employee must be able to work independently with minimal supervision. Tasks include lifting trays and boxes that typically weigh 30-50 lbs., with occasional loads up to 80 lbs. as well as standing for extended periods of time throughout the day. This physical effort is required to load trays of soil onto tables for sample processing.

Normal working hours are 6:00 am to 3:00 pm, Monday through Friday, but occasional overtime may be required to meet established turnaround times. These working hours may be flexed depending on the length of lunch break taken.

A written practicum will be given to candidates during the interview to evaluate the candidate’s knowledge of analytical chemistry and other related sciences. Selected candidate must pass a fitness for duty/functional capacity evaluation post-offer paid for by the Department.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences

Recruitment Range- $33,272-$51,987

• Knowledge of the basic scientific principles applicable in a laboratory setting.
• Ability to independently perform and record complex laboratory tests and procedures, perform basic mathematical calculations, and record results with a high degree of accuracy.
• Ability to understand and follow research protocols, laboratory standard operating procedures (SOPs), and safety procedures.
• Ability to stand for long periods and lift up to 45 lbs. regularly.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff.

Click Here to Learn more about State Employee Benefits.

Any employment offer may be less than the maximum of the range due to salary equity with similarly situated employees or the selected candidate’s related education and experience.

Applicants seeking veteran’s/National Guard preference should submit a copy of their Form DD-214, NGB 23A (RPAS), DD256 or NGB 22.

All Law Enforcement positions, aviation safety-sensitive positions, and positions requiring a Pilot’s License or a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) shall be subject to pre-employment drug testing. All positions requiring a Commercial Driver’s License shall also be subject to pre-employment DMV physicals. Selected applicants must obtain a U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) medical certificate prior to employment. If a CDL is listed as a preference and the selected applicant has a CDL at the time of hire, then the CDL will become a requirement for the position.

Note: When required, you must answer the question(s) for this position, or your application will be considered incomplete.

Questions regarding this posting? Contact 919-707-3201.

Minimum Education and Experience

Some state job postings say you can qualify by an “equivalent combination of education and experience.” If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details.

Associate’s degree in one of the chemical, biological, microbiological, environmental or natural resource sciences or a closely related curriculum including related chemistry laboratory coursework from an appropriately accredited institution; 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.