Environmental Chemist (Organic)

Westchester County; Town of Mount Pleasant (NY); On-site; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Comprehensive benefits

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

The Westchester County Department of Laboratories & Research is seeking an Environmental Chemist (Organic) to conduct and interpret environmental organic analyses of water, soil, and related materials using HPLC, GC-MS, GC/ECD, and GC/FID methods. The role supports compliance with NYS and EPA procedures and may supervise junior staff.

Applicants should have a chemistry-related bachelor's degree and relevant lab experience in environmental chemistry or sustainability-focused labs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or a biological science with twelve credits in Chemistry and either one year of environmental chemistry laboratory experience or one year of chemistry laboratory experience in a sustainability-focused laboratory.

Responsibilities

• Performs and interprets environmental organic chemistry analyses of waters, wastewater, estuarine water, soil for pesticides, PCBs and other pollutants.
• Operates HPLC, GC/MS, GC/ECD, GC/FID to perform analyses.
• Uses extraction methods (Soxhlet, liquid-liquid) and cleanup procedures (Florisil, GPC) to achieve required sensitivities.
• Maintains and troubleshoots laboratory instrumentation and equipment.
• Possibly supervises trainees and participates in 24/7/365 rotational schedule for testing.

Skills

Environmental chemistry

Laboratory supervision

Data analysis

Regulatory compliance

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or related field

Tools

HPLC

GC-MS

GC/ECD

Soxhlet extraction

GPC cleanup

Job description

The Westchester County Department of Laboratories & Research is seeking an experienced Environmental Chemist (Organic) to join our growing team within the Division of Environmental Services.

Under supervision of a higher-level professional, a successful candidate in this position is responsible for conducting and interpreting various environmental organic chemical and physical analysis of water, wastewater, estuarine water, soil and other environmental materials for the detection of organic compounds by following established New York State and Environmental Protection Agency procedures to ensure that all tests adhere to established standards of proficiency. The candidate must maintain a satisfactory rating of performance for those procedures for which approval has been granted to the laboratory by the New York State Department of Health. This position may supervise subordinate laboratory personnel and provides instruction to subordinates in laboratory procedures or specific chemistry analysis. Does related work as required.

Examples of Work Include but Not Limited To:

• Performs and interprets environmental organic chemistry analyses of natural and treated waters, wastewater and estuarine waters for Pesticides, PCBs, Herbicides, Volatile halogenated compounds, Volatile aromatic compounds, Petroleum products, and other toxic and priority pollutants using approved methods.
• Uses instrumental methods incorporating high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), purge & trap gas chromatography with mass spectrometry (GC/MS), gas chromatography utilizing electron capture detectors (GC/ECD), and flame ionization detectors (GC/FID) to perform analyses;
• Utilizes liquid/liquid, Soxhlet, and Ultrasonic extractions to isolate potential contaminants. Cleanup procedures using Florisil, Gel Permeation Cleanup (GPC), and others are employed to achieve necessary sensitivity and detection limits;
• Performs statistical analyses (i.e.: linear regression, standard deviation). in order to evaluate an instrument’s calibration status
• Evaluates and prepares samples for analysis utilizing the most effective or appropriate chemical techniques;
• Maintains assigned areas, instrumentation and equipment (i.e.; Chromagraph, extractor apparatus, etc.) in a clean and safe manner and at operational readiness; troubleshoots and does repairs when necessary;
• May supervise and instruct trainees or subordinates in specific chemistry analyses or general laboratory procedures;
• Participates with a team of analysts on a 24/7/365 rotational staff weekend and holiday work schedule. This team performs laboratory tests for bacteriological organisms or biochemical oxygen demand on samples submitted by WCDEF.

Minimum Acceptable Training & Experience:

A Bachelor's degree* in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or a biological science, which must have included twelve credits* in Chemistry and either: (a) one year of environmental chemistry laboratory experience; or (b) one year of chemistry laboratory experience in a laboratory that follows sustainability protocols.

Come Join Our Growing Team!

Since 1944, the Westchester County Environmental Laboratory has been dedicated to protecting public health throughout Westchester County and the Lower Hudson Valley. Our state‑of‑the‑art laboratory provides comprehensive environmental testing of water, soil, and air samples, supporting government agencies, healthcare facilities, businesses, and the community. With highly trained professionals and rigorous quality assurance standards, we deliver accurate and reliable bacteriological, inorganic, organic, and radiological testing services.

Besides a competitive salary, our generous compensation package includes comprehensive benefits (including medical, dental, and vision), paid leave (including holidays, vacation and personal days), deferred compensation, tuition reimbursement and a retirement plan.

Westchester County is an Equal Opportunity Employer

About Westchester County

Westchester County, located in the heart of the historic Hudson Valley, covers 500 square miles and has a population of just over 1 million. Originally home to Native Americans of the Lenape tribe, it is now a rich mix of diverse cultures and landscapes. The County is a blend of bustling cities, quaint villages, and picturesque towns, as well as open spaces and a network of beautiful parks. Westchester is made up of six cities, 19 towns, and 20 villages. The County is known for its top‑notch public schools and high quality of life. It is also an intellectual capital, boasting a highly educated workforce, competitive colleges and universities, Fortune 500 companies, world‑changing nonprofits, and cutting‑edge research centers. Westchester is led by County Executive Kenneth W. Jenkins, who took office in January 2025 as the tenth County Executive. Focusing on innovation, Jenkins is leveraging technology and fostering business growth to position Westchester as a dynamic and inclusive destination where everyone can thrive. Learn more about Westchester County by visiting www.westchestergov.com