Lead Chemist

State of North Carolina; North Carolina; On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a dedicated team at NCDOT as the Lead Chemist to oversee material testing for the North Carolina Highway System. This role involves managing analytical testing, ensuring quality standards, and leading a team to maintain integrity in highway construction. Ideal candidates have a strong chemistry background and leadership skills, eager to make a meaningful impact.

Benefits

Full State Benefits

Career development opportunities

Qualifications

• Experience in analyzing engineered materials and interpreting test results.
• Knowledge of laboratory instrumentation for quantitative and qualitative analysis.
• Experience with Microsoft Office products and data analysis.

Responsibilities

• Manage and oversee analytical chemical and physical testing.
• Ensure compliance with standards like ASTM, AASHTO, EPA.
• Supervise chemical and physical analyses performed by team members.

Skills

Analytical testing

Data analysis

Communication Skills

Team Leadership

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in chemistry

Tools

Microsoft Access

Laboratory information systems

Job description

Join Our Team as the Lead Chemist!

Join the dedicated team at the NCDOT’s Materials and Tests Unit, where we ensure the highest quality materials are used for roadway construction across North Carolina.

About Us:

Our Unit is dedicated to establishing acceptance criteria for materials and manufactured products, ensuring they meet the highest standards and function as intended. We play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of the North Carolina Highway System, in accordance with Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Regulations.

Your Role:

We are seeking a highly motivatedChemist to manage and oversee activities relating to analytical chemical and physical testing, data analysis, and approval of materials used in highway construction and maintenance.The ideal candidate will have a strong background in analytical testing and a passion for maintaining the highest standards of quality and safety.

Key Responsibilities:

• Material preparation, testing, and analysis.
• Data review to ensure accuracy, monitor trends, and take corrective action, if necessary.
• Supervision of chemical and physical analyses performed by one Chemist I and two Chemistry Technician II positions.
• Ownership and implementation of the Hydraulic Cement Acceptance Program.
• Maintenance and administration of the X-Ray Radiation Protection Program for the Chemical Testing Sub-section.
• Serve as the Chemical Hygiene Officer for the Materials and Tests Unit.

• Serve as a technical resource for colleagues within and outside the department, providing guidance on technical problems and procedures.

Additional duties include regular maintenance of highly specialized equipment, managing laboratory equipment and consumables inventory, training of employees, creation and maintenance of test methods and procedures, and ensuring compliance with standards (e.g. ASTM, AASHTO, EPA or Federal Test procedures) to maintain laboratory accreditation. Another component of laboratory accreditation includes mandatory participation in the Cement and Concrete Reference Laboratory (CCRL) proficiency sampling and auditing program. Other beneficial skills include experience in database development/management, Microsoft Access, and using WDXRF for materials characterization/analysis.

What We’re Looking For:

• Collaborative Team Player:Someone who thrives in a team environment and contributes positively to the group dynamics, including collaboration with other groups.
• Leadership: Strong leadership skills and the ability to manage and motivate a team.
• Communication Skills: Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively convey technical information to diverse audiences.
• Eager Learner:A proactive individual who is always willing to expand their knowledge and skills.
• Innovative Thinker:A creative mind that can think outside the box and bring fresh ideas to the table.
• Highly Organized:An individual who excels at managing multiple tasks efficiently and effectively.

Why Join Us?

• Impactful Work: Play a vital role in maintaining the quality and safety of the North Carolina Highway System.
• Collaborative Environment: Work with a dedicated team of professionals committed to excellence.
• Professional Growth: Opportunities for continuous learning and career advancement.
• Benefits: This position with NCDOT offers full State Benefits , competitive salaries and many career development opportunities.

Ready to Make a Difference? Apply Now!

Applicants must submit an application that clearly reflects work experience that demonstrates the following:

• Experience analyzing engineered materials and interpreting test results to assess the suitability of materials for their intended use.
• Knowledge of instrumentation used in an analytical laboratory for quantitative and qualitative analysis of engineered materials
• Experience communicating effectively with stakeholders, including the ability to present technical information and report clearly to a diverse range of audiences
• Experience with Microsoft Office products, databases, and data analysis including laboratory information systems or similar laboratory result entry systems.
• Experience in writing documentation and technical reports intended for a diverse range of audiences.

Additional Expectations:

This position requires a highly motivated individual who is able to work independently as well as part of a team. The successful candidate will have strong work ethics with a technical background in chemistry, excellent problem-solving skills, and the ability to effectively communicate complex concepts to both technical and non-technical personnel. Experience managing personnel is desired. Must have the ability to lift samples and equipment weighing up to 50lbs. Must be able to stand for long periods of time and be able to wear safety glasses and other personal protective equipment as needed.

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 oshr.nc.gov/experience-guide for detail.

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.

Wendy Wall, 919-329-4000.

Applicants must meet both the minimum requirements and all posted Knowledge, Skills and Ability requirements to be considered Qualified for the position. It is important that your application includes all your relevant education and work experience and that you answer all questions associated with the application.

NCDOT will not accept “See Attached” or “See Resume” in lieu of education and work experience completed on the application. If multiple applications are submitted to an individual posting, only the most recent application received prior to the posting date will be accepted.