Program Manager State Chemist Section

The Association of American Feed Control Officials; Annapolis (MD); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The Association of American Feed Control Officials in Annapolis, MD seeks a Program Manager / State Chemist to lead registration, inspection, and laboratory operations. You will implement statutes governing animal feed, fertilizers, pesticides, and liming materials, ensuring compliance and scientific integrity.

You will guide chemists, inspectors, and staff; manage budgets and equipment; supervise personnel; and represent the department with state and federal agencies.

Qualifications

• At least five years of progressive experience in an analytical or clinical laboratory setting.
• Three years in a supervisory or mentoring role.
• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biochemistry, or closely related physical science.
• Proficiency in OSHA/CLIA safety regulations and registration processes for animal feed, fertilizers, pesticides.
• Experience with advanced instrumentation and wet chemistry methods.

Responsibilities

• Provides scientific leadership to chemists, inspectors, and staff while preparing comprehensive reports.
• Directs section activities, manages equipment purchases, and handles budgets.
• Supervises staff and oversees the laboratory and inspection teams.
• Acts as the department’s expert advisor on chemistry and regulated industries, coordinating with state and federal agencies.

Skills

Analytical chemistry

Supervisory experience

Regulatory knowledge

Laboratory instrumentation

Education

Bachelor's degree in chemistry/biochemistry

Tools

HPLC

ICP-MS

GC-MS

LC-MS

GCFID

UV-Vis

Job description

Position Title:

Program Manager / State Chemist Section

Brief Overview:

The State Chemist Section position administers and manages the registration, inspection, and laboratory groups. This role is responsible for implementing four statutes within the Maryland Agricultural Article concerning the regulation and analysis of commodities such as animal feed, fertilizers, pesticides, and liming materials.

Key Responsibilities and Duties:

• Technical Leadership: Provides scientific guidance to chemists, field inspectors, and administrative staff while preparing comprehensive reports.
• Section Administration: Directs section activities, manages the equipment and supplies purchasing program, and handles fiscal and budgetary management.
• Supervision: Manages direct reports and provides leadership to staff across the section.
• Expert Representation: Acts as the department’s expert advisor on regulated industries and chemistry, coordinating with other state and federal agencies.

Required Qualifications:

• Professional Experience: At least five years of progressive experience in an analytical or clinical laboratory setting, with three years specifically in a supervisory or mentoring role.
• Education: Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biochemistry, or closely related physical science.
• Regulatory Knowledge: Proficiency in safety regulations (OSHA, CLIA) and the registration processes for feed, fertilizer, compost, and pesticides.
• Technical Proficiency: Demonstrated expertise in advanced instrumentation, including HPLC, ICP-MS, GCMS, LCMS, GCFID, and UV-VIS, as well as wet chemistry methods and elemental analysis.