Public Health Laboratory Scientist 1-3

Nunez Community College; Baton Rouge (LA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Louisiana Department of Health (Public Health Laboratory) in Baton Rouge seeks a Public Health Laboratory Scientist to join the Environmental Chemistry Laboratory Section. The role focuses on organic, inorganic, and trace metals analyses to ensure safe drinking water across the state, using ICP-MS, ICP-OES, and atomic absorption techniques.

Applicants must hold a CLS-G or CLS-S license and pass security checks; prior EPA-regulated lab experience is valued.

Qualifications

• Current license to practice as a CLS-G or CLS-S issued by the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners.
• Experience with EPA Safe Drinking Water regulations and metals analysis.
• Ability to perform chemical analyses of drinking water and wastewater using EPA-approved methods.

Responsibilities

• Perform chemical analyses of drinking water and wastewater samples using EPA-approved methods.
• Prepare samples via extractions, distillations, and EPA-approved procedures.
• Manage samples and ensure chain of custody and acceptance criteria.
• Maintain laboratory materials and instrumentation with proper calibration.
• Review data, perform statistical analyses, and use LIMS for data management.
• Contribute to QA/QC activities and safety protocols.

Skills

EPA methods exposure

ICP-MS analysis

ICP-OES analysis

Atomic absorption

Drinking water analysis

Education

CLS-G or CLS-S license

Tools

LIMS

Job description

The mission of the Louisiana Department of Health is to protect and promote health and to ensure access to medical, preventive, and rehabilitative services for all residents of the State of Louisiana.

Learn more about Louisiana Department of Health

Make an impact on public health in Louisiana.

The Louisiana Office of Public Health is seeking a Public Health Laboratory Scientist to join our OPH Laboratory, working in the Environmental Chemistry Laboratory Section. This role supports critical organic, inorganic, and trace metals analyses that help ensure safe drinking water across the state. Ideal candidates bring experience with EPA Safe Drinking Water regulations, particularly metals analysis using ICP-MS, ICP-OES, and/or atomic absorption. Prior work in an EPA-regulated laboratory is highly valued. This position offers meaningful daily collaboration with laboratory professionals, OPH program staff, and regulatory agencies—perfect for scientists who want their technical expertise to directly protect public health.

SPECIAL SECURITY REQUIREMENTS:

Applicants must be able to pass a criminal background check and/or security clearance, including but not limited to those required for the Federal Select Agent Program and the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners license requirements.

CLINICAL TESTING POSITIONS:

For positions which involve processing and analysis of human specimens and/or the generation or interpretation of laboratory results that may be used in the diagnosis or treatment of a disease or condition in humans, the incumbent must have a current license to practice as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist Generalist (CLS-G) or a Clinical Laboratory Scientist Specialist (CLS-S) issued by the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners (LSBME).

A temporary license to practice as a CLS-G or a CLS-S issued by the LSBME shall fulfill this requirement only for the limited time granted by the LSBME. The incumbent is required to satisfy the requirements for a CLS-G or CLS-S permanent license prior to the expiration of the temporary license.

The official job specifications for this role, as defined by the State Civil Service, can be found here.

Job Duties:

• Perform chemical analyses of drinking water and wastewater samples using standardized, EPA-approved methodologies for trace organics, trace metals, and inorganic compounds, including techniques such as gas and liquid chromatography, ICP-MS, atomic absorption, and other specified instrumentation.
• Prepare samples for analysis by conducting required extractions, distillations, cleanups, and other EPA-approved sample preparation procedures to ensure accurate and reliable analytical results.
• Receive, evaluate, and manage laboratory samples by verifying sample identification, maintaining chain of custody, assessing sample condition (volume, temperature, preservatives, packaging), and notifying supervisors when samples do not meet acceptance criteria.
• Prepare and maintain laboratory materials and instrumentation including reagents, standards, surrogates, spiking solutions, calibration and tuning solutions; ensure instruments are properly calibrated, maintained, and samples are analyzed within required timeframes.
• Conduct comprehensive data review and reporting by verifying completeness, calculation accuracy, data interpretation, corrective actions, and adherence to data quality objectives; utilize laboratory software and LIMS to track samples, perform statistical analyses, and manage data transfer.
• Support quality assurance, safety, and team operations by performing QA/QC activities; contributing to SOPs, corrective action documentation, and method development; troubleshooting and maintaining laboratory equipment; cross-training staff; participating in team problem-solving; and following laboratory safety and security protocols.

Position-Specific Details:

Location: Office of Public Health / Central Laboratory / East Baton Rouge Parish

Appointment Type: This position may be filled as a Probationary appointment

Cost Center: 3262107411

Position Number(s): 118280

Career Progression: This position may be filled as a Public Health Laboratory Scientist 1, 2, or 3 determined by the qualifications of the candidate selected. This position provides the opportunity to advance within this job series.

Contact Information:

Paul Tran

[e-mail]

LA Department of Health (LDH)

Division of Human Resources

PO Box 4818

Baton Rouge, LA 70821225-342-6477

This organization participates in E-verify, and for more information on E-verify, please contact DHS at 1-888-464-4218.

LDH supports Louisiana's commitment to being a State as a Model Employer (SAME) by promoting the recruitment, hiring, and retention of individuals with disabilities.

Information on the Louisiana Works, Louisiana Rehabilitation Services is available here.

LDH is an equal opportunity employer and seeks to recruit a highly productive and diverse workforce and will provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and prospective employees. Employment decisions shall be based strictly on merit and without regard to religious or political beliefs, sex, race, or any other non-merit factor.