Chemist I / Analyst – Environmental Water

Location: Augusta,Maine,United States

Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)

Chemist I

Opening Date: July 25, 2024

Closing Date: August 7, 2024

Job Class Code: 6401
Grade:  04-21 (Pro/Tech)
Salary: $49,275.20 - $68,952.00 per year *
*Includes a 10% stipend

Position Number: 2031-2300    

Location: Augusta

The goals of the Health and Environmental Testing Laboratory are to isolate, identify, analyze and monitor any biological, chemical, or radiological hazards of concern. We assist other agencies in the prevention, treatment, and control of such hazards, and we provide consultation with other agencies on state policy development and the quality assurance oversight of services provided by the public and private sectors.

In this position you will serve as a Chemist I within the environmental section of the Health and Environmental Testing Lab (HETL).  A significant component of this assignment is to provide analytical services for the Maine Drinking Water Program (DWP) and be responsible for providing direct support for the program. You will also analyze environmental samples for the HETL, enter data into our Laboratory Information Management System (LlMS), conduct technical reviews of work conducted by others, interact with the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and provide information related to analytical results, and maintain detailed records related to instrumental analysis.

As the Chemist I Analyst, you will also:
•    Evaluate, maintain, trouble-shoot and repair the instruments used in these analyses
•    Accept or reject Quality Control (QC) data
•    Assess sample integrity for tests requested
•    Review quality assurance and analytical data
•    Conduct turbidity measurements
•    Clean equipment, work areas, and glassware
•    Prepare chemical solutions and supplies for use in the analysis of samples
•    Conducting inventories of chemical stores to ensure availability of supplies
•    Queue and execute the types of testing requested 
•    Review quality assurance and analytical data
•    Determine proper detection, reporting and QC limits for these analyses 
•    Follow quality system measures as defined by the State and Federal certification agencies
•    Review and approve peer analytical data and interpret results and enter data into the laboratory information system
•    Operate in the laboratory with adherence to all safety and waste disposal requirements

Minimum Qualifications:

(Entry level knowledges, skills, and/or abilities may be acquired through, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO the following coursework/training and/or experience).

A four (4) year combination of education, training, and/or experience in chemistry or directly related field.

Preferred candidates will also have:
•    A desire to work both independently and within a team in an analytical laboratory
•    A solid foundation in chemistry and instrumental analysis
•    An awareness of AIHA, EPA, CLIA, and/or Maine State laboratory certification standards
•    A willingness to follow complicated analytical procedures
•    A knowledge of statistics
•    An ability to think critically and analyze data
•    Skills for establishing priorities and work to deadlines
•    The ability to keep detailed records and write comprehensive reports
•    The ability to identify issues or trends in data and reach logical conclusions
•    Good judgement – the ability to make sound decisions and recommendations based on and supported by data
•    Strong computer skills including Microsoft Office
•    Excellent oral and written communication skills

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Agency information: 

The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is dedicated to promoting health, safety, resilience, and opportunity for Maine people. The Department provides health and social services to approximately a third of the State's population, including children, families, older Mainers, and individuals with disabilities, mental illness, and substance use disorders. The Department also promotes public health, operates two state psych