Chemist Assistant / Analyst – Environmental Metals (Seasonal Position – 6 months)

Location: Augusta,Maine,United States

Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)

Chemist Assistant

Opening Date: July 26, 2024

Closing Date:  August 9, 2024

Job Class Code:  6405
Grade:  12-09 (Ops / Maint)
Salary: $15.00 – $19.35 per hour

Position Number: 2000-2324    

Location: Augusta

You will serve as a Chemist Assistant within the environmental metals testing section of the Health and Environmental Testing Lab (HETL).  You will be responsible for performing routine sample preparation and analytical testing procedures; examining laboratory samples; assisting staff and chemists; and cleaning laboratory equipment. A significant component of this position involves providing analytical services and direct support for the Maine Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program. This work includes analysis of environmental wipe, soil, and paint chip samples. You will also analyze water 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. 

This is a seasonal (six month) appointment.

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 wipe & soil sample digestions
•    Conduct turbidity measurements
•    Clean equipment, work areas, and glassware
•    Prepare chemical solutions and supplies for use in the analysis of samples
•    Calculate analytical results from raw data to determine the degree of lead contamination
•    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).
Graduation from High School or equivalency including completion of a laboratory science course – OR – one (1) year laboratory experience.

Preferred candidates will also have:
•    Excellent oral and written communication skills
•    Knowledge and experience in chemistry or a related science
•    Experience working both independently and within a team in an analytical laboratory  
•    The ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships

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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 psychiatric hospitals, and provides oversight to health care providers.

The mission for the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC), within which this position is located, is to develop and deliver services to preserve, protect, and promote the health and well-being of the citizens of Maine.

Application Information:

 Please submit all documents or files in  PDF format.

For additional information about this position please contact Ed Adams, Chemist III, Organic and Environmental Metals Supervisor at edward.j.adams@maine.gov or 20