ANALYTICAL CHEMIST III

Location:              DNREC- Division of Water – Environmental Laboratory      

                             89 Kings Highway                                                                Deadline:  Until Filled

                             Dover, DE 19901                                                                  Salary:        $65,456.00

This is not a State of Delaware merit position.  It is a one-year contractual position with the opportunity to work long term.

The Kent Conservation District (KCD), a governmental subdivision of the State of Delaware, is seeking applicants for the contractual services position of Analytical Chemist III with the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC), Division of Water – Environmental Laboratory.

JOB SUMMARY

The Analytical Chemist III supports Delaware’s efforts to protect its water and soil resources from the impacts of emerging contaminants, including per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Duties include environmental field sampling, sample receiving and processing, as well as preparing environmental samples using various filtration and extraction techniques. This lead level position is responsible for conducting and evaluating all aspects of analyses for water quality surveillance and emerging contaminant assessment; preparing standards and chemical solutions to support analyses; and generating and reviewing technical reports and data summaries. Responsibilities also include working with complex instrumentation, such as: LC-MS/MS, ICP-AES, ICP-MS, GC-MS, segmented flow, and elemental analyzers. The successful candidate is required to follow good laboratory practices, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and quality assurance processes. This position will utilize laboratory information systems and statistics, maintain analytical instrumentation, and coordinate with supervisor/coworkers to complete analyses.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS 

Essential functions are fundamental, core functions and are not intended

to be an exhaustive list of all job duties.

• Leads efforts related to planning, field sampling, receiving, processing, digesting, and/or extracting environmental samples for analysis collected from, but not limited to, surface water, ground water, and wastewater sources. Other matrices include biosolids, tissues, and other substrates.
• Preparing standards, reagents, and reaction solvent mixes/chemicals. Safe use of potentially hazardous chemicals, such as concentrated acids and organic solvents, is required.
• Responsible for thorough and timely data documentation and adherence to good laboratory practices, SOPs, quality assurance processes, and other guidelines.
• Will be responsible for analyses of various sample matrices using analytical instruments such as LC-MS/MS, GC-MS, ICP-MS, ICP-AES, segmented flow, and elemental analyzers.
• Will communicate with laboratory clients, customers, project managers, inter- and intra-departmental members, and public stakeholders.
• Required to utilize laboratory information systems, conduct statistical analyses, and evaluate data quality.
• Reports to a technical or administrative superior. Must coordinate with supervisor and other coworkers to complete analyses within designated sample holding times and defined result turn-around times.
• Will assist with method development procedures under the direction of senior Analytical Chemists and/or other technical experts.

JOB REQUIREMENTS 

Applicants must have the following:

• Three years’ experience in generating and interpreting chemical test data by performing quantitative and qualitative analysis.
• Three years’ experience in selecting and modifying laboratory test methods and procedures.
• Six months experience in conducting data review to ensure numerical input, calculations, formulas and interpretation of output are accurate, instruments were operating according to specifications, analytical procedures were followed, and documentation is complete.
• Three years’ experience in physical, organic, inorganic or analytical chemistry.
• Three years’ experience in using laboratory equipment and instrumentation including calibration and maintenance.
• Six months experience in technical report writing.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

The knowledge, skills, and abilities listed are general core requirements and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all KSAs.

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of analytical chemistry, basic statistics, laboratory safety, quality control, field sampling, result interpretation and data quality evaluation.
• Knowledge of the methods and techniques of recording, documenting, interpreting, and reporting chemical laboratory analysis.
• Skill in the application, care, maintenance, and troubleshooting of complex analytical instrumentation.
• Skill in selecting and modifying test methods and procedures, generating and interpreting chemical test data.
• Skill in conducting data reviews including interpretation and verification of complex scientific data.
• Ability to lead in a team environment, while reviewing, planning and conducting laboratory tests.
• Ability to prepare accurate scientific reports.
• Ability to train others.
• Ability to recognize and mediate diverse/conflicting priorities.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. The Conservation District participates in the Federal E-Verify system to confirm you are authorized to work in the U.S. The Conservation District does not provide sponsorship for holders of H-1B Visas.
• Direct Deposit of paychecks is required of all new employees.
• Possession of a valid Driver’s License is required (not suspended, revoked, cancelled, or disqualified from driving.)

BENEFITS

The Kent Conservation District offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:  37.5-hour work week with flexible scheduling options, 9.5 hours per month of accrued vacation leave and 9.5 hours per month of accrued sick leave (prorated the first month of employment), and 11 paid holidays per year (holidays and floating holidays follow the State of Delaware schedule.)  Health insurance and pension are also included in the benefits package.

The Kent Conservation District is an equal opportunity employer and

values a diverse workforce.

TO APPLY

Please email cover letter, resume, and Kent Conservation District Employment Application to:

Jamie L. Willey, MBA

DNREC District HR Manager

Jamie.L.Willey@delaware.gov

(302) 608-5478

Employment Application may be downloaded from the Kent Conservation District Job Opportunities website: KCD Website