Chemist 1

Chemist 1

Step into the Chemist 1 role with the Department of Environmental Protection and help protect Pennsylvania's environment through careful scientific work! This role provides daily experience with advanced instruments and real-world environmental testing. Your work will support decisions that help keep water, soil, and air safe all over Pennsylvania. This is a great opportunity for someone eager to learn, contribute, and make a positive difference!

This position supports laboratory operations that ensure environmental samples are processed, analyzed, and evaluated with accuracy. The work helps provide reliable data that supports the mission of the Department of Environmental Protection. As a Chemist 1, you will perform the following duties:

• Sample Processing: Organize and prepare incoming samples for accurate logging and distribution to analytical sections
• Analytical Testing: Operate laboratory instruments and follow approved procedures to analyze samples for metals and other analytes
• Quality Assurance: Maintain quality control records and participate in studies that verify accuracy and compliance with required standards
• Data Management: Record results, verify data, and use laboratory systems to ensure traceability and proper documentation
• Instrument Support: Perform routine calibration, troubleshoot issues, and keep instruments in proper working condition
• Training Support: Assist with training and cross-training to support knowledge, growth, and operational flexibility

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment
• Work hours are 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch.
• Telework: You will not have the option to telework in this position.
• Salary: Selected candidates who are new to employment with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will begin employment at the starting annual salary of $51,971.00 (before taxes).
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• A bachelor's degree in chemistry; or
• A bachelor's degree that includes 30 credits in chemistry or biochemistry.
• Applicants will be considered to have met the educational requirements once they are within three months of graduating with a qualifying degree.

Condition of Employment:

• This position requires possession of a valid Pennsylvania Driver's License.

Other Requirements:

• You must possess and maintain a REAL ID or passport for this position. Proof of possession will be needed at the time of a conditional offer of employment.
• You must meet the PA residency requirement. For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link and click on Residency Guidelines.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

How to Apply:

• Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
• If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
• Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
• Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.
• All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant's own experience, qualifications, and work. Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only. Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted. Review the Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job Seekers for additional information.

Veterans:

• Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. §7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to and click on Veterans.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS): 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.