Chemistry Technician I

Chemistry Technician I (S)

The North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services provides services that promote and improve agriculture, agribusiness, and forests; protect consumers and businesses; and conserve farmland and natural resources for the prosperity of all North Carolinians. The Department employs approximately 2,000 employees.

The Soil Testing Lab at the Agronomic Division in the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (NCDA&CS) is excited to announce the opening of a Chemistry Technician I position. You will work in a team environment that is high-volume and fast paced analyzing soil samples for North Carolina residents. In its busiest time, 3,000 samples are analyzed daily. From the lab results, soil fertility recommendations that maximize plant growth and yield, optimize profitability, and protect the environment are provided to the client.

Duties include:

• Subsampling soil samples using volumetric scoops
• Weighing soil samples on an analytical balance
• Extracting nutrients from soil samples
• Determining soil pH and electrical conductivity
• Conducting UV/VIS spectroscopy analysis

Other aspects of the position include:

• Utilizing a custom-made Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS)
• Evaluating data for accuracy
• Preparing solutions and standards
• Maintaining accurate records
• Cleaning labware
• Adhering to all Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and safety protocols

The employee must be able to work independently with minimal supervision. Tasks include lifting trays and boxes that typically weigh 30-50 lbs., with occasional loads up to 80 lbs. as well as standing for extended periods of time throughout the day. This physical effort is required to load trays of soil onto tables for sample processing. Normal working hours are 6:00 am to 3:00 pm, Monday through Friday, but occasional overtime may be required to meet established turnaround times. These working hours may be flexed depending on the length of lunch break taken.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences:

• Knowledge of the basic scientific principles applicable in a laboratory setting.
• Ability to independently perform and record complex laboratory tests and procedures, perform basic mathematical calculations, and record results with a high degree of accuracy.
• Ability to understand and follow research protocols, laboratory standard operating procedures (SOPs), and safety procedures.
• Ability to stand for long periods and lift up to 45 lbs. regularly.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff.

Recruitment Range- $33,272-$51,987

Any employment offer may be less than the maximum of the range due to salary equity with similarly situated employees or the selected candidate's related education and experience.

Please follow the instructions to apply online. It is important that your application includes all your relevant education and experience. Text or attached resumes ARE NOT accepted as a substitution for a completed application. Applicants seeking veteran's/National Guard preference should submit a copy of their Form DD-214, NGB 23A (RPAS), DD256 or NGB 22.

All Law Enforcement positions, aviation safety-sensitive positions, and positions requiring a Pilot's License or a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) shall be subject to pre-employment drug testing. All positions requiring a Commercial Driver's License shall also be subject to pre-employment DMV physicals. Selected applicants must obtain a U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) medical certificate prior to employment. If a CDL is listed as a preference and the selected applicant has a CDL at the time of hire, then the CDL will become a requirement for the position.

Note: When required, you must answer the question(s) for this position, or your application will be considered incomplete.

Questions regarding this posting? Contact View phone number on click.appcast.io.

Minimum Education and Experience: Associate's degree in one of the chemical, biological, microbiological, environmental or natural resource sciences or a closely related curriculum including related chemistry laboratory coursework from an appropriately accredited institution; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

EEO Statement: The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.

Recruiter: Toni Lynn Tooley