Environmental Metals Analyst – Chemist I

Augusta , Maine , United States | Life & Physical Sciences | Full-time

Apply by: May 3, 2024

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Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)Chemist IOpening Date: April 22, 2024Closing Date: May 3, 2024Job Class Code: 6401

Grade: 04-21 (Pro / Tech)

Salary: $47,840.00 - $64,376.00 / yr.*

*Includes an additional 10% stipendPosition Number: 2000-3776Location: Augusta

In this position you will serve as an analyst in the Environmental Metals Section of the Maine Health and Environmental Testing Laboratory (HETL). 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 and environmental samples for the HETL, enter data into our Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), 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.

Core Responsibilities

As a key member of the Environmental team, your core responsibilities will include:

• 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

• Queue and execute the types of testing requested

• Review quality assurance and analytical data

• Participate in the daily operations of the testing section of the laboratory

• Determine proper detection, reporting and QC limits for these analyses

• Enter and maintain data in the laboratory information system (LIMS)

• Ensure the quality system by maintaining proficiency and updating standard operating procedures (SOPs)

for assigned tests

• Communicate technical information to federal, state, and local agencies and the public

• 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

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:

• Experience working both independently and within a team in an analytical laboratory

• A solid foundation in chemistry and instrumental analysis

• An understanding of AIHA, EPA, and/or Maine State Laboratory Certification Standards

• A demonstrated ability to work with environmental samples (water, wipes, soils, chips) and biological matrices (blood, urine)

• A demonstrated ability to follow complicated analytical procedures and the ability to trouble-shoot when analyses or extractions do not work as expected

• A knowledge of statistics

• An ability to think critically and analyze data

• An ability to manage several projects at once

• 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

• Experience working with inductively coupled plasma – optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) and the art of sample preparation

• Experience authoring methods for EPA’s Alternative Test Procedure Program

Thinking about applying?

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Agency information:

TheDepartment of Health and Human Services (https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/) (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.

For additional information about this position please contact Ed Adams, Chemist III, Organic and Environmental Metals Supervisor at edward.j.adams@maine.gov or 207-287-6433

*To apply , please upload a resume and cover letter with your application. To request a paper application, please contact Ashley.Smith@Maine.gov (Ashley.Vigue@Maine.gov) Please submit all documents or files in PDF format.

Benefits of working for the State of Maine:

No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto—"Dirigo" or "I lead"—as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:

• Work-Life Fit – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays , 12 days of sick leave , and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.

• Health Insurance Coverage – The State of Maine pays 85%-100% of employee-only premiums ($10,523.28-$12,380.40 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.

• Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($350.40 annual value).

• Retirement Plan – The State contributes the equivalent of 13.41% of the employee's pay towards the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS).

• Parental leave is one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child—including fathers and adoptive parents—receivesix weeks of fully paid parental leave. Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under the Family and Medical Leave Act .

  State employees are eligible for an extensive and highly competitive benefits package (https://www.maine.gov/bhr/state-jobs/compensation-benefits) , covering many aspects of wellness. Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness (https://www.maine.gov/bhr/oeh/) .

  Note: Benefits may vary somewhat according to specific collective bargaining agreements and are prorated for part-time employment.

There's a job and then there's purposeful, transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn, grow, and continuously refine your skills. Applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways, and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role.

As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics.

If you’re looking for a great next step, and want to feel good about what you do, we’d love to hear from you. Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.