Chemist I
Opening Date: November 7, 2024
Closing Date: November 21, 2024
Job Class Code: 6401
Grade: 21 (Pro/Tech)
Salary: $44,803.20 - $62,691.20 per year*
*Plus an additional 10% stipend
Position Number: 02000-4050
Location: Augusta
The Maine CDC Health and Environmental Testing Laboratory (HETL) is looking for a Chemist I to perform polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) analysis as part of the PFAS testing team.
This position serves as an analyst in the PFAS Section of the Maine HETL. You will analyze water, environmental, and biological samples for the HETL and enter data into our Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS). You will also conduct technical reviews of work conducted by others, provide information related to analytical results, and maintain detailed records related to instrumental analysis. This position will interact and collaborate with the Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry (DACF) and the Maine Drinking Water Program (DWP).
Core Responsibilities:
As a key member of the HETL team, your core responsibilities will include:
• 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
• Enter and maintain data in the laboratory information system (LIMS)
• Ensure the quality system by maintaining proficiency for assigned tests
• Follow quality system measures as defined by the State and Federal certification agencies
• Review and approve peer analytical data reports
• Maintain instrumentation
• Follow laboratory safety requirements
• Learn and follow directions from senior team members
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 analyses
• An understanding of AIHA, EPA, CLIA, and/or Maine laboratory accreditation/cetification standards
• A demonstrated ability to work with environmental samples (water, soils, and crops) and biological matrices (blood serum, animal tissue)
• A demonstrated ability to follow analytical procedures
• A knowledge of statistics
• An ability to think critically and analyze data
• Skills for establishing priorities and 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 Excel
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Experience working with liquid chromatography tandem mass spectroscopy (LC-MS/MS)
• Experience with sample preparation including solid phase extraction (SPE)
• Experience working with PFAS
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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:
For additional information about this position please contact Melissa Chisholm, Senior Scientist, at (207) 215-6418.
*To apply, please upload a resume and cover letter with your application.
Please submit all documents or files in PDF format.
To request a paper application, please contact Mandy.L.Harman@Maine.gov
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 ($11,196.96 - $13,172.88 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 ($358.08 annual value).
- Retirement Plan – The State contributes the equivalent of 13.29% 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—receive six 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, covering many aspects of wellness. Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness.
Note: Benefits may vary somewhat according to specific collective bargaining agreements and are prorated for anything less than full-time.
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.