Chemist I

$51,039 - $57,843/Yr

State of South Carolina

Full-time - Entry Level

Remote

Executive, Legislative, and Other General Government Support

About the position

The Lab Analyst position at SCDES involves preparing, extracting, and analyzing ambient air samples in the Bureau of Regional and Laboratory Services. The role is crucial for ensuring compliance with environmental standards and involves using advanced analytical techniques to monitor air quality. The analyst will work with gas chromatographic/mass spectral analyses (GC/MS) and maintain laboratory equipment while adhering to strict safety and quality assurance protocols.

Responsibilities

• Prepares and performs extractions of ambient air samples for analysis using approved EPA methodology.
• Analyzes ambient air samples using gas chromatographic/mass spectral analyses (GC/MS).
• Monitors system performance with required QC check standards analyzed with each day's sample sequence.
• Prepares standards and reagents for analyses and maintains the GC/MS system.
• Performs calibrations and calibration checks as required.
• Calculates and reports data generated by sample analysis.
• Creates records compatible with EPA's AQS format and submits completed data packets to the laboratory manager.
• Participates in all assigned proficiency testing requested.
• Maintains all data and QA/QC in analytical batch packets.
• Assists in preparing sampling media for field collections and receives/logs in samples.
• Annually reviews assigned Standard Operating Procedures and Quality Assurance Project Plans (QAPPs) for accuracy and needed corrections.
• Completes all necessary administrative tasks (PCAS, SCEIS related functions, etc.) and other duties as required.

Requirements

• A bachelor's degree in chemistry or a bachelor's degree in the natural sciences with 16 academic credits in chemistry and relevant work experience.
• Knowledge of the principles of chemistry, laboratory analysis, and good analytical laboratory techniques.
• Working knowledge of basic maintenance and operation of common laboratory equipment.
• Experience with general instrumentation software and Microsoft Office.
• Ability to perform scientific mathematical calculations and maintain accurate records.
• Effective communication skills with peers, other scientists, and service engineers.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and manage time effectively.
• Physical ability to move and change 150-pound gas cylinders and stand for long periods.

Nice-to-haves

• A Chemistry degree and 1 year of employment experience in an environmental laboratory setting.
• Knowledge of GC, HPLC, GC/MS, and associated data systems used for the analysis of organic contaminants.

Benefits

• Health, Dental, Vision, Long Term Disability, and Life Insurance for Employee, Spouse, and Children.
• 15 days annual (vacation) leave per year.
• 15 days sick leave per year.
• 13 paid holidays.
• Paid parental leave.
• S.C. Deferred Compensation Program available.
• State Retirement Plan and Deferred Compensation Programs.