CHEMIST I - 42000857

State of Florida • Tallahassee, FL

3d • $44,828 - $53,793

About The Position

The Chemist I works under supervision and follows standard operating procedures to perform routine chemical or physical tests and analyses of foods in a timely manner. Duties may involve using instrumentation. The chemist verifies analytical results and provides peer review of results. The role supports the Bureau of Laboratories in the Division of Food Safety at the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

The position requires maintaining expertise in analytical procedures, instrument technology, quality assurance, and improvement. The chemist follows state and department policies and procedures for food analysis and works with the supervisor, staff, and laboratory quality manager to support quality assurance and improvement under ISO 17025. The position also supports laboratory operations by maintaining current inventories and ensuring equipment, supplies, and work areas are properly maintained.

Occasional travel is required. A standard numerically based work sample with a minimum passing score is part of the hiring process. Successful applicants must pass a background screening, including fingerprinting. Flex time is noted.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major course of study in chemistry or biochemistry.
• Meet applicable federal or state regulations when required for the position.
• Knowledge of terminology, principles, and techniques of chemical research, analysis, or testing.
• Knowledge of procedures, techniques, and equipment used in laboratory testing and analysis.
• Knowledge of methods of data collection.
• Skill in using scientific laboratory equipment.
• Ability to collect, record, and analyze scientific data relating to chemistry.
• Ability to conduct chemical analyses using scientific methods and techniques.
• Ability to perform quantitative analysis of scientific data and calculations.
• Ability to plan, organize, and coordinate work assignments.
• Ability to communicate effectively and establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to keep accurate research records and use problem-solving techniques.
• Ability to understand and apply applicable rules, regulations, policies, and procedures relating to the chemical sciences.
• Ability to comply with strict procedural and quality control/quality assurance guidelines in an ISO 17025-accredited laboratory.
• Ability to use laboratory computer applications, including email, data processing, spreadsheets, databases, and word processing, in a networked environment.
• Pass the required numerically based work sample with the established minimum score.
• Pass a background screening, including fingerprinting.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine chemical or physical tests and analyses of foods under supervision and using standard operating procedures; analyses may involve instrumentation.
• Verify analytical results and provide peer review of results.
• Maintain expertise in analytical procedures, instrument technology, quality assurance, and improvement.
• Comply with state and department policies and procedures for food analysis.
• Work with the supervisor, staff, and laboratory quality manager to support quality assurance and improvement under ISO 17025.
• Keep equipment and chemical/reagent inventories current and complete.
• Support proper functioning of the section, including equipment maintenance, maintaining reagent and chemical supplies, and keeping laboratory and work areas clean and orderly.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.
• Travel occasionally.

Benefits

• Annual and sick leave
• Nine paid holidays and one personal holiday each year
• State Group Insurance coverage options, including health, life, dental, vision, and supplemental insurance
• Retirement plan options, including employer contributions
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Tuition waivers
• Flex time

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level