CHEMIST I - 42000360

State of Florida • Tampa, FL

10d • $49,668 - $54,364

About The Position

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Consumer Services, Bureau of Standards is hiring a Chemist I. The position draws and examines samples of petroleum products, antifreeze, and brake fluid for laboratory analysis, removes nonconforming products from sale, and oversees disposition of stop-sale commodities and their release when standards are met.

The Chemist analyzes petroleum products for compliance with current ASTM and Florida specifications using appropriate methods and standard operating procedures. The role uses the bureau’s Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) to collect, analyze, review, and authorize results and to support quality control and other laboratory records. The Chemist maintains, calibrates, and operates analytical instruments with minimal supervision, and maintains inventory of supplies and parts needed for assigned instruments.

The position participates in the bureau’s Quality Control Program, including proficiency-sample analyses, routine quality-control procedures, and preparation and distribution of quality-control standards as needed. It also records inspections and field actions, submits reports and accurate activity, travel, and expense records, maintains databases, follows purchasing procedures, and keeps assigned test equipment in prescribed condition.

The Chemist receives, unpacks, prepares, prioritizes, and distributes laboratory samples, observing safety rules because samples are flammable. The role maintains shipment records and stays current on applicable regulations, safety rules, analytical procedures, and instrumentation. Other related administrative and nontechnical duties may be assigned. Moderate travel is required.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major course of study in chemistry or biochemistry.
• Possession of a valid Class E driver license.
• Ability to conduct inspections.
• Ability to pay attention to details and note discrepancies.
• Ability to deal with the public in a tactful and courteous manner.
• Must pass a background screening, including fingerprinting, as a condition of employment.
• Eligible candidates must complete a numerically based work sample and achieve the established minimum passing score.

Responsibilities

• Draw and examine samples of petroleum products, antifreeze, and brake fluid for laboratory analysis.
• Remove products that do not meet established standards from sale; oversee disposition of stop-sale commodities and authorize release when standards are met.
• Analyze petroleum products for compliance with current ASTM and Florida specifications using applicable methods and standard operating procedures.
• Use the bureau’s LIMS to collect, analyze, review, and authorize analytical results and maintain quality-control and other laboratory information.
• Maintain, calibrate, and operate analytical instrumentation with minimal supervision; maintain inventory of required supplies and parts.
• Participate in the bureau’s Quality Control Program, including proficiency-sample analyses and routine quality-control procedures; mix, analyze, and distribute quality-control standards as needed.
• Record inspections, findings, observations, and field actions on official forms; submit violation-disposition reports to bureau supervision.
• Maintain accurate records of daily activities and travel, and submit travel and other expense documents in accordance with department policies.
• Keep databases current, report operational problems to bureau management, and follow purchasing guidelines and required documentation procedures.
• Maintain assigned test equipment in prescribed condition.
• Receive and unpack sample cases while following safety rules; prepare, prioritize, and distribute samples and maintain records of shipments to and from the laboratory.
• Stay current on applicable rules and regulations, safety rules, analytical procedures, and available instrumentation.
• Perform related administrative paperwork and other nontechnical duties as required by management.

Benefits

• Annual and sick leave benefits
• 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

What This Job Offers

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