CHEMIST I - 42000829
About The Position
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Food Safety, Bureau of Laboratories is hiring a Chemist I in an open competitive opportunity. Under supervision and using standard operating procedures, the Chemist performs routine chemical or physical tests and analyses of foods in a timely manner, potentially using instrumentation. The position verifies analytical results and provides peer review of results. The Chemist maintains expertise in analytical procedures, instrument technology, and quality assurance and improvement; follows state and department policies 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 maintains current and complete equipment and chemical/reagent inventories and helps ensure the section operates properly, including equipment maintenance, supply availability, and clean, orderly laboratory and work areas. Other related duties may be assigned. Occasional travel is required. The successful applicant must pass a background screening, including fingerprinting. A numerically based work sample with a minimum passing score is part of the selection process. Applicants must complete all fields in the Candidate Profile and provide verifiable responses to qualifying questions. Selected applicants are normally hired at the base salary.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, with a major course of study in chemistry or biochemistry.
- Ability to meet specific federal or state regulations where required for a position in this class.
- Knowledge of chemical research, analysis, or testing terminology, principles, and techniques.
- Knowledge of laboratory testing and analysis procedures, techniques, and equipment.
- Knowledge of data collection methods.
- 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.
- Ability to keep accurate research records and use problem-solving techniques.
- Ability to understand and apply 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 for email, data processing, spreadsheets, databases, and word processing in a networked environment.
- Occasional travel is required.
- Must pass a background screening, including fingerprinting.
- Must meet the minimum passing score on the numerically based work sample administered during the hiring process.
Responsibilities
- Perform routine chemical or physical tests and analyses of foods using standard operating procedures, potentially including 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 section operations, including equipment maintenance, maintaining reagent and chemical supplies, and keeping laboratory and work areas clean and orderly.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
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
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
