Chemist II

State of South Carolina • Richland County, SC

7d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Chemist II joins the Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory’s Metals Section within the Bureau of Regional and Laboratory Services at the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services. The role supports environmental monitoring and regulatory compliance by preparing and processing samples, conducting quality-control activities, maintaining analytical instrumentation, and delivering accurate, defensible data using approved methods and protocols.

The position performs metals analyses across various sample matrices using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy (GFAAS), inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). The chemist prepares samples and laboratory materials, interprets and records results, participates in data review, maintains instruments and shared laboratory systems, and follows safety, quality-control, and waste-management procedures. The role may provide backup support to the Mercury Section and participate in emergency response.

The position requires a qualifying degree and laboratory experience, including experience with advanced analytical instrumentation. Physical duties include handling gas cylinders, standing for extended periods, lifting, shaking samples, and occasionally working outdoors. The position may require overnight travel for training or emergency response and work outside normal hours or on weekends during emergencies. Remote work up to two days per week may be available after one year of employment, depending on job functions.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in chemistry; or bachelor’s degree in chemistry and one year of chemistry experience; or bachelor’s degree in a natural or physical science with 16 semester hours in chemistry and two years of laboratory experience.
• Laboratory experience related to the area of employment, including operating and maintaining advanced analytical instrumentation and interpreting results from instruments such as gas or liquid chromatographs and associated data systems.
• Experience with general instrumentation software and Microsoft Office applications.
• Valid driver’s license, a 10-year driving record that complies with State and Agency Fleet guidelines, and ability to drive agency vehicles.
• Ability to travel overnight occasionally for training and emergency response.
• Ability to perform scientific mathematical calculations and highly complex tasks and maintain accurate records.
• Ability to communicate effectively with peers, other scientists, and service engineers.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and manage time effectively.
• Ability to adhere strictly to approved methods and standard operating procedures to produce quality, technically defensible data.
• Ability to move and change 150-pound gas cylinders using a hand truck.
• Ability to stand for long periods and lift at least 50 pounds to countertop level.
• Ability to perform occasional outdoor work in varying weather conditions.
• Ability to safely handle glassware, physically shake samples, perform repetitive tasks, and maintain meticulous attention to detail.
• Must follow safety requirements, including use of eye protection, laboratory coats, and nitrile gloves when handling commonly used laboratory chemicals.
• Relevant degrees must be from institutions recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
• A transcript for relevant degrees must be included with the application; an official, certified copy may be required before hiring.

Nice To Haves

• Work experience in an inorganic chemistry laboratory setting.
• Previous experience with GFAAS, ICP, ICP-OES, ICP-MS, and/or metals digestion.
• Familiarity with environmental laboratory protocols and Standard Operating Procedures.
• Data management skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain analytical instrumentation and analyze metals in various sample matrices using GFAAS, ICP-MS, and ICP-OES.
• Participate in peer review of data generated in the Metals laboratory.
• Perform maintenance on assigned instruments and assist other analysts with shared laboratory duties, including temperature and balance checks, maintenance of deionized water and dishwasher systems, and preparation of wash and preservative acids.
• Prepare calibration standards, spike solutions, reagents, and other materials; perform preparative and interpretative phases of the analysis process; and clean the laboratory.
• Interpret, calculate, and record data, and ensure supporting quality-control functions are performed.
• Digest metals samples; check sample pH and perform turbidity screening upon receipt; and discard expired samples according to the section’s waste management plan.
• Serve as backup for the Mercury Section as needed.
• Review SCDES Standard Operating Procedures and reference methods annually and update SOPs as needed.
• Prepare for and participate in emergency response as required.
• Attend safety meetings, review the safety manual annually, and follow safety policies in the Building Safety Manual and agency requirements.
• Attend periodic staff meetings, participate in training, and perform other duties as required.

Benefits

• Paid holidays, including 13 paid holidays per year.
• 30 total days of annual and sick leave per year: 15 days of annual leave and 15 days of sick leave.
• Health, dental, vision, long-term disability, and life insurance for employees, spouse, and children.
• Paid parental leave.
• Retirement benefit choices, including the State Retirement Plan (SCRS) and State Optional Retirement Program (State ORP).
• S.C. Deferred Compensation Program available.
• Ongoing training and professional development, with a path for advancement.
• Job stability and purposeful work supporting environmental protection.
• Remote work option of up to two days per week after successful completion of one year of employment, based on job functions.

What This Job Offers

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