Chemist

State of Nevada • Sparks, NV

4d • Onsite

About The Position

The Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA), Division of Plant Health and Compliance - Chemistry Program, is seeking to fill one vacant position of Chemist in the Sparks office. This position will be tasked with assisting to coordinate the Nevada Hemp program which will include ensuring state alignment with United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) requirements per the 2018 Farm Bill. This position will expedite requests and ensure chemical and reports of analysis are being completed in a timely manner. Delayed analysis of crop samples can result in federal non-compliances and increasing THC levels within the crop as growers await results. Anything above this threshold must be properly disposed of to ensure a potentially psychoactive product does not enter the stream of commerce under the auspice of “hemp”, which would circumvent marijuana regulations.

Requirements

• Two or more years of applicable experience as described in the job duties
• Graduation from high school or equivalent education
• Knowledge of Applicable federal and State laws, regulations, standards, procedures, and agency policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of Organic and inorganic chemistry; qualitative and quantitative methods of analysis; health and safety precautions applicable to working with volatile chemicals and other hazardous materials; laboratory equipment used in analysis of water, motor fuel, antifreeze, oil, and other samples; computer hardware and software used in a chemistry laboratory.
• Skill in Performing laboratory techniques and procedures.
• Skill in Interpersonal and communication, both verbal and written.
• Skill in Use and operation of office and job-related equipment and software.
• Ability to Compare analytical results with reference standards and form logical conclusions; systematically arrange information, test results, data, and reports into appropriate categories; determine laboratory instruments’ reliability and make necessary adjustments; analyze information, methods, and procedures to determine the best method for analysis; perform several different procedures simultaneously using a variety of equipment.
• Ability to Read and understand technical laboratory literature; accurately measure, record, and report scientific data; establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships with others; perform testing procedures using modern laboratory equipment and techniques.

Responsibilities

• Chemical analysis of hemp samples
• Preparing Reports of Analysis
• Maintain quality control and quality assurance sample data for the Hemp Program
• Oversight of laboratory hemp proficiency testing
• Analyze samples and identify and document sample contents and contaminants.
• Ensure adherence to federal and State laws, regulations, standards, procedures, and agency policies and procedures.
• Operate laboratory instrumentation.
• Conduct chemical testing of highway construction materials and ensure appropriateness for projects.
• Assist engineers in solving construction problems related to chemical and physical properties of materials.
• Analyze construction materials and samples and determine and document contents and contaminants.
• Evaluate, maintain, update, and write specifications for construction materials, products, equipment, and specifications.
• Provide testimony to lawmakers, boards, and industry representatives.
• Assist in resolving conflicts and problems in sample testing.
• Evaluate and incorporate new technology into laboratory procedures.
• Analyze motor fuels and motor oil samples for physical characteristics and air quality impact.
• Determine compliance of antifreeze samples by measuring certain properties and testing for foaming tendencies.
• Analyze ground water, surface water, vegetation, soil, and tissue for pesticide residues, identify presence, and calculate concentration of herbicides and pesticides.
• Analyze water samples for gross alpha, gross beta, and additional radiochemistry.
• Analyze fertilizer samples for nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and other nutrients and non-nutrients.
• Maintain sample integrity and chain of custody and complete data calculations and worksheets.
• Record processes and results, prepare and submit reports, enter findings, and maintain quality assurance.
• Manage laboratory equipment, perform maintenance, and request supplies, chemicals, and equipment.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED