Chemistry Technician I
About The Position
The Plant/Waste/Solution/Media (PWSM) laboratory in the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Agronomic Services Division provides diagnostic and advisory services involving plant tissue, waste, solution, and media samples. The Chemistry Technician I performs moderately complex analytical tests in a high-volume, fast-paced team environment and serves as the lead technician for sample receiving and processing. The employee is expected to perform all duties independently by the end of the first year of service. Duties may vary according to the time of year and laboratory staffing needs. The position is open only to current NCDA&CS employees, including temporary employees, and former NCDA&CS employees eligible for RIF priority reemployment under G.S. 126.
Requirements
- Associate’s degree in chemical, biological, microbiological, environmental, or natural resource sciences, or a closely related curriculum that includes related chemistry laboratory coursework, from an appropriately accredited institution; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- General knowledge of basic laboratory practices.
- Ability to independently perform moderately complex laboratory tests and procedures.
- Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations and record results with a high degree of accuracy.
- Ability to plan and assign work, train employees, and evaluate their work.
- Ability to understand and follow laboratory standard operating procedures and safety procedures.
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds, stand for extended periods, and perform repetitive hand and wrist motions.
- Must pass a post-offer fitness-for-duty/functional-capacity evaluation paid for by the Department.
- A written practicum will be given to candidates during the interview.
Responsibilities
- Perform chemical titrations to determine alkalinity and calcium carbonate equivalency.
- Measure pH and electrical conductivity using electrodes.
- Perform extractions for plant chloride and nitrate and extractions of soilless media.
- Prepare reagents, standards, and other chemicals.
- Serve as lead technician for sample receiving and processing.
- Manage the accuracy of the daily analytical worklist.
- Oversee and coordinate workflow for sample receiving staff.
- Train staff in, and perform as needed, sample check-in procedures for plant, waste, solution, and media samples.
- Train staff in, and perform as needed, processing procedures for plant, waste, solution, and media samples, including drying, grinding, homogenizing, and weighing.
- Assist the lab supervisor, Chemist I, and Chemistry Technician II with additional tasks as needed.
Benefits
- State employee benefits are referenced; specific benefits are not detailed in the posting.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
Associate degree
