Chemistry Technician II
About The Position
The NCDA&CS Agronomic Services Division provides statewide diagnostic and advisory services that increase agricultural productivity, promote responsible land management, and safeguard environmental quality. The Division is comprised of three laboratory sections and a field services section with a combined total of 61 full-time employees. The Agronomic Division maintains a very active, employee-led safety program and is recognized as a Public-Sector Star site by the NC Department of Labor. The Soil Testing Laboratory at the Agronomic Division in the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (NCDA&CS) is excited to announce the opening of a Chemistry Technician II position in the Soil Testing lab. You will work in a team environment that is high-volume and fast-paced analyzing soil samples. In its busiest time, 3,200 samples are analyzed daily. From the lab results, soil fertility recommendations that maximize plant growth and yield, optimize profitability, and protect the environment are provided to the client. This position is primarily responsible for performing a range of complex analytical tests on a variety of soil samples in the Soil Testing Laboratory. This is an advanced level position.
Requirements
- Knowledge of the basic scientific principles Applicable in a laboratory setting
- Ability to independently perform complex laboratory tests and procedures, record results accurately, understand and solve basic problems and guide other technicians in chemical procedures.
- Ability to clearly communicate technical information, both verbally and in writing, when reporting results and explaining procedures.
- Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships, and train new and junior staff.
- Ability to lift up to 30 lbs., stand for extended periods of time, and perform activities involving repetitive hand and wrist movements.
- Bachelor's degree in one of the chemical, biological, microbiological, environmental or natural resource sciences including related chemistry laboratory coursework from an appropriately accredited institution; or Associate's degree in one of the chemical, biological, microbiological, environmental or natural resource sciences or a closely related curriculum including related chemistry laboratory coursework from an appropriately accredited institution and two years of directly related chemistry laboratory experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Nice To Haves
- Passing written practicum test during the interview
- Passing post-offer fitness for duty/function capacity evaluation
Responsibilities
- Subsampling soil samples using volumetric scoops
- Weighing soil samples on an analytical balance
- Extracting nutrients from soil samples
- Operating Inductively Coupled Plasma – Optical Emission Spectrometer (ICP-OES) instruments
- Determining soil pH measurement and electrical conductivity
- Conducting UV/VIS spectroscopy analysis
- Utilizing a custom-made Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS)
- Evaluating data accuracy
- Preparing solutions and standards
- Training and mentoring junior technicians
- Maintaining accurate records
- Cleaning labware
- Adhering to all Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and safety protocols
Benefits
- State Employee Benefits
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
