Chemist 1

Initial Posting Date:

06/24/2024

Application Deadline:

07/14/2024

Agency:

Department of Agriculture

Salary Range:

$4,338 - $6,635

Position Type:

Employee

Position Title:

Chemist 1

Job Description:

Do you have prior laboratory experience and a science background? Are you a detail-oriented, self-directed problem solver? If this sounds like you, come join our Laboratory Services team! We are hiring for multiple positions in our Wilsonville lab.

At ODA, Laboratory Services provides analytical and scientific technical support to the inspection/service programs of the Oregon Department of Agriculture in the areas of pesticides chemistry, food/dairy chemistry, food/dairy microbiology, and feed/fertilizer chemistry and certification testing (ie. Export Service Center). Analytical programs help ensure safety, quality and marketability of food and other agricultural products produced and processed in the state and elsewhere.

Employees work with a dynamic and supportive team of mission-focused individuals tasked with ensuring healthy natural resources, environment, and economy for Oregonians now and in the future through inspection and certification, regulation, and promotion of agriculture and food. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are embedded in ODA's core values. Employees at all levels of the agency work together to foster fairness, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Learn more about what we do here!

We have two unique Chemist 1 position in our new Wilsonville lab. Read on below to learn more about each opportunity.

Chemist 1 (CRL Support Chemist)

What you'll be doing

• Perform analyzes of cannabis and cannabis products for label compliance, adulteration, potency, and residual solvents following defined methods as part of the Cannabis Reference Lab (CRL) team

• Extract samples for chromatographic analysis using solvents, reagents, and specialized glassware.

• Chromatography extracts for target analyzes

• Quantitative analyzes using reference standards and established QA/QC checks to ensure accurate reporting

• Utilize gas and liquid chromatography with various detectors.

• Digest samples in preparation for heavy metal analyses.

• Prepare reference materials.

• Maintain records and enter data in spreadsheets and databases.

Click here to view a full description of this position.

Chemist 1 (Analytical Chemist)

What you'll be doing

• perform routine analyses of foods, fertilizers, and agricultural products to meet client needs.

• Comminute samples.

• Extract and digest samples prior to analyses.

• Analyze extracts to identify target analyze using gas and liquid chromatography

• Quantitative analyzes using reference standards and established QA/QC checks to ensure accurate result

• Maintain reference materials and other quality critical items.

• Maintain records and enter data in spreadsheets and databases

Click here to view a full description of this position.

The ideal candidates demonstrate ability to:

• Adapt to changing workloads and analytical procedures as dictated by staffing and sample prioritization.

• Assist in achieving and maintaining ISO17025/TNI laboratory accreditation through active participation in SOP writing/reviewing/updating and successful participation in performance sample programs, audits, and training.

• Look for opportunities for process improvement.

• Work as a team member.

• Communicate effectively

What we're looking for:

• A bachelor's degree in chemistry and experience in a laboratory setting related to the area of employment, including experience in operating and interpreting test results from complex analytical instrumentation such as gas, ion or liquid chromatographs or atomic absorption spectrophotometers.

Three additional years of pertinent experience may substitute for the bachelor's degree.

Projected Recruitment Timeline

• Recruitment Closes: July 14, 2024

• 1st Round of Interviews: July 29, 2024

• 2nd Round of Interviews: TBD or if necessary

• Anticipated Start Date:

• These dates are approximate and may change.

How to apply:

A resume is required to move to the next stage of consideration for this position.

• Ensure your application shows your relevant work experience and/or related education; this may be in the form of a filled-out application and/or through an attached resume.

• Upon submitting your application, please be sure to check your Workday account for additional tasks to complete such as questionnaires and to request veteran's preferences (if applicable).

What's in it for you

The State of Oregon offers a competitive and affordable health and benefits package, including excellent medical, vision and dental coverage, paid holidays off, and personal business leave, as well as paid and accrued vacation leave and sick leave. In addition to standard medical benefits and employee leave, the state also provides additional optional benefits, such as basic life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, deferred compensation savings program, and flexible spending accounts for health care and childcare expenses. More information is available from the Public Employees Benefit Board.

Additional Information:

• Current state employees, please apply through your employee Workday account.

• Per the Pay Equity Law passed in 2017, a pay equity analysis will be conducted to determine what pay step the successful candidate will be offered. The analysis will be based on the relevant experience, education, training, and certifications documented in the application materials. On average, candidates new to state service will most likely be offered compensation in the lower to mid-level of the salary range.

• Please review the Classification and Compensation page for more details on the classification, or you may visit our website for information on the job offer process following pay equity. Prior to making a job offer, an internal pay equity assessment will be completed. The successful candidate's professional experience and education will be compared to the state employee workforce performing work of a comparable character to determine appropriate placement in the salary range. Candidates new to state service typically receive a salary within the first half of the salary range.

NOTE: Please ensure you've provided a thorough and updated application as it pertains to the position for which you are applying. Your application materials will be used to determine salary based on a pay equity assessment. For further information, please visit the Pay Equity Project homepage.

United States Employment Eligibility: The Oregon Department of Agriculture does not offer visa sponsorship. Within three days of hire, all applicants will be required to complete the US Department of Homeland Security's Form I-9, confirming authorization to work in the United States. The Oregon Employment Department is an E-Verify employer. If you are the successful candidate, you must present your I-9 acceptable documents (See page 3) for employment verification.

Questions/Need Help?

If you have questions about the recruitment or need an accommodation for the recruitment process, please email to: oda.recruitment@oda.oregon.gov or call 503-986-4584.