Chemist 1/2/3 (Pcn 187142)

Job Description

Classification Notice

This Position Description is currently being reviewed by the Division of Personnel & Labor Relations, Classification Section.

Depending on the outcome of the allocation, this recruitment pool may or may not be utilized to fill this vacancy.

This position is open to Alaska Residents only.

Please check our residency definition to determine if you qualify.

This position is being recruited for in Fairbanks.

Pay will be determined based on level of selected individual.

Chemist 1 (Range 14) salary: $1,999.50

Chemist 2 (Range 16) salary: $2,296.50

Chemist 3 (Range 18) salary: $2,646.00

What you will be doing:

Join the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (ADEC) as a key contributor to air quality monitoring and public health protection. This flexibly staffed position will serve as the primary laboratory analyst for the Air Monitoring & Quality Assurance (AMQA) program in Fairbanks, Alaska. This role will support the operation of Alaska's statewide ambient air quality monitoring network. Your work will inform regulatory decisions, ensure compliance with State and Federal regulation, and safeguard Alaskans from harmful pollutants.

Duties will include:

• Operation & maintenance of gravimetric laboratory equipment

• Implementation of QA/QC procedures

• Analysis of particulate matter samples (PM2.5/PM10) collected from network sites

• Data processing, analysis, and validation.

• Adherence to State and Federal air quality standards.

• Occasional fieldwork & air pollutant instrument operation (use of analyzers for CO, SO2, NOx, O3, chemical speciation, and PM

Our organization, mission, and culture:

The Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation's mission includes "Conserving, improving, and protecting Alaska's natural resources and environment to enhance the health, safety, economic, and social well-being of Alaskans."

Clean air is essential to every breathing moment. The Air Monitoring & Quality Assurance Program, within the Division of Air Quality, plays a crucial role in safeguarding the air we breathe. We operate and oversee a statewide ambient air quality monitoring network. Our primary services include:

• Operation and oversight of statewide ambient air quality monitoring network.

• Assessment of compliance with National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for regulated criteria pollutants (ozone, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and particulate matter).

• Support of emergency response for environmental events like volcanic ashfall, wildfires, and special studies.

• Development and implementation of quality assurance & quality control (QA/QC) protocols to ensure the accuracy and reliability of collected data.

• Collection, validation, and analysis of high quality, legally defensible data

The benefits of joining our team:

Join our team and embark on a rewarding career in environmental science, with ample opportunities for advancement and skill development. We prioritize work-life balance through flexible schedules and telework options, allowing you to thrive both personally and professionally. Our comprehensive training programs ensure your continuous growth as you contribute to vital projects safeguarding Alaska's air quality. Your work will directly impact the health and well-being of Alaskan communities. Become part of our mission to protect Alaska's pristine environment and ensure a healthier future for all Alaskans.

The working environment you can expect:

This role is conveniently based in West Fairbanks, close to the University of Alaska, providing easy access to local amenities such as restaurants and shops. The daily work environment is dynamic, featuring a combination of office tasks, lab work, and field work, all within a collaborative and flexible setting that supports telework opportunities.

We are looking for a candidate that has experience in the following areas:

• Chemistry: Knowledge of the concepts, principles, and theories of the composition, structure, and properties of substances, and of the chemical processes and transformations, including uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
• Quality Assurance: Knowledge of the principles, methods, and tools of quality assurance and quality control used to ensure a product fulfills functional requirements and standards.
• Data Management: Knowledge of the principles, procedures, and tools of data management, such as modeling techniques, data backup, data recovery, data dictionaries, data warehousing, data mining, data archiving, data disposal, and data standardization processes.
• Attention to Detail: Is thorough when performing work and conscientious about attending to detail.
• Technical Problem Solving: Troubleshoots, diagnoses, analyzes, and identifies system malfunctions to determine the source and cause of the problem.

Special Notice:

A valid Driver's License is required

Minimum Qualifications

Competency Based Minimum Qualifications Instructions

This job class uses competency based minimum qualifications. Please ensure your application (through work history, volunteer experience (duties summary), training, education, licenses, certifications, etc.) supports how you have gained the knowledge, skills, abilities, and behaviors (competencies) and that you possess the minimum required competencies for the job class.

Competency Description

The competency description(s) listed below have been designed to promote a common understanding of the essential elements of the job class. They highlight the more general and customary knowledge, skills, abilities (KSAs), tasks, and behaviors used to describe the competency. They typically list expectations, as opposed to specific tasks, and are to be used only as parameters and guidelines. A competency's description is not intended to exclusively define every KSA, task, and behavior needed to successfully meet the competency, but rather to provide the manager/agency with a broad reference of options as to how an applicant can meet the job expectation.

Chemist 1 (Range 14):

Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited college in chemistry, chemical or biomolecular engineering, forensic chemistry, biochemistry, biophysical chemistry, geochemistry, environmental chemistry, environmental engineering, molecular biology or other physical or natural science.

AND

Any combination of education and/or experience that provides the applicant with competencies in:

• Attention to Detail: Is thorough when performing work and conscientious about attending to detail.
• Chemistry: Knowledge of the concepts, principles, and theories of the composition, structure, and properties of substances, and of the chemical processes and transformations, including uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
• Measurement and Instrumentation: Knowledge of electronics and related electrical engineering disciplines necessary for the research and development of sensors, electronic measurement devices, and instrumentation systems for aerospace systems and components.
• Self-Management: Sets well-defined and realistic personal goals; displays a high level of initiative, effort, and commitment towards completing assignments in a timely manner; works with minimal supervision; is motivated to achieve; demonstrates responsible behavior.
• Technical Problem Solving: Troubleshoots, diagnoses, analyzes, and identifies system malfunctions to determine the source and cause of the problem.

Equivalent to those typically gained by:

Education from an accredited college in chemistry, chemical or biomolecular engineering, forensic chemistry, biochemistry, biophysical chemistry, geochemistry, environmental chemistry, environmental engineering, molecular biology or other physical or natural science.

Special Note:

"Competencies" means a combination of interrelated knowledge, skills, abilities, and behaviors that enable a person to act effectively in a job or situation.

"Typically gained by" means the prevalent, usual method of gaining the competencies expected for entry into the job.

"Training" and "education" in this guidance are synonyms for the process of acquiring knowledge and skills through instruction. It includes instruction through formal and informal methods (such as classroom, on-line, self-study, and on-the-job), from accredited and unaccredited sources, and long-duration (such as a post-secondary degree) and short-duration (such as a seminar) programs.

Chemist 2 (Range 16):

Successful completion of a course of developmental training under a formally established Chemist flexible staffing training plan with the State of Alaska;

OR

Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited college in chemistry, chemical or biomolecular engineering, forensic chemistry, biochemistry, biophysical chemistry, geochemistry, environmental chemistry, environmental engineering, molecular biology or other physical or natural science.

AND

Any combination of education and/or experience that provides the applicant with competencies in:

• Analytical Thinking/Problem Solving: uses a logical, systematic, sequential approach to address problems or opportunities or manage a situation by drawing on one's knowledge and experience base and calling on other references and resources as necessary.
• Attention to Detail: Is thorough when performing work and conscientious about attending to detail.
• Chemistry: Knowledge of the concepts, principles, and theories of the composition, structure, and properties of substances, and of the chemical processes and transformations, including uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
• Measurement and Instrumentation: Knowledge of electronics and related electrical engineering disciplines necessary for the research and development of sensors, electronic measurement devices, and instrumentation systems for aerospace systems and components.
• Technical Competence: Uses knowledge that is acquired through formal training or extensive on-the-job experience to perform one's job; works with, understands, and evaluates technical information related to the job; advises others on technical issues.

Equivalent to those typically gained by:

Education from an accredited college in chemistry, chemical or biomolecular engineering, forensic chemistry, biochemistry, biophysical chemistry, geochemistry, environmental chemistry, environmental engineering, molecular biology or other physical or natural science.

AND

Experience performing progressively complex sample collection and preparation and classical or instrumental chemical testing and related analyses in a laboratory or similar setting.

Special Note:

"Competencies" means a combination of interrelated knowledge, skills, abilities, and behaviors that enable a person to act effectively in a job or situation.

"Typically gained by" means the prevalent, usual method of gaining the competencies expected for entry into the job.

"Training" and "education" in this guidance are synonyms for the process of acquiring knowledge and skills through instruction. It includes instruction through formal and informal methods (such as classroom, on-line, self-study, and on-the-job), from accredited and unaccredited sources, and long-duration (such as a post-secondary degree) and short-duration (such as a seminar) programs.

"Progressively responsible" means indicating growth and/or advancement in complexity, difficulty, or level of responsibility.

Other Information

Some positions in this class may require a background investigation in accordance with the Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 2002.

Chemist 3 (Range 18):

Successful completion of a course of developmental training under a formally established Chemist flexible staffing training plan with the State of Alaska;

OR

Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited college in chemistry, chemical or biomolecular engineering, forensic chemistry, biochemistry, biophysical chemistry, geochemistry, environmental chemistry, environmental engineering, molecular biology or other physical or natural science.

AND

Any combination of education and/or experience that provides the applicant with competencies in:

• Analytical Thinking/Problem Solving: uses a logical, systematic, sequential approach to address problems or opportunities or manage a situation by drawing on one's knowledge and experience base and calling on other references and resources as necessary.
• Decision Making: Makes sound, well-informed, and objective decisions; perceives the impact and implications of decisions; commits to action, even in uncertain situations, to accomplish organizational goals; causes change.
• Chemistry: Knowledge of the concepts, principles, and theories of the composition, structure, and properties of substances, and of the chemical processes and transformations, including uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
• Scientific Research: Knowledge of the concepts, principles, and theories of scientific principles related to environmental, ecological, biological, or physical science and the methods, and processes used to conduct a systematic and objective inquiry; including study design, collection, analysis, and interpretation of data; and the reporting of results.
• Writing: Recognizes or uses correct English grammar, punctuation, and spelling; communicates information (for example, facts, ideas, or messages) in a succinct and organized manner; produces written information, which may include technical material, that is appropriate for the intended audience.

Equivalent to those typically gained by:

Education from an accredited college in chemistry, chemical or biomolecular engineering, forensic chemistry, biochemistry, biophysical chemistry, geochemistry, environmental chemistry, environmental engineering, molecular biology or other physical or natural science.

AND

Graduate level research or professional level experience independently performing a variety of standard analytical methods, tests and procedures that includes at least one form of instrumental analysis (e.g., mass spectrometry, gas chromatography).

Special Note:

"Competencies" means a combination of interrelated knowledge, skills, abilities, and behaviors that enable a person to act effectively in a job or situation.

"Typically gained by" means the prevalent, usual method of gaining the competencies expected for entry into the job.

"Training" and "education" in this guidance are synonyms for the process of acquiring knowledge and skills through instruction. It includes instruction through formal and informal methods (such as classroom, on-line, self-study, and on-the-job), from accredited and unaccredited sources, and long-duration (such as a post-secondary degree) and short-duration (such as a seminar) programs.

"Professional experience" means work that is creative, analytical, evaluative, and interpretive; requires a range and depth of specialized knowledge of the profession's principles, concepts, theories, and practices; and is performed with the power or right to decide or act according to one's own judgment.Other Information

Some positions at this level in the class series may require demonstrable specialization or expertise in a particular branch (e.g., inorganic chemistry), methodology and/or instrumentation (e.g., mass spectrometry, gas chromatography). Recruitment and selection will be on the basis of these requirements.

Some positions in this class may require a background investigation in accordance with the Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 2002.

Additional Required Information

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED AT THE TIME OF THE INTERVIEW

• To demonstrate that the minimum qualifications described in this posting have been met, transcripts must be included with the application package. No writing sample or cover letter is required for applicants applying at the Chemist 1 (Range 14) or Chemist 2 (Range 16) level.
• Candidates wishing to be considered for the Chemist 3 (Range 18) level should be prepared to submit a cover letter at the time of interview. This cover letter, limited to one page, should describe how the candidate's skills and experiences align with the identified position-specific competencies.

FLEXIBLY STAFFED

This position is flexibly staffed. The level of the job offer will be based on the selected candidate's credibly possessed and proven competencies. If hired at the lower level, you will be promoted to the higher level after completing the training plan and demonstrating competency in the work.

LEGAL EMPLOYMENT

The State's online recruitment system, Workplace Alaska, requires applicants to certify that they have a legal right to accept employment in the United States. It is the responsibility of the employee to maintain the appropriate documentation to accept or continue legal employment. The State of Alaska does not function in the role as an employer sponsor.

THIS RECRUITMENT IS FOR ALASKA RESIDENTS ONLY

Please be sure to check our residency definition to determine if you qualify.

EDUCATION

To verify education is being used to meet and/or support the required minimum qualifications/competencies, you must fill in the Education section of the application. If you have not obtained a degree, please indicate the number of units completed. Copies of transcripts are required to verify educational credentials used to meet or support the minimum qualifications/competencies for a position and are required with each application. (Unofficial is okay; please ensure the institution/URL name is listed on the transcripts). Transcripts can be attached at the time of application or provided at the time of interview; if not, transcripts will be required before employment.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR FOREIGN EDUCATION

Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the above requirements, if applicable. If utilizing this education you must show that the education credentials have been submitted to a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign educational credentials and that such education has been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education programs; or an accredited U.S. state university reports the other institution as one whose transcript is given full value, or full value is given in subject areas applicable to the curricula at the state university. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying. Omission of required documentation listed will result in an incomplete application and you will not receive further consideration.

NOTE: The State of Alaska does not provide VISA Employer sponsorships.

WORK EXPERIENCE

When using work experience not already documented in your application, please provide the employer's name, your job title, dates of employment, and whether full-or part-time. Applications will be reviewed to determine if the responses are supported, and minimum qualifications are clearly met. Work experience needed to meet the minimum qualifications must be documented in the application. If the application does not support minimum qualifications, the applicant may not advance to the interview and selection phase of the recruitment. A resume will not be used to determine that minimum qualifications have been met for the position in which you are applying.

If you are currently or previously been appointed to a flexibly staffed position, please ensure your work experience within a flexibly staffed position indicates the actual dates employed at each level. Ensure your time and any subsequent flex promotion(s) are documented as a separate position. This is required as there are minimum qualifications that require experience at a particular level in which the lower level may not be considered. If this information is not accurately reflected in your application this may cause the processing of your application for consideration to be delayed.

NOTE: Attaching a resume or curriculum vitae is not an alternative to filling out the application in its entirety. Noting "see resume or CV" or any similar response on any portion of your application may lead to a determination your application is incomplete and removal from consideration for this job posting.

MULTIPLE VACANCIES

This recruitment may be used for more than one (1) vacancy. The applicant pool acquired during this recruitment may be used for future vacancies for up to ninety (90) days after this recruitment closes. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply to each recruitment notice to ensure consideration for all vacancies.

APPLICATION NOTICE

You can ONLY apply for this position through the Workplace Alaska website or via hardcopy application. If you accessed this recruitment bulletin through a job search portal such as AlaskaJobs or any other database, you MUST use a Workplace Alaska online or hardcopy application to successfully apply. Instructions on how to apply with Workplace Alaska may be found on the Workplace Alaska "How to Apply" webpage, found here: http://doa.alaska.gov/dop/workplace/help/

NOTICE

Questions regarding the application process can be directed to the Workplace Alaska hotline at 800-587-0430 (toll free) or (907) 465-4095. If you choose to be contacted by email, please ensure your email address is correct on your application and that the spam filter will permit email from the 'governmentjobs.com' domains. For information on allowing emails from the 'governmentjobs.com' domains, visit the Lost Password Help page located at: https://www.governmentjobs.com/OnlineApplication/User/ResetPassword

EEO STATEMENT

The State of Alaska complies with Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Individuals with disabilities, who require accommodation, auxiliary aides or services, or alternative communication formats, please call 1-800-587-0430 or (907) 465-4095 in Juneau or TTY: Alaska Relay 711 or 1-800-770-8973 or correspond with the Division of Personnel & Labor Relations at: P.O. Box 110201, Juneau, AK 99811-0201. The State of Alaska is an equal opportunity employer.

WORKPLACE ALASKA APPLICATION QUESTIONS & ASSISTANCE

Questions regarding application submission or system operation errors should be directed to the Workplace Alaska hotline at 1-800-587-0430 (toll free) or (907) 465-4095 if you are in the Juneau area. Requests for information may also be emailed to recruitment.services@alaska.gov.

For applicant password assistance please visit: https://www.governmentjobs.com/OnlineApplication/User/ResetPassword

Contact Information

For specific information about the position please contact the hiring manager:

Rochele Rodman

Lab & Standards Section Manager

907-465-5344

rochele.rodman@alaska.gov

Careers with the State of Alaska offer MANY benefits

The following information describes typical benefits available to employees of the State of Alaska. Actual benefits received may differ by bargaining unit or branch of government, position type, or be prorated for other than full time work.

For a quick breakdown of the insurance, health, and retirement benefits available for State Employees you can view an orientation video from Division of Retirement and Benefits. (Please note this video is specifically designed for new State Employees.)

Insurance Benefits

• Health insurance, which includes employer contributions toward medical/vision/dental
• The following employee groups are under AlaskaCare Benefits administered by the State: See https://drb.alaska.gov/help/plans.html for additional information.
• AVTEC
• Confidential
• Correctional Officers
• Marine Engineers
• Mt. Edgecumbe Teachers
• Supervisory
• Unlicensed Vessel Personnel/Inland Boatman's Union
• Exempt employees (not covered by collective bargaining)

The following employee groups are covered by Union health trusts. Contact the appropriate Union for additional information.

• General Government
• Labor, Trades and Crafts
• Public Safety Employees Association
• Masters, Mates & Pilots

Employer paid Basic Life insurance with additional coverage available (amount depends on Bargaining Unit)

Optional Insurance Benefits

• Group-based insurance premiums for
• Term life (employee, spouse or qualified same sex partner, and dependents)
• Long-term and short-term disability
• Accidental Death and Dismemberment
• Long-term care (self and eligible family members)
• Supplemental Survivor Benefits

Employee-funded flexible spending accounts for tax savings on eligible health care or dependent care expenses

Retirement Benefits

• Membership in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)/Teachers' Retirement System (TRS)
• Matching employer contribution into a defined contribution program (new employees)
• Employer contribution into a defined benefit or defined contribution program (current employees)
• Contributions to the Alaska Supplemental Annuity Plan in lieu of contributions to Social Security
• Option to enroll in the Alaska Deferred Compensation Program
• Note: The Defined Contribution Plan, Supplemental Annuity Plan and Deferred Compensation Program offer a variety of investment options

See https://drb.alaska.gov/retiree/ for additional information

Paid Leave & Other Benefits

• Personal leave with an accrual rate increase based on time served
• Twelve (12) paid holidays a year

01

What experience do you have working with analytical, instrumental, or laboratory equipment?

• No experience
• Basic understanding, either through coursework or training
• 1-3 years of experience
• 3+ years of experience

02

What experience do you have working with environmental regulations and compliance activities?

• No experience
• Basic understanding, either through coursework or training
• 1-3 years of experience
• 3+ years of experience

03

What experience do you have working with the Clean Air Act (CAA) or the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS)?

• No experience
• Basic understanding, either through coursework or training
• 1-3 years of experience
• 3+ years of experience

04

What experience do you have working with a quality system or quality assurance & quality control (QA/QC) procedures?

• No experience
• Basic understanding, either through coursework or training
• 1-3 years of experience
• 3+ years of experience

05

What is your proficiency level with data analysis?

• No experience
• Basic skills
• Intermediate skills
• Advanced skills

06

Are you willing and able to perform duties in challenging weather conditions when required?

• Yes
• No

07

This position is flexibly staffed please indicate which level(s) you wish to be considered for. Check all that apply.

• Chemist 1 (Range 14)
• Chemist 2 (Range 16)
• Chemist 3 (Range 18)
• All Levels

Required Question

Employer State of Alaska

Address PO Box 110201

Juneau, Alaska, 99811

Phone (800) 587-0430 (Statewide toll-free number)

(907) 465-4095 (Juneau and out-of-state callers)

Website http://workplace.alaska.gov/