Chemist

Arkansas Department of Health

4815 W Markham Street

Little Rock, AR 72205

Position Number: 22105476

County: Pulaski City: Little Rock

Posting End Date: 02/19/25

Anticipated Starting Salary: $41,348.50

Center for Public Health Lab- Alcohol Testing

• CLASSIFIED AS A SAFETY SENSITIVE POSITION*

Additional Preferences:

In-state, out-of-state, and some overnight travel is required. A valid Arkansas driver's license is required. Potential extended working hours with possible weekend and holiday shifts, and shift rotations required.

Knowledge of laboratory accreditation and writing experience preferred.

Analytical laboratory experience preferred.

Strong pipetting skills preferred. Strong computer and communication skills preferred.

Experience working with Microsoft Office and specialized lab instrumentation preferred.

Must be capable of lifting forty (40) pounds.

May be exposed to toxic or hazardous chemicals and materials.

(Potential applicants with less than the two years of required experience who meet the educational requirements are encouraged to apply and can be considered for employment based on the strength of the applicant pool).

Hiring Official: K. Leigh

Recruitment Contact: Sheila.Smith@arkansas.gov- 501-661-2268

The mission of the Department of Health is to protect and improve the health and well-being of all Arkansans.

Position Information

Class Code: B081C

Grade: GS07

FLSA Status: NON-EXEMPT

Salary Range: $40,340.00 - $64,343.00

Summary

The Chemist is responsible for conducting chemical analysis. This position is governed by the Association of Analytical Chemists standards, state and federal laws, and agency/institution policy.

Functions

Plans, organizes, coordinates, and conducts professional level quantitative and qualitative chemical analysis and documents results. Guides laboratory technicians on the use of laboratory equipment and preparation for laboratory tests. Sets up equipment for analysis, calibrates instruments, and prepares standard solutions and reagents for use in chemical analysis. Assists with maintaining lab equipment and instruments including glassware using specified cleaning techniques. Conducts proficiency tests of laboratories and institutions for quality control of testing programs. Audits lab records of law enforcement agencies, petroleum industry, independent laboratories, and hospitals to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations. May appear in court when analytical results are disputed to explain and/or verify analytical results. Performs other duties as assigned.

Dimensions

Frequent exposure to hazardous chemicals and materials is required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of chemistry and chemical analysis.
• Knowledge of standard and specialized laboratory equipment.
• Ability to perform chemical analysis using standard and specialized laboratory equipment.
• Ability to use different instrument operating software and Laboratory Information Management Systems.
• Ability to perform and supervise the preparation of laboratory equipment and laboratory tests.
• Ability to write descriptive results of analysis and appear as expert witness in court.

Minimum Qualifications

The formal education equivalent of a bachelor's degree in chemistry; plus two years of experience in a chemistry laboratory or a related field. Additional requirements determined by the agency for recruiting purposes require review and approval by the Office of Personnel Management. OTHER JOB RELATED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE MAY BE SUBSTITUTED FOR ALL OR PART OF THESE BASIC REQUIREMENTS, EXCEPT FOR CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS, UPON APPROVAL OF THE QUALIFICATIONS REVIEW COMMITTEE.

Licenses

None

The State of Arkansas is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, citizenship, national origin, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by law.

Nearest Major Market: Little Rock