Chemistry Technician II

Agency Dept of Agriculture , Consumer Services Division Agriculture  Consumer Service Job Classification Title Chemistry Technician II (S)
Position NumberGradeNC
07

About UsThe N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services provides services that promote and improve agriculture, agribusiness, and forests; protect consumers and businesses; and conserve farmland and natural resources for the prosperity of all North Carolinians. The Department employs approximately 2,000 employees.

Description of Work
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* Please note:

Job postings close at 11:59:59 p.m. the night before the listed Posting End Date above.
** 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.

Duties include:

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

Other aspects of the position include:

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

The employee must be able to function largely independently, with minimal supervision. Tasks include lifting trays and boxes that routinely weigh 30-40 lbs., up to 60 lbs. on occasion and standing for extended periods of time throughout the day. This effort is used to load trays of soil onto tables for sample processing.

Normal working hours are 6:00 am to 3:00 pm, Monday through Friday, but occasional overtime may be required to meet established turnaround times. These working hours may be flexed depending on the length of lunch break taken.

Knowledge

Skills and Abilities

/Management Preferences Recruitment Range-$37,377-$55,000

Knowledge of the basic scientific principles Applicable in a laboratory setting and effectively passing written practicum test during the interview and passing post-offer fitness for duty/function capacity evaluation.

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.

Any employment offer may be less than the maximum of the range due to salary equity with similarly situated employees or the selected candidate's related education and experience.

Please follow the instructions to apply online. It is important that your application includes all your relevant education and experience. Text or attached resumes ARE NOT accepted as a substitution for a completed application. Applicants seeking veteran's/National Guard preference should submit a copy of their Form DD-214, NGB 23A (RPAS), DD256 or NGB 22.All Law Enforcement positions, aviation safety-sensitive positions, and positions requiring a Pilot's License or a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) shall be subject to pre-employment drug testing.

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