Chemistry Technician

About Us

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is one of the largest, most complex agencies in the state, with approximately 17,000 employees. It is responsible for ensuring the health, safety, and well‑being of all North Carolinians, providing human service needs for special populations, and helping low‑income residents achieve economic independence.

Agency

Department of Health and Human Services

Division

Public Health

Job Classification Title

Chemistry Technician I (S)

Position Number

Grade

NC06

Description of Work

The Chemistry Technician I provides technical support to the Inorganic Chemistry Unit in the Environmental Sciences Section of the State Laboratory of Public Health. The role performs routine laboratory tasks, including sample accessioning, wet chemistry bench analysis, quality assurance checks, and preparation of environmental and drinking water samples. Work involves operating and maintaining instruments, managing sample documentation in the laboratory information management system, and supporting daily laboratory workflows to ensure timely and accurate processing within a regulated environment that requires adherence to safety procedures, data integrity standards, and accreditation requirements.

Key Duties Include

• Accession drinking water and environmental lead samples and record associated information in the laboratory information management system.
• Apply accessioning labels, verify sample documentation, and prepare samples for designated testing procedures.
• Perform wet chemistry tests such as total dissolved solids and total suspended solids using established laboratory methods.
• Assist in preparing samples for metals analysis through hot‑block digestion and other standardized preparation techniques.
• Conduct backup instrumental analysis using automated titration equipment.
• Complete routine laboratory tasks including glassware washing, inventory receipt, sample disposal, and workspace upkeep.
• Carry out periodic laboratory safety and quality assurance checks in accordance with internal procedures and accreditation standards.
• Support sample digestion workflows and provide general operational assistance to chemistry technicians and chemists.
• Review and follow standard operating procedures relevant to assigned technical tasks.
• Perform additional laboratory support functions as assigned to maintain efficient unit operations.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (Preferred)

• Experience accessioning environmental and drinking water samples in a laboratory information management system (LIMS) with intermediate proficiency.
• Proven record performing wet chemistry analyses such as TDS and TSS with documented accuracy.
• Experience preparing samples for metals testing through hot‑block digestion and related inorganic chemistry techniques.
• Experience conducting routine laboratory safety and quality control checks per established procedures.
• History managing core laboratory support tasks—inventory receipt, sample disposal, glassware cleaning—with consistent completion under defined timelines.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to stand for prolonged periods.
• Must be able to lift 40 lbs.

Minimum Education And Experience

Associate’s degree in chemical, biological, microbiological, environmental, or natural resource sciences or a closely related curriculum that includes appropriate chemistry laboratory coursework from an accredited institution; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

EEO Statement

The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and is dedicated to providing a work environment free from unlawful discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities and other protected classifications.

Final date to receive applications

This posting will close at 11:59 p.m. on the specified end date.