Chemistry Technician II

About Us

The 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.

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.

• 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

• 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 40-60 lbs., up to 80 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.

The NCDA&CS Agronomic Services Division provides statewide diagnostic and advisory services that increase agricultural productivity, promote responsible land management, and safeguard environmental quality. The Division is comprised of three laboratory sections and a field services section with a combined total of 60 full-time employees. The Agronomic Division maintains a very active, employee-led safety program and is recognized as a Public-Sector Star site by the NC Department of Labor.

$35,984 – $49,477

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.

Bachelor’s degree in one of the chemical, biological, microbiological, environmental or natural resource sciences including related chemistry laboratory coursework from an appropriately accredited institution; or Associate’s degree in one of the chemical, biological, microbiological, environmental or natural resource sciences or a closely related curriculum including related chemistry laboratory coursework from an appropriately accredited institution and two years of directly related chemistry laboratory experience;

or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.

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