CHEMIST

position number:
county: pulaski
posting end date: open until filled
anticipated starting salary: $40,340
lab services

hiring authority

1 natural resources drive

little rock, ar 72205

phone: 501/570-1151

email: wilford.jonesansas.gov

as the largest industry in arkansas, the arkansas department of agriculture is dedicated to the development and implementation of policies and programs for arkansas agriculture and forestry to keep its farmers and ranchers competitive in national and international markets while ensuring safe food, fiber, and forest products for the citizens of the state and nation. The department is organized into five divisions: forestry division, livestock and poultry division, natural resources division, plant industries division, and shared services division.

class code: b081c

grade: gs07

flsa status: non-exempt

salary range: $40,340.00 - $58,493.00

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.

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.

frequent exposure to hazardous chemicals and materials is required.

• 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.

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.

none

• gas chromatography (gc) experience
• strong written and verbal communication skills
• incumbents must drive a pre-determined route, independently collect fuel samples at retail locations, and analyze these samples in the department laboratories.
• weekly, overnight travel within the state of arkansas is a regular component of this position.
• basic knowledge of the microsoft office suite
• experience handling potentially infectious and/or hazardous materials including, but not limited to, animal bodily fluids, tissues, microbiological cultures, motor fuels, and agricultural samples containing pesticides.
• vaccination against rabies may be required, as well as documented maintenance of titer.
• the ability and willingness to regularly wear personal protective equipment and to comply with fit testing requirements is a fundamental requirement of this position.
• 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.
• this position is on-site, essential and is not approved for telework.
• laboratory positions involve precise, repetitive work in high-throughput environments, e.g., pipetting, cutting of animal tissues, weighing specimens, flash point testing, etc.