Chemist

Position Overview

Step into an exciting role as a Chemist 2 with the Department of Environmental Protection. This position allows you to apply your scientific skills to protect Pennsylvania’s environment. You will work with advanced laboratory instruments and play a key part in ensuring accurate chemical analysis. Join a mission driven team that values precision, curiosity, and environmental stewardship.

This position performs laboratory testing to identify chemicals in environmental samples and ensures results meet quality standards. This role supports laboratory operations, maintains equipment, and follows safety and quality procedures. As a Chemist 2, you will perform the following duties:

• Sample Processing:
  Log and organize samples while maintaining proper chain of custody
• Instrument Operation:
  Run chromatography instruments and interpret analytical data
• Equipment Maintenance:
  Perform routine maintenance and coordinate repairs for laboratory equipment
• Safety Compliance:
  Follow laboratory safety rules and report unsafe conditions
• Quality Control:
  Review QC records and ensure testing meets required standards
• Method Support:
  Assist with developing and improving laboratory methods and procedures

• Full‑time employment
• Work hours are 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM, Monday‑Friday, with a 30‑minute lunch
• Some travel as needed
• Telework:
  You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part‑time (ad hoc basis) upon successful completion of the probationary period. To telework you must have a securely configured high‑speed internet connection and work from an approved location inside Pennsylvania. If you are unable to telework, you will have the option to report to the headquarters office in Harrisburg. The ability to telework is subject to change at any time.
• Salary:
  Selected candidates who are new to employment with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will begin employment at the starting annual salary of $59,345 (before taxes)
• Further communication regarding this position will be conducted via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for notices.

• One year as a Chemist 1 (Commonwealth job title or equivalent Federal Government job title, as determined by the Office of Administration); or
• One year of professional chemical analytical experience, and a bachelor’s degree that includes 30 credits in chemistry or biochemistry; or
• A graduate degree in chemistry.

Applicants will be considered to have met the educational requirements once they are within 3 months of graduating with a qualifying degree.

• You must possess and maintain a REAL  passport for this position. Proof of possession will be needed at the time of a conditional offer of employment.
• You must meet the PA residency requirement.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

• Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
• If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
• Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
• Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.
• All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant’s own experience, qualifications, and work. Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only. Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted. Review the Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job Seekers for additional information.

• Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. § 7103) provides employment preference…