Chemist II ( Air Quality Analysis

Do you love South Carolina and protecting the environment? Come join our team at SCDES, put your passion to work with us! We are dedicated to protecting the state of South Carolina and we would love to have you as a member of our team!

Science | Service | Sustainability

This Position serves as Lab Analyst for the Environmental Affairs (EA), Bureau of Regional and Laboratory Services (BRLS)/ Division of Air Quality Analysis/Analytical Laboratory – Columbia.

• Serves as Lab Analyst for the Environmental Affairs (EA), Bureau of Regional and Laboratory Services (BRLS)/ Division of Air Quality Analysis/Analytical Laboratory – Columbia.
• Prepares and analyzes samples for the presence of inorganic compounds using ICP/MS, Ion Chromatography, and other methods as assigned. Serves as backup analyst as needed.
• Logs in samples and results for assigned analyses. Calculates, records, and interprets air quality analysis results for Division reports. Prepare collection media for shipment to field staff as requested.
• Performs quality assurance activities such data review, data validation, reviewing and writing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and quality control tracking.
• Reviews Federal reference and equivalent methods relevant to laboratory procedures.
• Researches methodology and revises as necessary to meet the laboratory’s analytical needs.
• Assists in response to emergencies involving spills, odors complaints, etc.

• A master's degree in chemistry.
• OR a bachelor's degree in chemistry and one year of chemistry experience.
• OR a bachelor's degree in the natural or physical sciences with 16 semester hours in chemistry and two years laboratory experience.
• A doctorate in chemistry may be substituted for the required work experience.
• Experience in a laboratory setting related to the area of employment, including operating, maintaining, and interpreting results from advanced analytical instrumentation such as gas or liquid chromatographs, and associated data systems.
• Experience with general instrumentation software and Microsoft Office.
• Knowledge of GC, HPLC, GC/MS, and associated data systems used for the analysis of organic contaminants.
• A chemistry degree and two (2) years of employment experience in an environmental laboratory setting.

• Ability to perform scientific mathematical calculations, highly complex tasks, and maintain accurate records.
• Communicate effectively with peers, other scientists, and service engineers.
• Prioritize tasks and manage time effectively.
• Move and change 150-pound gas cylinders using a hand truck.
• Adhere to all safety requirements including the wearing of required safety equipment such as eye protection, laboratory coats, and nitrile gloves to assure the safe handling of a myriad of commonly used laboratory chemicals daily.
• Stand for long periods of time and move at least 30 lbs. to counter top level.
• The workplace exposure to chemicals of record will be kept below the published OSHA thresholds through the use of administrative and engineering controls, specialized PPE and through appropriate adjustments in job assignments.
• This position requires the strict adherence to approved methods and standard operating procedures for the proper collection of quality and technically defensible data.
• This is a laboratory position and as such involves safely working with various types of glassware, the physical shaking of samples, the performance of repetitive tasks, and meticulous attention to detail.

SC DES is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, including, but not limited to lactation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information. The Department will not sponsor H1B visas for this position.

• Health, dental, vision, long-term disability, and life insurance for employees, spouse, and children.  for additional information.
• 15 days annual (vacation) leave per year
• 15 days sick leave per year
• 13 paid holidays
• Paid parental leave
• S.C. Deferred Compensation Program available (S.C. Deferred Compensation)
• Retirement benefit choices (Enrollment in one of the listed plans is required for all FTE employees; please refer to the contribution section of hyperlinked retirement sites for the current contribution rate of gross pay.)
• State Retirement Plan (SCRS)
• State Optional Retirement Program (State ORP)