Environmental Chemical Lab Scientist

Environmental Chemical Lab Scientist – Full time, Regular – Located in the State Environmental Laboratory Services Division, General Chemistry Section, Oklahoma City.

Level I: $60,944.00. Level II: $64,001.60.

Analyzes water to determine levels of compliance with state and federal regulations using approved methods and procedures. Develops methods of analysis and aids in special studies. Maintains equipment and inventory for laboratory analysis. Prepares reports. May be involved in consultation and expert witness activities.

• Perform analytical testing on public and private water, hazardous waste, soils, biological tissues, and other environmental samples in support of state and federally funded environmental projects using approved standard operating procedures (SOPs) and work instruction documents (WIDs).
• Prioritize and schedule daily work tasks to meet Section, Group, Division, and Agency goals.
• Effectively interact with the Laboratory Information Management System and related databases.
• Thoroughly document all actions and decisions associated with the generation of analytical data.
• Provide technical assistance and support to customers and develop knowledge of regulatory requirements as they relate to sample validity and response actions.
• Perform a thorough review of records and data generated by self and peers.
• Conduct all work in accordance with divisional policies, including the SELSD Quality Assurance Manual, Ethics and Data Integrity Program, and Laboratory Safety Program.
• Assist with the review and development of technical and operational SOPs and WIDs.
• Assist with the inventory control of all supplies and consumables required to perform testing.
• Assist with general housekeeping including sample control and disposal.

Level I – Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biological, or environmental science.

Level II – Those identified in Level I plus one year of professional level experience in a laboratory; OR a master’s degree in chemistry or biological or environmental science.

To be considered for this position applicants must be within 60 days of obtaining their degree.

Some occasional travel may be required for training and career enhancement activities.

• Preference may be given to applicants having years of direct hands‑on experience with analytical technologies such as FIA (Flow Injection Analysis), UV‑VIS Spectroscopy, Titration, and IC (Ion Chromatography).

• Be able to stand for several hours per day and perform repetitive tasks.
• Have sufficient visual acuity to perform routine laboratory tasks, such as reading narrow glassware graduations, distinguishing colors, solvent layers, etc.
• Be able to wear PPE, including lab coats, goggles/protective eyewear or face shields while performing laboratory tasks.
• Be able to independently lift 25 lbs.

The position requires at least intermediate computer skills and familiarity with Microsoft Suite including Word and Excel. In addition, other databases, including a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), are used to electronically store and track data, customer accounts, and result reports. Some data is tabulated using spreadsheets and associated quality control assessments are calculated and tracked using laboratory databases.

• Generous leave including 15 days of vacation, 15 days of sick leave, and 11 paid holidays annually.
• A comprehensive Benefit Package with a generous Benefit allowance to offset the cost of insurance premiums for employees and their eligible dependents.

The State of Oklahoma is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of genetic information, race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, or disability.