Salary: $51,039.00 - $57,843.00 AnnuallyLocation : Richland County, SCJob Type: FTE - Full-TimeJob Number: 170831/61010064Agency: SCDES-Regional & Lab OpsOpening Date: 11/06/2024Closing Date: 11/19/2024 11:59 PM EasternClass Code:: ED10Position Number:: 61010064Normal Work Schedule:: Monday - Friday (8:30 - 5:00)Pay Band: Band 5Hiring Range - Min.: $51,039.00Hiring Range - Max.: $57,843.00Opening Date: 11/06/2024EEO Statement: Equal Opportunity EmployerAgency Specific Application Procedures:: If you meet the requirements of the position and would like to be considered, you must submit a state application online. Please complete the state application to include all current and previous work history and education. A resume will not be accepted nor reviewed to determine if an applicant has met the qualifications for the position. The quality of the application presented (completeness and accuracy as well as grammar and spelling) will be considered prior to the offer of an interview. A criminal records check will be conducted prior to an offer of employment. Applications will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. on the stated closing date.Veteran Preference Statement: South Carolina is making our Veterans a priority for employment in state agencies and institutions.Job ResponsibilitiesCareers at SCDES: Where Passion Meets PreservationDo 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!This position serves as Lab Analyst for the Bureau of Regional and Laboratory Services (BRLS) Division of Air Quality Analysis Analytical Laboratory - Columbia. Prepares, performs extractions, and analyzes ambient air samples.
- Prepares samples for and performs extraction of ambient air samples for analysis using approved EPA methodology and following approved Standard Operating procedures (SOPs).
- Analyzes ambient air samples using gas chromatographic/mass spectral analyses (GC/MS). Monitors system performance with required QC check standards analyzed with each day's sample sequence. Prepares standards and reagents for analyses. Maintains GC/MS system. Performs calibrations and calibration checks as required and necessary.
- Calculates and reports data generated by sample analysis. Creates records compatible with EPA's AQS format and submits completed data packets to the laboratory manager. Participates in all assigned proficiency testing requested. Maintains all data and QA/QC in analytical batch packets.
- Assists in preparing sampling media for field collections. Receives and logs in samples.
- Annually reviews assigned Standard Operating Procedures and Quality Assurance Project Plans (QAPPs) for accuracy and needed corrections.
- Completes all necessary administrative tasks (PCAS, SCEIS related functions, etc.) and other duties as required and requested.
Minimum and Additional Requirements
- A bachelor's degree in chemistry
- OR a bachelor's degree in the natural sciences with 16 academic credits in chemistry and
- and work experience in setting related to area of employment.
- A doctorate in chemistry may be substituted for the required work experience.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Knowledge of the principles of chemistry, laboratory analysis, and/or good analytical laboratory technique. Working knowledge of basic maintenance and the operation of common laboratory equipment.
- Experience with general instrumentation software and Microsoft Office.
- 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 countertop 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. Preferred Qualifications
- A Chemistry degree and 1 year of employment experience in an environmental laboratory setting
- Knowledge of GC, HPLC, GC/MS, and associated data systems used for the analysis of organic contaminants
Additional Comments SCDES 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. The South Carolina Department of Environmental Control offers an exceptional benefits package for FTE positions that includes:
- Health, Dental, Vision, Long Term Disability, and Life Insurance for Employee, Spouse, and Children. Click 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
- State Retirement Plan and Deferred Compensation Programs
- Retirement benefit choices*
- State Retirement Plan
- State Optional Retirement Program
- Remote Work: The option of partially remote work is available after successful completion of 6 months to 1 year of employment, based on job functions
*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.Benefits for State EmployeesThe state of South Carolina offers eligible employees generous benefits, including health and dental insurance; retirement and savings plan options; and paid vacation and sick leave. Plus, work-life balance programs such as telecommuting and flexible work schedules are available to employees of some state agencies. Insurance BenefitsEligible employees may enroll in health insurance, which includes prescription coverage and wellness benefits. Other available insurance benefits include dental, vision, term life insurance, long term disability and flexible spending accounts for health and child care expenses. Retirement BenefitsState employees are also offered retirement plan options, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans. Additionally, eligible employees may elect to participate in the South Carolina Deferred Compensation Program, which is a voluntary, supplemental retirement savings plan offering 401(k) and 457 plan options. Workplace BenefitsState employees may also be eligible for other benefits, including tuition assistance; holiday, annual and sick leave; and discounts on purchases, travel and more. Note: The benefits above are available to most state employees, with the exception of those in temporary positions. Employees in temporary grant and time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some or none of these benefits as benefits are associated with each position type. For these positions, contact the hiring agency to determine what benefits may be available.01 Please select which description best describes your level of experience as it pertains to the minimum requirements for this position. Please note, degrees in a related technical field include, but are not limited to, Earth sciences, chemistry, biology, physics, environmental science, soil science, mathematics, etc.
- At least a master's degree in chemistry.
- At least chemistry degree and two (2) years of employment experience in an environmental laboratory setting.
- At least a bachelor's degree in chemistry and one year of chemistry experience.
- At least a bachelor's degree in chemistry and experience in a laboratory setting related to the area of employment, including experience in operating and interpreting test results from complex analytical instrumentation such as gas, ion or liquid chromatographs or atomic absorption spectrophotometers.
- At least a bachelor's degree in the natural sciences with academic credits in chemistry and experience in a laboratory setting related to the area of employment, including experience in operating and interpreting test results from complex analytical instrumentation such as gas, ion or liquid chromatographs or atomic absorption spectrophotometers.
- At least a bachelor's degree in the natural or physical sciences with 16 semester hours in chemistry and two (2) years of laboratory experience.
02 Are you a current or previous DES employee?
03 The hiring range for this position is $51,039.00 -$57,843.00. This position will be offered at the lower end of the hiring range. If you are the selected candidate and offered this position, are you willing to accept the salary at the lower end of the hiring range?
04 Will you now or in the future require DES sponsorship for employment visa status?
05 This position is headquartered in Columbia. This position requires you to be able to report to the designated headquarters daily. Are you able to meet this requirement?
06 How many of years experience operating complex analytical instrumentation such as gas, ion or liquid chromatographs or atomic absorption spectrophotometers do you have?
- No Experience
- 0-1 Year
- 1-2 Years
- 2-4 Years
- 4-6 Years
- 6+ Years
07 Do you have experience with analytical analysis using EPA methodology? If yes, please explain. 08 Do you have knowledge of air sampling or analysis? If yes, please explain. 09 Do you have experience with any type of analytical instrumentation? If yes, please explain. 10 Do you have experience with data review and validation? If yes, please explain. 11 Are you familiar with Standard Operating Procedures? If yes, please explain. Required Question