Chemist II - Environmental Chemist

_Who We Are:_ The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) is the state agency responsible for ensuring clean air, land, and water, the safe management of toxics and hazards, the recycling of solid and hazardous wastes, and the preservation of the state's wetlands and coastal resources. _Who We Serve:_ Massachusetts was the first state in the nation to combine energy and environmental agencies under one Cabinet secretary. The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EOEEA) serves Commonwealth residents interested in outdoor recreational activities, clean energy solutions and those who work with animals and livestock. Equally, EOEEA works with energy consumers, power companies, clean energy providers, and farmers to delicately balance the interaction with environmental protection laws and regulations while being a cornerstone for our economic prosperity. _Job Opening:_ The Department of Environmental Protection, seeks applicants for a Chemist II - Environmental Chemist in the DELS Environmental Organic Chemistry Laboratory (EOCL) to perform the following duties: _Position Summary:_ Work experience and knowledge in the analysis of ambient air samples for carbonyl compounds and other toxic organic compounds using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) for a Chemist II position in the Division of Environmental Laboratory Sciences (DELS) within the Bureau of Planning and Evaluation (BPE). DELS serves as the state principal drinking water laboratory as required for primacy under the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act. DELS programs generate scientific information/data from the laboratory analysis of environmental samples and other activities that directly support MassDEP's mission to protect human health and environmental quality and serve as critical links in the state's disaster and homeland security preparedness efforts. This position will be based in MassDEP's historic Senator William X. Wall Experiment Station (WES), Lawrence, MA (Massachusetts' state environmental laboratory facility) and will function as an Environmental Chemist in the DELS Environmental Organic Chemistry Laboratory (EOCL). Duties for this position include, but are not limited to, the following: 1. Performing highly complex analysis of ambient air samples for carbonyl compounds using HPLC according to U.S. EPA Compendium Method TO-11A and California EPA Method CARB 1004, and maintaining analytical proficiency in support of the MassDEP Bureau of Air and Waste (BAW) - Air Assessment Branch (AAB). Providing analytical support for other regulated and unregulated organic chemical contaminants/parameters in ambient air and other environmental matrices, as needed, including pesticides, herbicides, organic disinfection by-products, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) according to U.S. EPA and other standard methods using HPLC, GC, and GC-MS. 2. Operating, repairing, servicing, and maintaining the advanced laboratory instrumentation listed above. 3. Assisting in the implementation and maintenance of the EOCL's quality assurance (QA)/quality control (QC) program. Performing first-level QA reviews of organic analytical data produced by other EOCL analysts. 4. Preparing/updating standard operating procedures (SOPs) and applicable sections of the DELS-WES Laboratory Quality Assurance Plan (QAP) for the EOCL. 5. Entering sample information and analytical data into the MassDEP Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) and generating sample analytical reports from the LIMS. 6. Assisting in the development and validation of new methods for the analysis of organic chemical contaminants and parameters in environmental samples. 7. Reviewing scientific literature to keep informed of new procedures, methods, materials, and findings in the field of environmental organic analytical chemistry. 8. Training new EOCL employees (including contract employees and interns) in the operation of analytical instrumentation and good laboratory practices. Supervising contract employees and interns. 9. Developing specifications for the procurement of new laboratory equipment and of expendable supplies for the EOCL. 10. Training and providing other assistance to MassDEP regional and program staff in the proper environmental sampling procedures for the analysis of organic chemical contaminants and parameters. 11. Advising MassDEP regional, program, and legal staff on environmental analytical matters and providing courtroom testimony (oral and written) on analytical test results. 12. Assisting in the conduct of applied research pertinent to MassDEP programs on the analysis of organic chemical contaminants and parameters in the Massachusetts environment, and documenting research results for publication, including publication in peer-reviewed journals. _Preferred Qualifications_: 1. Three or more years of experience with organic analytical chemistry laboratory procedures and instrumentation used to test ambient air and other environmental samples as described in the duties listed above. 2. Skill in operating and maintaining complex analytical laboratory equipment. 3. Knowledge of and experience with analytical laboratory quality assurance/quality control and safety procedures. 4. Knowledge of and experience with the development and validation of analytical chemistry methods. 5. Knowledge of the techniques used for collecting, handling, and transporting environmental samples. 6. Knowledge of statistics as applied to environmental laboratory analytical data. 7. Ability to analyze and determine the applicability of chemical laboratory data to draw conclusions and make appropriate recommendations. 8. Experience with personal computers and associated software. 9. Excellent oral and written communication skills. 10. Ability to adjust to changing situations and to meet emergency or changing program requirements. 11. Ability to assist in the training and supervision of subordinate personnel. 12. Ability to work independently and as a member of a team. 13. Ability to respect confidentiality and exercise sound judgment/discretion in a professional manner. First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days. Minimum Entrance Requirements: Applicants must have (A) at least three (3) years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional or academic research experience in chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry, or (B) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below. Based on assignment, applicants must meet related Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act (CLIA) requirements for High Complexity Testing. Incumbents may be required to have a current and valid motor vehicle driver's license at a class level specific to assignment. Substitutions: I. A Bachelor's degree with a major in chemistry, organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, analytical chemistry, physical chemistry, biochemistry, or related scientific field may be substituted for two (2) years of the required experience. II. A Master's degree or higher with a major in chemistry, organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, analytical chemistry, physical chemistry, biochemistry or related scientific field may be substituted for the required experience. *Comprehensive Benefits* When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future. Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards! An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role. *Job: Science *Organization: Department of Environmental Protection *Title: *Chemist II - Environmental Chemist Location: Massachusetts-Lawrence-37 Shattuck Street Requisition ID: 240008T4

Created: 2024-11-05