Chemistry Technician II

**This is a readvertisement. Previous applicants DO NOT need to reapply to be considered.**• *Selected candidate must pass a fitness for duty/functional capacity evaluation post-offer paid for by the Department. **The Soil Testing Lab at the Agronomic Division in the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (NCDA&CS) is excited to announce the opening of a Chemistry Technician II position. You will work in a team environment that is high-volume and fast paced analyzing soil samples for North Carolina residents. In its busiest time, 3,000 samples are analyzed daily. From the lab results, soil fertility recommendations that maximize plant growth and yield, optimize profitability, and protect the environment are provided to the client.This is an advanced level position. Duties include:• Subsampling soil samples with volumetric scoops• Weighing soil samples on an analytical balance• Extraction of nutrients• Operation of Inductively Coupled Argon Plasma (ICAP) spectroscopy instruments• pH measurement• UV/VIS spectroscopy analysis • Electrical conductivity measurementOther aspects of the position include:• Use of a custom-made laboratory information management system (LIMS)• Evaluation of data for accuracy• Solutions and standards preparation• Training and mentoring junior technicians• Accurate record-keeping• Washing labware• Following all SOPS and safety protocolsThe employee must be able to function largely independently, with minimal supervision. Tasks include lifting trays and boxes that routinely weigh 40-60 lbs., up to 80 lbs. on occasion and standing for extended periods of time throughout the day. This effort is used to load trays of soil onto tables for sample processing.Normal working hours are 6:00 am to 3:00 pm, Monday through Friday, but occasional overtime may be required to meet established turnaround times. These working hours may be flexed depending on the length of lunch break taken.The NCDA&CS Agronomic Services Division provides statewide diagnostic and advisory services that increase agricultural productivity, promote responsible land management, and safeguard environmental quality. The Division is comprised of three laboratory sections and a field services section with a combined total of 58 employees. The Agronomic Division maintains a very active, employee-led safety program and is recognized as a Public-Sector Star site by the NC Department of Labor.Click Here to Learn more about State Employee Benefits.The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services provide services that promote and improve agriculture, agribusiness and forests; protect consumers and businesses; and conserve farmland and natural resources for the prosperity of all North Carolinians. The Department employs approximately 2,000 employees.**A written practicum will be given to candidates during the interview to evaluate the candidate’s knowledge of analytical chemistry and other related sciences. *The Knowledge, Skills and Abilities listed below, along with the Minimum Education and Experience requirements, are REQUIRED to qualify for this position. We will not review resumes in lieu of Experience and Education listed on the application.To qualify for this position, applicants must document on the application that they possess ALL of the following:• Considerable knowledge of the basic principles, concepts, theories, and reference sources used in the laboratory application of analytical chemistry and other related sciences.• Working knowledge of scientific methodology.• Working knowledge of hazards involved in laboratory procedures along with related safety practices.• Ability to independently perform and record standardized, non-standardized and complex laboratory tests and procedures.• Ability to understand and solve simple theoretical problems, and to provide work direction and instruction to other technicians concerning a variety of chemical procedures.• Ability to express technical information clearly, both orally and in writing, when reporting results and explaining procedures to others.• Ability to perform advanced mathematics and statistical analysis to understand and follow moderately complex oral and written instructions, to perceive colors normally and to make olfactory distinctions.• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and provide training to new and junior staff.Management Preference• Prior work experience in a high-volume laboratory setting.• Progressive chemistry experience in an agricultural or environmental laboratory.• Working knowledge of Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP) spectroscopy, pH theory, UV/VIS colorimetry.• Experience using a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).• Working knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Word and Access.• Ability to learn custom software are highly desirable.You may qualify by an equivalent combination of education and experience, either through years of education or years of directly related experience, or a combination of both.Bachelor's degree in one of the chemical, biological, microbiological, environmental or natural resource sciences including related chemistry laboratory coursework from an appropriately accredited institution;or Associate's degree in one of the chemical, biological, microbiological, environmental or natural resource sciences or a closely related curriculum including related chemistry laboratory coursework from an appropriately accredited institution and two years of directly related chemistry laboratory experience;or an equivalent combination of education and experience.Any employment offer may be less than the maximum of the range due to salary equity with similarly situated employees or the selected candidate's related education and experience.Please follow instructions to apply on-line. It is important that your application includes all of your relevant education and experience. Text or attached resumes ARE NOT accepted as a substitution for a completed application. Applicants seeking veteran's/National Guard preference should submit a copy of their Form DD-214, NGB 23A (RPAS), DD256 or NGB 22.All Law Enforcement positions, aviation safety sensitive positions and positions requiring a Pilot's License or a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) shall be subject to pre-employment drug testing. All positions requiring a Commercial Driver's License shall also be subject to pre-employment DMV physicals. Selected applicants must obtain a U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) medical certificate prior to employment. If a CDL is listed as a preference and the selected applicant has a CDL at the time of hire then the CDL will become a requirement for the position.• Note: When required, you must answer the question(s) for this position, or your application will be considered incomplete.*Questions regarding this posting? Contact 919-707-3201.