Salary: $51,384.00 – $80,112.00 Annually
Location: Yakima County – Yakima, WA
Job Type: Full Time – Permanent

The Chemical and Hop Laboratory supports several agency programs by analyzing samples taken in investigations of alleged pesticide misuse and analyzing feed and fertilizer samples. The program monitors for pesticide residues in food and dairy products. The laboratory also carries out physical grading and chemical analysis of the hop crop to ensure orderly international and domestic marketing.

The Chemist 2 – In Training position performs laboratory chemical testing, primarily testing for pesticides to provide data to support the agency’s programs. This position will primarily work in the Environmental section of the laboratory supporting the pesticide management division’s pesticide misuse program. The Chemist 2 in training also supports the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board testing cannabis samples for pesticide and potency content. This role performs routine tests and extractions on samples and operates and provides support for the analytical instrumentation in the laboratory. This position is expected to support and assist in maintaining ISO 17025 accreditation by working closely with the Chemist 4 Environmental/Cannabis Supervisor and the Quality Assurance Chemist. 

Position and Salary Information

WSDA is recruiting for a full-time permanent Chemist 2 – In Training position within the Plant Protection Division. This position is located in Yakima, Washington and is a represented by Washington Public Employees Association  (WPEA) Union.

This is an in-training opportunity and may be hired as Chemist 1 or Chemist 2, depending on qualifications. What is an in-training plan? The in-training is intended to provide an opportunity for an individual to gain the required experience on the job as part of a formal “in-training” plan. Upon successful completion of an in-training program, the incumbent will move up to the next job classification that is listed on the in-training plan if applicable.  

If hired at the Chemist 1 level, the incumbent will be required to successfully complete the training plan to reach the goal class of Chemist 2. The base pay offered will take into account internal equity and may vary depending on the preferred candidate’s job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. 

Based on qualifications the monthly salary range:
If hired as a Chemist 1 (In-Training): 

Range 50, Step A $ 51,384.00 – Step L $ 67,380.00 Annually

If hired as a Chemist 2: 

Range 56,  Step A $ 59,616.00 – Step L $ 80,112.00 Annually  

Some of what you will do:  

• Operate, maintain, monitor, and troubleshoot analytical instrumentation to ensure systems are ready for analysis. Create and/or update instrumental methods and documented procedures.

• Perform sample extractions (bench work), following SOPs and Work Instructions.

• Calculate and verify results.

• Create worksheets and enter data in the Laboratory Information Management System.

• Receive and log standards. 

• Prepare Neat/Parent standards, mixes, working standards and daily injection standards for quantitative analysis. 

• Monitor, maintain, and order house gas supplies on a rotational basis.

Required Qualifications:

Chemist 1 (In-Training) Qualifications:

A Bachelor’s degree with a major in chemistry or Bachelor’s degree that includes a minimum of 30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours of college-level chemistry.

Chemist 2 Qualifications:

A bachelor’s degree with a major in Chemistry or a bachelor’s degree in an allied science with a minimum of 30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours of college level chemistry.

AND

At least two (2) years of experience performing pesticide residue analysis in an analytical laboratory, including operation and troubleshooting experience with GCMSMS and/or LCMSMS instrumentation.

OR

One (1) year of experience as a Chemist 1 or higher at the Washington State Department of Agriculture.

Preferred Qualifications:

Chemist 1 In-Training:

One (1) year of experience performing laboratory bench work and knowledge/operation of either/or analytical instrumentation such as HPLC, GC select detector, LCMS or GCMS triple quad detectors.

Chemist 2:

Two (2) years’ experience performing pesticide residue analysis in an analytical laboratory.

Knowledge and experience with QuEChERS extraction technique, GC-FID, GC-MSD, GC-ECD, HPLC,

LC/MS/MS, GC/MS/MS, ISO 17025 protocols, method validation practices, and analytical chemistry.

How to apply

You must complete your careers.wa.gov profile and answer the supplemental questions. In addition to completing the online application, and supplemental questions applicants must attach the following documents to their profile to be considered for this position:

· Current resume detailing experience and education

· A cover letter describing how you meet the specific qualifications for this position

· Three professional references 

For more information and to apply: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/washington/jobs/4116186/chemist-2-in-training