Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)

Chemist II

Opening Date: April 26, 2023

Closing Date: May 12, 2023

Job Class Code: 6402
Grade: 24 (Pro/Tech)
Salary: $47, 340.80 - $63,814.40/yr. (plus a 10% stipend)

Position Number: 2031-1461

The Maine CDC Health and Environmental Testing Laboratory (HETL) is looking for a Chemist II to perform metal analysis as part of the Environmental Metals testing team.

In this position, you will serve as a technical scientific leader and analyst in the Environmental Metals Section of the Maine HETL. A significant component of this assignment is to provide analytical services for the Maine Drinking Water Program (DWP) and provide direct support for the program. You will also analyze water well and environmental samples for the HETL, enter data into the Laboratory Information Management System (LlMS), conduct technical reviews of work conducted by others, interact with the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and provide information related to analytical results, maintain detailed records related to instrumental analysis and possibly oversee/train a Chemist I.

You will also:

• Evaluate, maintain, trouble-shoot, and repair the instruments used in these analyses
• Accept or reject Quality Control (QC) data
• Assess sample integrity for tests requested
• Queue and execute the types of testing requested
• Review quality assurance and analytical data
• Participate in the daily operations of the testing section of the laboratory

• Determine proper detection, reporting, and QC limits for these analyses
• Enter and maintain data in the laboratory information system (LIMS)

• Ensure the quality system by maintaining proficiency and updating standard operating procedures (SOPs) for assigned tests
• Communicate technical information to federal, state, and local agencies and the public
• Follow quality system measures as defined by the State and Federal certification agencies
• Review and approve peer analytical data and interpret results and enter data into the laboratory information system

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

A Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry, Environmental Chemistry, Biochemistry, or related laboratory science and two (2) years professional level experience in analytical chemistry. Equivalent experience may be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis.

Preferred candidates will also have:

• Experience working both independently and within a team in an analytical laboratory
• A solid foundation in chemistry and instrumental analysis
• An understanding of AIHA, EPA, CLIA, and/or Maine State laboratory cetification standards
• A demostrated ability to work with environmental samples (water, wipes, soils, chips) and biological matrices (blood, urine)
• A demonstrated ability to follow complicated analytical procedures and the ability to trouble-shoot when analyses or extractions do not work as expected
• A knowledge of statistics
• An ability to think critically and analyze data
• An ability to manage several projects at once
• Skills for establishing priorities and work to deadlines
• The ability to keep detailed records and write comprehensive reports
• The ability to identify issues or trends in data and reach logical conclusions
• Good judgement – the ability to make sound decisions and recommendations based on and supported by data
• Strong computer skills including Microsoft Office
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Experience working with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and the art of sample preparation
• Experience authoring methods for EPA’s Alternative Test Procedure Program

Agency information:

The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is dedicated to promoting health, safety, resilience, and opportunity for Maine people. The Department provides health and social services to approximately a third of the State's population, including children, families, older Mainers, and individuals with disabilities, mental illness, and substance use disorders. The Department also promotes public health, operates two state psychiatric hospitals, and provides oversight to health care providers.

The mission for the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC), within which this position is located, is to develop and deliver services to preserve, protect, and promote the health and well-being of the citizens of Maine.

For additional information about this position, please contact Ed Adams, Chemist III, Organic and Environmental Metals Supervisor at edward.j.adams@maine.gov or 207-287-6433

• To apply, please upload a resume and cover letter with your application.

• In your cover letter, you must provide the following information:

1) explain what prior education and/or experience you have had doing the elements under “Job Description,” above; and

2) explain which, if any, of the attributes under “Preferred candidates will have” section, above.

Please note: Applications sent with cover letters that do not have the information required above may not be considered for this vacancy.

To request a paper application, please contact Ashley.smith@Maine.gov .

Agency information:

The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is dedicated to promoting health, safety, resilience, and opportunity for Maine people. The Department provides health and social services to approximately a third of the State's population, including children, families, older Mainers, and individuals with disabilities, mental illness, and substance use disorders. The Department also promotes public health, operates two state psychiatric hospitals, and provides oversight to health care providers.

The mission for the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC), within which this position is located, is to develop and deliver services to preserve, protect, and promote the health and well-being of the citizens of Maine.

Benefits

No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto—"Dirigo" or "I lead"—as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:

• Work-Life Balance – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
• Health Insurance Coverage – The State of Maine pays 85%-100% of employee-only premiums ($10,150.80-$11,942.16 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.
• Health Insurance Premium Credit – Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%. Visit the Office of Employee Health and Wellness for more information about program requirements.
• Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($350.40 annual value).
• Retirement Plan – The State of Maine contributes 13.16% of pay to the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS), on behalf of the employee.
• Gym Membership Reimbursement – Improve overall health with regular exercise and receive up to $40 per month to offset this expense.
• Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts – Set aside money pre-tax to help pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses and/or daycare expenses.
• Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness – The State of Maine is a qualified employer for this federal program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid office.
• Living Resources Program – Navigate challenging work and life situations with our employee assistance program.
• Parental leave is one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child—including fathers and adoptive parents—receive four weeks of fully paid parental leave. Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under the Family and Medical Leave Act.
• Voluntary Deferred Compensation – Save additional pre-tax funds for retirement in a MaineSaves 457(b) account through payroll deductions.
• Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness.

There's a job and then there's purposeful, transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn, grow, and continuously refine your skills. Applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways, and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role.

As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics.

If you’re looking for a great next step, and want to feel good about what you do, we’d love to hear from you. Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.

Thinking about applying?

Research shows that people from historically excluded communities tend to apply to jobs only when they check every box in the posting. If you’re currently reading this and hesitating to apply for that reason, we encourage you to go for it! Let us know how your lived experience and passion set you apart.