Chemistry Technician II

The Soil Testing Laboratory 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 of various crops 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 position is primarily responsible for performing a range of complex analytical tests on a variety of soil samples in the Soil Testing Laboratory. This is an advanced level position. Duties include: 

• Subsampling soil samples using volumetric scoops 
• Weighing soil samples on an analytical balance
• Extraction nutrients from soil samples
• Operation of Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP) spectroscopy instruments
• Determining soil pH measurement and electrical conductivity
• Conducting UV/VIS spectroscopy analysis 

Other aspects of the position include:

• Utilizing a custom-made Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) 
• Evaluating data accuracy
• Preparing solutions and standards
• Training and mentoring junior technicians
• Maintaining accurate records
• Cleaning labware
• Adhering to all Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and safety protocols

The 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.

About us:

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 provides 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.
 
 Click Here to Watch this video to Learn How to Apply.

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 the 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:

• Knowledge of the basic scientific principles Applicable in a laboratory setting.
• Ability to independently perform complex laboratory tests and procedures and record results accurately.
• Ability to understand and solve basic problems and guide other technicians in chemical procedures. 
• Ability to clearly communicate technical information, both verbally and in writing, when reporting results and explaining procedures. 
• Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships, and p train new and junior staff.

• Ability to lift up to 30 lbs., stand for extended periods of time, and perform activities involving repetitive hand and wrist movements. 

 

*Selected candidate will be required to pass a pre-employment fitness for duty/functional capacity evaluation at the Department’s expense.* 

*Also, a written practicum will be given to candidates during the interview. *

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 the instructions to apply online. 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.

Salary : $35,984 - $62,971