Chemist II @ NC

Agency Dept of Health and Human Services Division Public Health Job Classification Title Chemist II (NS) Position Number 65041689 Grade NC18 About Us The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is one of the largest, most complex agencies in the state, and has approximately 17,000 employees. It is responsible for ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of all North Carolinians, providing human service needs for special populations including individuals who are deaf, blind, developmentally disabled, and mentally ill, and helping poor North Carolinians achieve economic independence.

Description of Work The Chemist II serves as a senior technical lead within the Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory of the State Laboratory of Public Health’s Environmental Sciences Unit. The position conducts advanced analytical testing of drinking water and environmental lead samples using ICP‑OES, ICP‑MS, and ion chromatography. Work includes providing quality assurance oversight, reviewing instrument data, and supporting release of final analytical reports.

This role supports laboratory operations through daily sample accessioning coordination, troubleshooting instrumentation, training staff, and assisting with supervisory duties when needed. Additional responsibilities include reviewing standard operating procedures, contributing to quality assurance plan updates, reporting proficiency testing samples, and ensuring accurate and timely delivery of inorganic chemistry data.

Key Duties Include: - Perform advanced drinking water and environmental lead analyses using ICP‑OES, ICP‑MS, and ion chromatography.

- Conduct quality assurance oversight for inorganic chemistry laboratory activities.

- Review and verify raw instrument data and final analytical report deliverables.

- Coordinate daily sample accessioning workflows to support efficient laboratory operations.

- Assist chemists with troubleshooting of instrumentation and analytical methods.

- Serve as acting backup supervisor during the absence of the Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory Supervisor.

- Train laboratory staff on instrumental analysis and related procedures.

- Review and update laboratory standard operating procedures and support annual quality assurance plan revisions.

- Prepare and report proficiency testing samples for external programs.

- Coordinate instrument repairs and preventative maintenance with contracted service vendors. Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences Salary Grade Range: $63,927.00 - $111,871.00

Recruitment Range: $63,927.00 - $85,546.00

Candidates now meet the minimum qualifications of a position if they meet the minimum education and experience listed on the vacancy announcement. The Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)/ Management Preferences are not required. Applicants who possess the following skills are preferred:

• Advanced proficiency with EPA Drinking Water Laboratory Certification Program processes demonstrated through direct experience supporting certified drinking water and environmental testing workflows.

• Experience with instrumental analysis skill demonstrated through routine use of ICP‑OES, ICP‑MS, ion chromatography, and automated titration for inorganic chemistry testing.

• Expert‑level laboratory QA/QC competency demonstrated through implementing quality assurance plans, reviewing analytical documentation, and ensuring accurate reporting of inorganic chemistry results.

• Intermediate proficiency using Microsoft Office applications and Laboratory Information Management Systems demonstrated through preparing data reports, organizing QA materials, and supporting laboratory documentation workflows.

• Demonstrated experience performing wet chemistry techniques supported by validated analytical methods within an environmental or drinking water laboratory setting.

The Posting Will Close At 11:59 P.M. The Night Before The End Date

This Position Is 100% Federally Funded

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to stand for prolonged periods.

• Must be able to lift 40 lbs.

About the NC Division of Public Health (DPH): The NC Division of Public Health works to promote and contribute to the highest possible level of health for the people of North Carolina. Our entire statewide system of public health has dedicated professionals who carry out our mission every day through a wide range of essential and activities touching the lives of everyone in our state. About the Environmental Sciences Branch (ESB): As part of The North Carolina State Laboratory of Public Health (NCSLPH), the Environmental Sciences Branch (ESB) provides accurate, timely, and cost‑effective analytical laboratory services to support local health departments and DHHS programs. ESB offers drinking water analysis, consultation, and oversight of laboratory accreditation for milk and water testing. The branch includes five units: Environmental Inorganic Chemistry, which analyzes water, paint, and soil samples; Environmental Microbiology, which performs bacteriological testing of water and Grade A dairy products; Environmental Organic Chemistry, which tests water for organic chemicals; Radiochemistry, which monitors natural and manmade radiation in environmental samples; and Laboratory Certification, which evaluates and certifies laboratories regulated under the North Carolina Drinking Water Act and Grade A Milk Ordinance, while also providing training and guidance.

Compensation and Benefits: The State of North Carolina offers excellent comprehensive benefits. Employees can participate in health insurance options, standard and supplemental retirement plans, and the NCFlex program (numerous high-quality, low-cost benefits on a pre-tax basis). Employees also receive paid vacation, sick, and community service leave. In addition, paid parental leave is available to eligible employees. Visit the website for State Benefits.

Supplemental Contact Information: The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is an Equal Opportunity Employer that embraces an Employment First philosophy, which consists of complying with all federal laws, state laws, and Executive Orders. We are committed to reviewing requests for reasonable accommodation at any time during the hiring process or while on the job. For more information about DHHS: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/.

DHHS uses the Merit-Based Recruitment and Selection Plan to fill positions subject to the State Human Resources Act with the most qualified individuals. Hiring salary will be based on relevant qualifications, internal equity, and budgetary considerations pertinent to the advertised position.

In accordance with the Governor’s Executive Order 303, our agency supports second-chance employment for individuals who were previously incarcerated or justice-involved. We invite all potential applicants to apply for positions for which they may be qualified. Application Process Be sure to complete the application in its entirety. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing this application.

• Information should be provided in the appropriate areas, to include the following: Education, including high school and all degrees obtained, Work Experience, and Certificates & Licenses. It is critical to our screening and salary determination process that applications contain comprehensive candidate information.

• Answers to Supplemental Questions are not a substitute for providing all relevant information within the body of your application. To receive credit for the supplemental questions, you must provide supporting information within the "Work Experience" section of the application to support your answers.

• If multiple applications are submitted to an individual posting, only the most recent application received prior to the closing date will be accepted. Applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM on the closing date.

• Applicants may be subject to a criminal background check. All candidates selected for positions considered "Positions of Trust" will be subject to a criminal background check.

• Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to provide information regarding the status of your application over the phone. To check the status of your application, please log in to your account. Upon the closing date, applications are "Under Review" and will be screened by Human Resources for qualified applicants. The hiring process may take several weeks.

• Degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions. Transcripts and degree evaluations may be uploaded with your application. The State of North Carolina/Office of State Human Resources uses the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) as a referral resource for applicants who need to have their credentials certified as equivalent.

• For a list of organizations that perform this specialized service, please visit the NACES membership website at https://www.naces.org/members.

Degree/College Credit Verification Degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions. Transcripts, degree evaluations, and cover letters may be uploaded with your application.

Veterans’ and National Guard Preference

• Applicants seeking Veteran's Preference must attach a DD-214 Member-4 Form (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) to their applications.

• Applicants seeking National Guard Preference must attach an NGB 23A (RPAS), along with the state application, if they are a current member of the NC National Guard in good standing.

• Applicants who are former members of either the NC Army National Guard or the NC Air National Guard, with honorable discharge and six years of creditable service, must attach a copy of the DD 256 or NGB 22, along with the state application.

ADA Accommodations Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA), DHHS is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, DHHS will ensure that people with disabilities, or known limitations covered by the PWFA, are provided with reasonable accommodation. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact the person indicated below.

CONTACT INFORMATION If there are any questions about this posting, please contact Talent Acquisition at talentacquisition@dhhs.nc.gov. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing this application.

Minimum Education and Experience Some state job postings say you can qualify by an “equivalent combination of education and experience.” If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details.

Bachelor's degree in chemistry from an appropriately accredited institution and four years of progressive chemistry laboratory experience OR An equivalent combination of education and experience.

EEO Statement The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.

Recruiter: Tresha Walker Email: talentacquisition@dhhs.nc.gov