Chemist I / Analyst – Environmental Metals

Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)

Chemist I

Opening Date: March 24, 2022  

Closing Date: April 6, 2022

Job Class Code: 6401
Grade:  21  (Pro/Tech)
Salary: $18.97-25.53 / Hourly*

*plus a 10% stipend

Position Number: 02031-1721

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.

Job duties:

You will serve as a scientific analyst in the Environmental Section of the Maine Health and Environmental Testing Laboratory (HETL). A significant component of this assignment is to provide analytical serves for the Maine Drinking Water Program (DWP) and be responsible for providing direct support for the program. You will also analyze environmental samples for the HETL, enter data into our Laboratory Infornation 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, and  maintain detailed records related to instrumental analysis.

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

• Enter and maintain data in the laboratory information system (LIMS)

• Ensure the quality system by maintaining proficiency and assist with the updating of SOP’s 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 Qualifications:

 A four (4) year combination of education, training, and/or experience in chemistry or directly related field.

Preferred candidates will also have:

• A desire to work both independently and within a team in an analytical laboratory
• A solid foundation in chemistry and instrumental analysis
• An awareness of AIHA, EPA, CLIA, and/or Maine State laboratory cetification standards
• A desire to work with environmental samples (water, wipes, soils, chips) and possibly biological matrices ( blood, urine)
• A willingness to follow complicated analytical procedures
• A knowledge of statistics
• An ability to think critically and analyze data
• 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 operating an inductively coupled plasma (ICP) spectrometer

Application Information:

 Please submit all documents or files in a PDF or Word format.

 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.   

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

 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 ($9,893.52-$11,057.52 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. 

Maine State Government is an Equal Opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.