Chemistry Technician I

Agency

Dept of Agriculture , Consumer Services

Division

Agriculture Consumer Service

Job Classification Title

Chemistry Technician I (S)

Position Number

60012029

Grade

NC06

About Us

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.

Description of Work

This position in located in the Food & Drug Protection Division (FDPD). FDPD has five functioning sections, including the Food Section, the Dairy Section, the Feed Section, the Drug Section, and the Administrative Services Section. In addition, analytical support is provided to the Food & Feed Sections by FDPD’s three laboratory sections, i.e., the Inorganic Chemistry Section, Organic Chemistry Section, and Microbiology Section. The Division protects the health, welfare, and economic interests of consumers of foods, drugs, livestock feeds, fertilizers, and medical devices by ensuring, through inspections and analysis, that these products are wholesome and properly labeled.

The Organic Chemistry Section analyzes food, animal feed, and agricultural samples for pesticides residues, mycotoxins, and drugs using liquid chromatography (LC) and gas chromatography (GC) coupled with various detectors. The section additionally evaluates the formulation of commercially available pesticides and antifreeze samples. The Organic Chemistry Section is comprised of four laboratory areas that are defined by technology and analysis type: the Formulations Laboratory; the Mycotoxin Laboratory; the LC Laboratory; and the GC Laboratory.

The Mycotoxin Laboratory is responsible for quantitating mycotoxins and drugs in milk, food, animal feed, and forage samples by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Data are provided as a service to North Carolina farmers and to support regulatory programs within the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

This position’s primary job functions are: 1) analyzing samples for aflatoxin by ELISA; 2) receiving and preparing samples for analysis using mills and other comminution techniques; 3) documenting all analyses per ISO 17025 requirements and FDPD quality management system procedures; and 4) performing laboratory support and maintenance activities to ensure testing readiness and expedite analyses.

The position is responsible for understanding, performing, and evaluating a wide range of standard wet chemistry and instrument-based methods and procedures, including but not limited to ELISA readers and mills. The employee must complete analyses within established turnaround times. The employee is also responsible for verifying and maintaining instrumentation and ensuring adequate laboratory supplies are available.

*Employment is contingent upon the ability to pass a respirator medical and fit test.

A basic skills assessment for weighing and pipetting will be given during the interview. Nitrile gloves, safety googles, and a disposable lab coat will be issued. No hazardous items will be handled during this assessment.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences

Recruitment Range: $35,596 - $46,554

• Experience preparing reagents or samples for analysis.

• Ability to apply knowledge of chemistry methodology and laboratory safety practices.

• Ability to understand and follow complex oral and written instructions.

• Ability to work with matrices such as grass, hay, and nuts.

Click Here to Learn more about State Employee Benefits.

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 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.

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.

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; 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:

Lori Lynnette Reed

Recruiter Email: [email protected]