Environmental Chemist

Employment Benefits

Comprehensive medical, mental, dental, vision, and additional coverage Sick & Vacation leave Work-Life Balance programs: parental leave, military leave, jury leave, funeral leave Paid State Holidays (designated by the Governor annually) Fitness Centers in select locations Employee discounts with the Retirement and deferred compensation programs

Position Summary & Responsibilities

Position Overview:

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment is looking for a dedicated chemist to join their team. This role involves conducting organic analytical evaluations utilizing gas chromatography and mass spectrometry for the assessment of environmental samples, including water and soil. Comprehensive training on specific methodologies will be provided.

Key Responsibilities:

Public Health and Environmental Assessment: Analyze samples from public water systems to ensure compliance with Safe Drinking Water standards. This includes testing for volatile organic compounds, semi-volatile organic compounds, and disinfection by-products. Additionally, raw water and soil samples will be evaluated to support the environmental monitoring initiatives of the State.

Adherence to established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), testing methodologies, and EPA guidelines is essential.

Responsible for reviewing compliance data and generating reports as mandated by state and federal regulations.

Additional Responsibilities:

Provide technical expertise and direction within the organic analysis unit, focusing on the extraction and preparation of samples for pesticides, herbicides, and other organic contaminants. Conduct peer reviews of analytical data and assist management in optimizing laboratory operations to ensure accurate and timely chemical analyses. Utilize knowledge of EPA Drinking Water Certification to enhance support and leadership within the team.

Execute complex chemical analyses for specific contaminants in drinking water using EPA Method 524.3, employing advanced gas chromatography/mass spectrometry techniques. Confirm the presence of organic pollutants across various matrices, ensuring a high level of operational proficiency. Prepare detailed reports, including quality assurance data analysis for the methods utilized. Maintain EPA lab certification for volatile organic compounds and trihalomethanes through successful performance evaluations.

Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor's degree in a natural science discipline with at least 25 credit hours in chemistry. Minimum Qualifications:

• Chemist I: Bachelor's degree in a natural science field with a minimum of 25 hours in chemistry.
• Chemist II: Bachelor's degree in a natural science field with a minimum of 25 hours in chemistry and six months of relevant experience.
• Chemist III: Bachelor's degree in a natural science field with a minimum of 25 hours in chemistry and two years of relevant experience.

Preferred Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in chemistry with strong proofreading, editing, and attention to detail skills. Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access.

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