Chemical Analyst

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality is seeking a highly skilled Organic Chemist to join our team in Hillsboro, Oregon.

We are looking for a talented chemist to perform complex analytical procedures, develop and implement analytical methods, and provide high-quality data and information to support our agency's mission to protect and improve Oregon's environmental quality.

• Perform chemical tests and develop analytical methodologies on environmental samples for air quality, water quality, solid and hazardous waste, and environmental cleanup programs.
• Use and troubleshoot complex instrumentation, including Gas Chromatograph / Mass Spec (GC/MS), Liquid Chromatograph / Tandem Mass Spec (LC/MS/MS), and Gas Chromatograph (GC).
• Provide guidance, training, and workload prioritization for other chemists in the Organics section.
• Assimilate information about the operation of, and data produced, by complex analytical equipment.
• Interpret complex laboratory data and provide clear, concise, and compelling communication of policy and technical information to diverse audiences.

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry and 2 years of experience independently performing analytical chemistry procedures.
• Demonstrated understanding of environmental justice and the historical impacts for marginalized and underrepresented communities.
• Knowledge of and ability to interpret complex laboratory data and operate complex analytical equipment.
• Experience working in an environmental laboratory under a TNI/NELAC or ISO 17025 compliant quality system.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Work is performed primarily in an analytical chemistry laboratory handling samples suspected of containing toxic or otherwise hazardous substances. There is the potential for chemical and electrical hazards, including exposure to pathogenic toxic samples where the hazards may not be known or predictable.

This position requires occasional lifting of loads up to 50 pounds and occasional statewide travel under various weather conditions for field work, meetings, trainings, and workshops.

The State of Oregon offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision plans, paid sick leave, vacation leave, personal leave, and 11 paid holidays a year. We also offer membership in the Oregon Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) and potential loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.