Organic Chemist Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, Hillsboro, OR Job - Government Post Date: 01/02/2019 Close Date: 01/09/2019 The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality laboratory located in Hillsboro, OR has an opening for a full-time limited duration Organic Chemist (Chemist 2) to join an innovative team, and work to advance our agency's mission to protect and improve Oregon's environment. This position is limited duration through June 30, 2019 and may become permanent depending on the outcome of the Budget from the 2019 Legislative Session. About the Agency The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality's mission is to be a leader in restoring, maintaining and enhancing the quality of Oregon's air, land and water. As a regulatory agency, whose job is to protect the quality of Oregon's environment, DEQ works collaboratively with Oregonians for a healthy, sustainable environment. About the Department The Organic laboratory section is responsible for providing technical support and organic analytical services to the different programs in the agency, specializing in low-level pesticide analysis. Monitoring and analysis programs conducted by the DEQ Laboratory and Environmental Assessment Division provide the foundation for restoring, maintaining and enhancing Oregon's environmental quality. DEQ scientists maintain monitoring networks for air, water, and land, and conduct special studies to determine the status, trends and sources of impairment for Oregon's environmental quality. Collecting data is essential to understanding the health of Oregon's environment. Monitoring data is used to determine whether environmental standards are being met, the sources of pollution, and the impact of pollution on human and environmental health. What you will do! The purpose of the position is to develop test methods, to perform complex chemical analyses, and to conduct research and technical investigations for all programs in the agency Air, Water, Solid and Hazardous Waste. The assignments typically involve requests for information, methods, and analyses to determine the chemical composition, origin, fate, as well as the hazards and effects of pollutants. This position may provide training, guidance, and workload prioritization for other chemists in the extractions workgroup. A distinguishing feature of this position is the use and troubleshooting of complex, sophisticated instrumentation such as the Cyanotoxin Automated Assay System (CAAS), and qPCR machine. What's in it for you? The opportunity to join a dynamic team of mission focused individuals tasked with providing high quality environmental data needed for understanding and protecting Oregon's air and water resources. Put your creative problem-solving and analytical skills to great use helping to keep Oregon green and healthy. We offer full medical, dental, and vision health benefits with paid sick leave, vacation, personal leave, and 10 paid holidays a year. Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program: If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, you may be able to receive loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF). Learn more to see whether you qualify at PSLF Program. If you are passionate about Oregon's environment, apply today! This is a full-time, AFSCME represented position. This recruitment may be used to fill future temporary, limited duration and permanent vacancies. Working Conditions: Work is primarily in the office area of a chemical laboratory with potential chemical hazards. Examples of chemical hazards include: exposures to toxic samples where the hazards may not be known or predictable; chemical risks from handling or being near toxic, corrosive flammable or carcinogenic chemicals; and electrical hazards from high voltage or current associated with instrument operations. This position requires the ability to lift loads of 50 pounds and occasional statewide travel. QUALIFICATIONS, REQUIRED & REQUESTED SKILLS: Minimum Qualifications: One (1) year of experience independently performing analytical chemistry procedures AND a Bachelor's degree in Chemistry. Substitution: Three (3) additional years of pertinent experience may substitute for the Bachelor's degree. Desired Attributes/Requested Skills: At least one year of experience analyzing water samples for cyanotoxins by Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) Experience analyzing water samples for cyanotoxin producing bacteria using Quantitative (real-time) Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) Experience with the operation of and generation of data by, complex analytical equipment including Cyanotoxin Automated Assay System (CAAS) and qPCR machine At least one year of experience using a commercially available Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) At least one year of experience working in an environmental laboratory under a TNI/NELAC or ISO 17025 compliant quality assurance system Experience reviewing, compliance with, and writing laboratory Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) Demonstrated experience with EPA analytical methods Proficiency with Microsoft Office programs and general computer operation Demonstrated knowledge of, and adherence to, laboratory safety procedures and best practices Demonstrated cooperation, collaboration, and teamwork ability Demonstrated problem solving ability Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines on a regular basis ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Application Instructions: To apply, please follow these steps: Complete the application. We will not accept a resume or position description in place of a completed application. Because of the volume of applications we receive, we are unable to review attachments that we do not ask for. Submit a cover letter with your application. You must attach a cover letter to be considered for the position. The cover letter must not be longer than two pages, and should include information describing why you are qualified for this position, including your specific experience and education which demonstrates your possession of the desired attributes/requested skills listed in this announcement. The work experience and/or education section of your application must clearly demonstrate how you meet all of the minimum and special qualifications listed above. If it does not, we are required to disqualify it. To receive credit for higher education coursework, transcripts (official or unofficial) must be submitted prior to interview (if selected). Note: To protect your confidential information, please redact (black out) your social security number on all transcripts before attaching to your application. Veterans Information: If you are an eligible veteran and wish to claim veterans' preference points, AND you also meet the minimum qualifications for this position, the points will be added to your score. For more information on veterans' preference points, visit our Veterans Resource page. To receive veterans' preference points, please submit the following required documentation prior to your first interview (if selected): A copy of your DD214/DD215 form; OR a letter from the US Dept. of Veterans Affairs indicating you receive a non-service connected pension for the five (5) point preference. A copy of your DD214/DD215 form; AND a copy of your veterans' disability preference letter from the Dept. of Veterans Affairs for the ten (10) point preference. Pay Equity: As an employer, the State of Oregon complies with the Pay Equity Bill. We do not discriminate on the basis of protected class in the payment of wages, and we do not screen applicants on the basis of their current or past compensation. We determine salary from applicable professional experience and education. Please visit http://www.oregon.gov/das/hr/pages/equity.aspx for more information. Work Authorization: The Oregon DEQ does not offer visa sponsorships. Within three (3) days of hire, all applicants will be required to complete the US Department of Homeland Security's Form I-9, confirming authorization to work in the United States. Need Help? If you need assistance to participate in the application process, you are encouraged to e-mail Carrie Adams at adams.carrie@deq.state.or.us or call (503) 229-5963. TTY users: please use the Oregon Telecommunications Relay Service: 1-800-735-2900. Consider Joining Us! The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality is a regulatory agency whose job is to protect the quality of Oregon's environment. DEQ strives to create inclusive environments that welcome and value the diversity of the people we serve. DEQ fosters fairness, equity, and inclusion to create workplace environments where everyone is treated with respect and dignity regardless of race, color, religion, sex, disability, physical stature, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, political affiliation, and any other factor applicable by state or federal law. Complete details: https://agency.governmentjobs.com/oregon/job_bulletin.cfm?JobID=2305101