Requisition No: 811337

Agency: Environmental Protection

Working Title: CHEMIST III - 37020835

Position Number: 37020835

Salary: $3,909.36 Monthly

Posting Closing Date: 09/22/2023

CHEMIST III

State of Florida

Department of Environmental Protection

Our Organization and Mission:

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is the state's lead agency for environmental management and stewardship - protecting our air, water and land. The vision of DEP is to create strong community partnerships, safeguard Florida's natural resources and enhance its ecosystem.

The Work You Will Do:

The Chemist III, 37020835, is in the Division of Environmental Assessment and Restoration's Chemistry Program, Organic Section in Tallahassee and will be responsible for preparing and analyzing environmental samples for pesticides, chemical tracers, cyanotoxins, PFAS, and other related compounds or contaminants of interest to agency programs. This position is critical to satisfying ongoing demands for analyses necessary to support water quality impairment decisions and to providing support for other customers, both within and outside the Department of Environmental Protection, such as the Office of Emergency Response, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the Water Management Districts, and the Department of Health well water program.

The Difference You Will Make:

Water and natural resources are the foundation of Florida's communities, economy, and way of life. The Division of Environmental Assessment and Restoration (DEAR) is charged with protecting, maintaining, and improving the quality of Florida's springs, rivers, lakes, estuaries, and coastal waters. DEAR team members provide the department and other resource agencies with the highest quality laboratory services available; provide technical support to the department and the public regarding water quality analysis and data quality assurance (QA); manage water quality data repositories for data storage and use by the department, other agencies and the public; and work together to monitor and assess Florida's surface water and groundwater quality, develop strategies to reduce pollution, and work closely with local stakeholders to implement comprehensive restoration strategies that improve the lives of all Floridians and preserve aquatic resources for generations to come.

How You Will Grow:

DEP encourages its leaders to constantly innovate and seek efficiencies. We believe in supporting and encouraging you as you take on important and often complex projects while offering you the opportunity to gain valuable experience quickly.

Where You Will Work:

The work location of this position is in Tallahassee (Leon County), Florida. The city hosts the Capital of Florida and seat of state government. The city is home to numerous parks offering outdoor activities, league sports and natural trails for running, hiking and biking. Tallahassee is located just 22 miles from the Gulf of Mexico, which is home to some of the world's top beaches. Florida State University, Florida A&M University, Tallahassee Community College and several smaller colleges in the region offer a hub for academic research, athletics, art, music and other student activities.

The Benefits of Working for the State of Florida:

Working for the State of Florida is more than a paycheck. The State's total compensation package for employees features a highly competitive set of employee benefits including:

• Annual and Sick Leave benefits;
• Nine paid holidays and one Personal Holiday each year;
• State Group Insurance coverage options, including health, life, dental, vision, and other supplemental insurance options;
• Retirement plan options, including employer contributions (For more information, please click www.myfrs.com);
• Flexible Spending Accounts;
• Tuition waivers;
• And more!

For a more complete list of benefits, visit www.mybenefits.myflorida.com.

Pay:

$3,909.36 Monthly

Your Specific Responsibilities:

In carrying out the duties of this position, the incumbent is expected at all times to be aware of and abide by the Department's Standards of Conduct, as well as any and all departmental and/or work unit rules, directives, policies, procedures, and/or general orders applicable to performing the duties of this position.

The incumbent of this position functions as a Senior Chemist within the Chemistry Program. This position provides support to Department programs through environmental laboratory services and by consulting on environmental monitoring, assessment, and field activities.

Quantitatively analyzes environmental samples utilizing modern laboratory equipment. Prepares and analyzes environmental samples according to accepted laboratory protocols. Maintains proper and complete records pertaining to all laboratory operations. Completes assigned tasks in a timely fashion. Assists supervisor in reviewing and planning daily work assignments.

Reviews, reports and interprets analytical results. Approves analytical results that meet the QA/QC requirements of the assigned tests. Adheres to the laboratory quality assurance (QA) plan and follows all accepted QA/QC standard operating procedures. Documents all analytical reports and data in accordance with conventional protocol.

Investigates and resolves analytical and technical problems encountered during sample collection, preparation, and analytical procedures. Consults, as needed, with Program Representatives on data quality objectives and resolves identified problems. Implements and/or modifies assigned analytical methods. Assists supervisor in ensuring that analytical results are legally and scientifically sound.

Prepare and maintain analytical standards, in coordination with other chemists, for assigned organic tests in accordance with laboratory standard protocols.

Ensures an adequate inventory of critical supplies is maintained. Completes and submits ordering forms as necessary to maintain an adequate inventory of reagents, standards and supplies for all assigned areas of responsibility.

Exhibits cooperative, positive and professional attitude when dealing with co-workers, superiors, and the public. Utilizes appropriate safety procedures and equipment at all times. Stores, processes and/or disposes of chemical wastes in accordance with accepted protocols. Assists in training of more junior or new personnel. Attends scheduled meetings punctually. Performs other tasks related to laboratory operations as needed and within projected time frame.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of Chemistry principles and techniques.
• Knowledge of the terminology, principles and techniques of chemical research, analysis or testing.
• Knowledge of the procedures, techniques and equipment used in laboratory testing and analysis.
• Knowledge of the methods of data collection.
• Skill in the use of scientific laboratory equipment.
• Ability to collect, record and analyze scientific data relating to chemistry.
• Ability to conduct chemical research, tests and analyses using scientific methods and techniques.
• Ability to perform quantitative analysis of scientific data.
• Ability to determine work priorities, coordinates work, and ensure proper completion of work assignments
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to work effectively as a team member.
• Ability to keep accurate research records.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to utilize problem-solving techniques.
• Ability to understand and apply applicable rules, regulations, policies and procedures relating to the science of chemistry.
• Ability to maintain a valid driver's license and travel.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor Degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biology, or Geochemistry and minimum of two years of professional experience. Master of Science Degree or PhD Degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biology, Physics, or Geochemistry can substitute for two years of professional experience.
• Valid Driver's License
• Travel

DEP is committed to successfully recruiting and onboarding talented and skilled individuals into its workforce. We recognize the extensive training, experience, and transferrable skills that veterans and individuals with disabilities bring to the workforce. Veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to contact our recruiter for guidance and answers to questions through the following email addresses:

HR_VeteransPreference@dep.state.fl.us

HR_Recruitment@dep.state.fl.us

The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer, and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace.

Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-866-663-4735). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.

The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.

VETERANS' PREFERENCE. Pursuant to Chapter 295, Florida Statutes, candidates eligible for Veterans' Preference will receive preference in employment for Career Service vacancies and are encouraged to apply. Certain service members may be eligible to receive waivers for postsecondary educational requirements. Candidates claiming Veterans' Preference must attach supporting documentation with each submission that includes character of service (for example, DD Form 214 Member Copy #4) along with any other documentation as required by Rule 55A-7, Florida Administrative Code. Veterans' Preference documentation requirements are available by clicking here. All documentation is due by the close of the vacancy announcement.