The Chemist 1 position with the Department of Environmental Protection is a great way to begin your career in environmental science. You will support laboratory work that helps protect water and air quality across the Commonwealth. This role gives you the chance to learn important testing methods and build real hands-on skills. Join a team that works every day to protect public health and the environment.
This position supports laboratory testing that helps monitor environmental conditions across the Commonwealth. It involves preparing samples, conducting chemical analyses, and supporting accurate reporting. As a Chemist 1, you will perform the following duties:
- Sample Preparation: Prepare water and wastewater samples, standards, reagents, and quality control materials for testing
- Chemical Analysis: Perform laboratory tests for solids, dissolved solids, osmotic pressure, and other required measurements
- Data Management: Record results, maintain chain of custody, and enter information into laboratory systems
- Instrument Use: Operate balances and analytical instruments while following standard operating procedures
- Quality Control: Follow safety rules, use certified standards, and support internal quality assurance requirements
- Sample Receipt: Receive, sort, label, and document incoming samples and resolve identification issues with collectors
Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.
Work Schedule and Additional Information:
- Limited Term: Six-month full-time employment
- Work hours are 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch.
- Some travel may be required
- Telework: You will not have the option to telework in this position.
- Salary: Selected candidates who are new to employment with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will begin employment at the starting annual salary of $26.57 per hour (before taxes).
- You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.
QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:
- A bachelor’s degree in chemistry; or
- A bachelor’s degree that includes 30 credits in chemistry or biochemistry.
- Applicants will be considered to have met the educational requirements once they are within 3 months of graduating with a qualifying degree/credits
Other Requirements:
- You must meet the PA residency requirement. For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link and click on Residency Guidelines.
- You must be able to perform essential job functions.
How to Apply:
- Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
- If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
- Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
- Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.
- All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant’s own experience, qualifications, and work. Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only. Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted. Review the Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job Seekers for additional information.
Veterans:
- Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. §7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans.
Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):
- 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).
If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.
The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.
- Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as your exam for this position. No additional exam is required at a test center (also referred to as a written exam).
- Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions.
- Your score is valid for this specific posting only.
- You must provide complete and accurate information or:
- your score may be lower than deserved.
- you may be disqualified.
- You may only apply/test once for this posting.
- Your results will be provided via email.