Chemist

Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen

Position:
Chemist 2 within the Environmental Assessment Program (EAP).

Location:

Manchester Environmental Laboratory, Port Orchard, WA. Upon hire, you must live within a commutable distance from the duty station.

Schedule: This position is required to work in the office five days per week and is not eligible for telework.

Final date to receive applications: Apply by March 10, 2026. This position will remain open until filled; the agency reserves the right to make a hire at any time after application review begins. Applications received after the date above may not be considered.

• Perform complex nutrient analyses on environmental samples for total nitrogen (TPN), ammonia (NH3), and nitrate/nitrite (NO2/NO3) using flow injection analyzers (FIA), including sample preparation, calibration, analysis, troubleshooting, maintenance, and documentation.
• Serve as a backup analyst for total phosphorus (TP, TPLL), orthophosphate (OP), total organic carbon and dissolved organic carbon in water (TOC/DOC), total carbon and nitrogen in soil (TOC/TN), general chemistry parameters, and microbiology as needed.
• Produce accurate, legally defensible data in compliance with all MEL Quality Assurance and Quality Control.
• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory instrumentation, including FIA systems, TOC/DOC analyzers, CHN analyzers, and titrators.
• Maintain laboratory readiness, including ordering and managing consumables, reagents, nutrient standards, and updating Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) per EPA, Ecology, and manufacturer requirements.
• Communicate and collaborate effectively, keeping supervisors informed of issues or workload concerns, participating in unit meetings, and supporting a respectful, inclusive, team-oriented laboratory environment.

Six (6) years of experience and/or education as described below.

• Experience in Chemistry or performing chemical analysis in an analytical laboratory.
• Analytical Laboratory
  
  Experience:
  
  Demonstrated experience performing chemical analyses on environmental samples (water, wastewater, sludge, sediment, or hazardous waste) using standard laboratory methods. Ability to collect, review, document, enter, and report analytical data accurately and within required timelines, including peer review of inorganic data and adherence to sample hold times.
• Quality Assurance and Data Integrity:
  Knowledge of laboratory QA/QC practices and ability to produce accurate, traceable, and legally defensible data in compliance with regulatory and accreditation requirements.
• Computer and Software Proficiency:
  Proficiency using Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, SharePoint, Teams, Access) and laboratory information or data management systems.
• Communication, Teamwork, and Professional Conduct:
  Strong verbal and written communication skills in English, with the ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team in a collaborative, respectful, and inclusive environment.
• Physical, Safety, and Work Environment Readiness:
  Ability to safely work in a laboratory environment, including handling and transporting samples, performing repetitive laboratory tasks, wearing required PPE, complying with safety protocols, and meeting the physical demands of the position.
• Education:
  
  A major study in chemistry or a degree with a minimum of 30 semester hours (or 45 quarter hours) of college-level chemistry.

• 6 years of experience.
• 5 years of experience AND 30–59 semester or 45–89 quarter college credits.
• 4 years of experience AND 60–89 semester or 90–134 quarter college credits (Associate’s degree).
• 3 years of experience AND 90–119 semester or 135–179 quarter college credits.
• 2 years of experience AND a Bachelor’s degree.
• A master’s degree or higher.

Must pass an Environmental Protection Administration (EPA) background check.

• Standard methods (SM): SM4500PF, SM4500-NH3H, SM4500-NO3I, SM4500-NB, SM4500-PG, SM4500-S-2I.
• Experience performing chemical analysis on environmental samples for nutrients on the FIA.
• Flow Injection Analysis (FIA) Proficiency:
  Han…