Chemist II

Overview

Careers at SCDES:
Where Passion Meets Preservation.

Do you love South Carolina and protecting the environment? Come join our team  are dedicated to protecting the state of South Carolina and we would love to have you as a member of our team!

Science | Service | Sustainability

• Analyzing various contaminants in environmental compliance monitoring samples
• Utilize High Pressure Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) instrumentation
• Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS)
• Utilize Liquid Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) instrumentation
• Duties will include, but are not limited to:
  • Extraction and analysis of drinking water samples for Diquat analysis by HPLC technique.
  • Extraction and analysis of drinking water samples for Carbamates analysis by HPLC technique.
  • Back-up chemist for extraction and analyses drinking water samples for Benzo(a)
    Pyrene and Glyphosate analyses using HPLC technique.
  • The interpretation of generated data while adhering to approved standard operating procedures (SOPs).
  • Operation and maintenance of analytical instrumentation.
  • Performing quality control functions associated with sample analysis.
  • Assist other staff members with glassware preparation, general laboratory cleaning, sample analysis, instrument troubleshooting, and other related duties as dictated by workload assigned by the supervisor.
  • Communicate effectively with peers, other scientists, and service engineers.
  • Prepares and participates in emergency response as required.
  • Perform duties and special projects as assigned by supervisor.
  • Complete administrative tasks (PCAS, SCEIS related functions, etc.) and documentation as required and requested.

• A master’s degree in chemistry
• OR a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and one year of chemistry experience
• OR a bachelor’s degree in the natural or physical sciences with 16 semester hours in chemistry and two (2) years of laboratory experience
• A doctorate in chemistry may be substituted for the required work experience.

• Experience in a laboratory setting related to the area of employment, including experience in operating, maintaining, and interpreting results from advanced analytical instrumentation such as gas or liquid chromatographs, and associated data systems
• Experience with general instrumentation software and Microsoft Office
• Ability to:
  • Perform scientific mathematical calculations, highly complex tasks, and maintain accurate records
  • Communicate effectively with peers, other scientists, and service engineers
  • Prioritize tasks and manage time effectively
  • Move and change 150-pound gas cylinders using a hand truck
  • Adhere to all safety requirements including the wearing of required safety equipment such as eye protection, laboratory coats, and nitrile gloves to assure the safe handling of a myriad of commonly used laboratory chemicals daily
  • Stand for long periods of time and lift at least 50 lbs. to counter top level
• The workplace exposure to chemicals of record will be kept below the published OSHA thresholds through the use of administrative and engineering controls, specialized PPE and through appropriate adjustments in job assignments.
• This position requires the strict adherence to approved methods and standard operating procedures for the proper collection of quality and technically defensible data
• This is a laboratory position and as such involves safely working with various types of glassware, the physical shaking of samples, the performance of repetitive tasks, and meticulous attention to detail

SCDES is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, including, but not limited, to lactation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information.

The Department will not sponsor H1B visas for this position.

• Health, Dental, Vision, Long Term Disability, and Life Insurance for Employee, Spouse, and Children. Summary information available internally.
• 15 days annual (vacation) leave per year
• 15 days sick leave per year
• 13 paid holidays
• Paid parental leave
• S.C. Deferred Compensation Program available
• State Retirement Plan and Deferred Compensation Programs
• Retirement benefit choices
• State Retirement Plan (SCRS)
• State Optional Retirement Program (State ORP)
• Remote Work: partially remote work available after successful completion of 6 months to 1 year of employment, based on job functions