Chemist - In-Training

Apply early! This posting will remain open until filled

This is an in-training opportunity and may be hired as Chemist 1 or Chemist 2, depending on qualifications.

AGRICULTURE - A Cornerstone of Washington's Economy

The Washington State Department of Agriculture has been serving the state for more than 100 years. Through service, regulation, and advocacy, we keep agriculture viable and vital in Washington State, while protecting consumers, public health, and the environment. We work extensively with farmers and ranchers, but our responsibilities – from ensuring food safety to environmental protection – touch the lives of millions of people locally, nationally, and abroad.

The agency includes approximately 780 employees and grows close to 1,000 employees at the peak of seasonal work. To learn more and view additional openings, please visit our Employment Page.

The Chemical and Hop Laboratory within the Plant Protection Division supports several agency programs by analyzing samples taken in investigations of alleged pesticide misuse and analyzing feed and fertilizer samples. The program monitors for pesticide residues in food and dairy products. The laboratory also carries out physical grading and chemical analysis of the hop crop to ensure orderly international and domestic marketing.

As a Chemist 2 In‑Training you will perform routine and non‑routine tests that are highly complex analysis on agricultural food environmental or input products for pesticides, chemical residues, nutrients, and elements. This position will primarily work within the Environmental and Cannabis sections but will also work in other laboratory sections with supervisory or management approval. Laboratory results are provided to state, federal, and/or industry partners helping to assure consumer protection and to provide evidentiary information for compliance with regulatory levels or label guarantees.

WSDA is recruiting for a full‑time permanent Chemist 2 position within the Plant Protection Division. This position is located in Yakima, Washington and is represented by the Washington Public Employees Association (WPEA) Union.

The in‑training plan is intended to provide an opportunity for an individual to gain the required experience on the job as part of a formal “in‑training” plan. Upon successful completion of an in‑training plan, the incumbent will move up to the next job classification that is listed on the in‑training plan, if applicable. If hired at the Chemist 1 level, the incumbent will be required to successfully complete the training plan to reach the goal class of a Chemist 2.

The base pay offered will take into account internal equity and may vary depending on the preferred candidate’s job‑related knowledge, skills, and experience.

Typical starting salary ranges:

• Range 50, Step A $54,504 – Step L $71,472 annually (Chemist 1 – In‑Training)
• Range 56, Step A $63,252 – Step L $82,872 annually (Chemist
  2)

• Operate, maintain, monitor, and troubleshoot analytical instrumentation to ensure systems are ready for analysis.
• Create and/or update instrumental methods and documented procedures. This may include but not limited to such instruments as LC & GC triple quad mass specs, LC & GC single detectors, and various other laboratory equipment.

• Perform sample extractions (bench work), following SOPs and Work Instructions.

• Calculate and verify results; create worksheets and enter data in the Laboratory Information Management System.
• Review own work to provide results that consistently meet or exceed the needs and expectations of customers.

• Receive standards and log them in. Prepare neat/parent standards, mix, working standards and daily injection standards for quantitative analysis.

• Monitor, maintain, and order house gas supplies on a rotational basis.

• A bachelor's degree with a major in Chemistry or a bachelor's degree that includes a minimum of 30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours of…