Chemist 2 - 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 780 employees approximately 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 .

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The Opportunity:

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 Food Safety and Pesticide Data Program (PDP) 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. This position is located in Yakima, Washington and is represented by Washington Public Employees Association (WPEA) Union.

What is an in-training plan? 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.

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. The typical starting salary range for this position is:

Chemist 1 - In Training : Range 50, $ 54,504.00 - $73,284.00 annually
Chemist 2 : Range 56, $63,252.00 - $84,984.00 annually

Include, but not limited to:

Analyze data results and generates reports for the Pesticide Data Program and Food Safety

• Verify and interpret the results provided by the instrument software after analysis.
• Troubleshoot issues with data results and investigate the cause.
• Compile and critically review electronic data packages.
• Input and verify data in the Lab Information Management System (LIMS).
• Update and monitor statistical process control charts for any observed trends in quality control results for each analyte and/or matrix.
• Ensure results of work meet or exceed the needs and expectations of customers by complying with USDA or Food Safety Program pre-established data analysis criteria.

Perform instrument analysis of agricultural samples to detect chemical residues

• Operate, maintain, monitor, and troubleshoot analytical instrumentation such as LC/MS/MS, GC/MS/MS, GC-FID, and HPLC systems to ensure systems are ready for analysis.
• Utilize multiple instrument software platforms for data acquisition, processing, and reporting.
• Create and/or update instrumental methods and documented procedures, including visual aids and workflows.

Compile with established protocols throughout the sample receiving and preparation process

• In accordance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and WI's, receive, transport, log, prepare, store and extracts agricultural samples for chemical residue testing by the laboratory.
• Assist in developing and improving sample processing workflows and extractions by reading articles and exchanging ideas with colleagues, vendors, and other professionals in the field.

Chemist 1 (In-Training) Qualifications:

A Bachelor's degree with a major in Chemistry or Bachelor's degree in an allied science that includes a minimum of 30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours of college-level chemistry.
OR

Equivalent education/experience

Chemist 2 Qualifications:

A Bachelors degree with a major in Chemistry or a bachelors degree in an allied science with a minimum of 30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours of college-level chemistry.

AND

At least two (2) years of experience performing pesticide residue analysis in an analytical laboratory. Including operation and troubleshooting experience with GCMSMS and/or LCMSMS instrumentation.

OR

One (1) year of experience as a Chemist 1 or higher at Washington State Department of Agriculture.

OR

A Master's degree will substitute for two years of the required experience provided a Bachelor's degree and the required college-level chemistry has been achieved. .

In addition to the above qualifications, the following knowledge, skills, and abilities will make a candidate highly desirable:

• Two (2) years of experience performing chemical analysis in an analytical laboratory.
• Knowledge and experience with QuEChERS extraction technique, HPLC, LC/MS/MS, GC/MS/MS, ISO 17025 protocols, method validation practices, and analytical chemistry.

Employee Benefits

• A healthy work/life balance, which may include flexible work schedules.
• WSDA provides an excellent benefits package beyond traditional benefits. State employment offers Dependent Care Assistance, Flexible Spending Accounts, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, Tuition Waiver, Deferred Compensation, Employee Recognition Leave; click here for more information.
• 12 paid Holidays & Vacation and Leave Accruals.
• All Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required will be provided by the agency.
• Commute Trip Reduction Program.

How to apply:

You must complete your careers.wa.gov profile and answer the supplemental questions. In addition to completing the online application, and supplemental questions applicants must attach the following documents to their profile to be considered for this position:

• Current resume detailing experience and education

• A cover letter describing how you meet the specific qualifications for this position

• Three professional references

• C opy of unofficial college transcripts.

By submitting these materials, you are indicating that all information is true and correct. The state may verify information. Any untruthful or misleading information is cause for removal from the applicant pool or dismissal if employed.

Applications with comments "see attachments" will be considered incomplete.

If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll-free at ... or email ... .

The initial screening will be solely based on the contents and completeness of your application and the materials submitted. All information may be verified, and documentation may be required. Applications received via e-mail will not be accepted in lieu of applying through the state's on-line recruitment system.

Equity at WSDA

The Department of Agriculture recognizes, appreciates, supports, embraces, and respects all cultural identities and backgrounds while we collaborate in authentic ways. We hire amazing people that share in the commitment to our Pro-Equity Anti-Racist (PEAR) strategic plan, our Healthy Environment for All (HEAL) Act implementation plan, and our unique needs and desires for belonging, respect, and inclusion. We value the growth and development of our team members by providing equitable access to resources and opportunities for continuous learning, improvement, and advancement.

We strive to hire, cultivate, and retain a productive and dedicated workforce that reflects the communities we serve while we are committed to a workplace that celebrates our differences and supports equal opportunity employment and inclusion regardless of race, creed, color, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, marital status, families with children (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sex, sexual orientation, gender identity diversity, age, status as a protected veteran, honorably discharged veteran or military status, status as an individual with the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with disabilities or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws.

Contact Us

Should you have any questions regarding this position or the online application, contact the Human Resource Office at
Prior to a new appointment into the Department of Agriculture, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.

The Human Resources Division may use referrals from this recruitment to help fill future similar vacancies for up to six months.

Veteran's Preference: Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications and wish to claim Veteran's Preference MUST attach a copy of their DD214, or other verification of military service. Please blackout any personally identifiable data such as social security numbers. For additional information on Veteran's Preference and guidance on how to determine if you are eligible, click here.

Persons with a disability, who need assistance with their application or need this announcement in an alternative format, may call 664-1960 or toll free .... TTY users should first call 711 to access the Washington Relay Service.

For more information about the Washington State Department of Agriculture, visit us at www.agr.wa.gov .