Scientist I

The work we do matters!

Hiring Agency:

Agriculture - Agency 18

Location:

Lincoln, NE

Hiring Rate:

$23.802

Job Posting:

JR2... Scientist I (Open)

Applications No Longer Accepted On (If no date is displayed, job is posted as open until closed):

07-07-2025

Job Description:

Do you have a passion for health and safety? Are you a team player? If you answered yes to any of the previous questions, we have the job for you!

The Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) Feed, Fertilizer and Agricultural Lime (FFAL) Laboratory tests raw commodities and manufactured products to verify product label guarantees and to protect animal and human health. This Scientist I position performs sample preparation, wet chemistry, lab upkeep, and sample custodian duties. Test results support the Nebraska Commercial Feed Program, which ensures feed is wholesome and honestly prepared to protect public and animal health and to prevent consumer fraud. Lab work is performed under a quality management system with specific adherence to ISO 17025 to ensure legal defensibility of test results.

Work Schedule: Monday - Thursday 7:00AM to 5:30PM

Look at what we have to offer!
13 paid holidays
Vacation and sick leave that begin accruing immediately
Military leave
156% (that's not a typo!) state-matched retirement
Tuition reimbursement
Employee assistance program
79% employer paid health insurance plans
Dental and vision insurance plans
Employer-paid $20,000 life insurance policy
Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF) through the Federal government
Wide variety and availability of career advancement as the largest and most diverse employer in the State
Opportunity to be part of meaningful work and make a difference through public service
Training and Development based on your career aspirations
Fun, inviting teammates
A safe and secure environment
At the State, we stand by our core values of treating others with dignity and respect, acting ethically in all situations, and creating an environment where our customer is our top priority. Apply to join our team today!

Job duties

• Work effectively as a teammate under limited supervision to complete assigned tasks in accordance with established lab workflow: - Sample preparation sorting, splitting, and grinding samples for use in testing .

• Weigh, record, and analyze feed samples for protein and fertilizer samples for nitrogen using the Nitrogen Combustion Analyzer.

• Assist in digesting feed and fertilizer samples, prepare serial dilutions for Inductively Couple Plasma (ICP), the prepared samples will be run by the ICPs analyst.

• Perform salt determination on feed samples by potentiometric method.

• Act as Sample Custodian to maintain chain of custody of regulatory samples. Perform wet chemistry assays for fertilizer samples according to standard laboratory methods (for example, Kjeltec or acid digestion).

• Laboratory upkeep to include cleaning, maintenance, and chemical waste disposal.

• Maintain accurate records of all work performed and backup electronic data, as needed, for traceability.

• Review test data and lab records of teammates.

• Adhere to recordkeeping, training, and other requirements of the NDA Laboratory Quality Management System.

• Submit requests to order lab supplies and follow in-house chemical inventory procedures.

• Provide backup assistance to FFAL Drugs and Residue team to cover workload needs.

• Follow safety and emergency action procedures; suggest improvements to existing practices.

• Perform related duties as assigned.

Requirements / Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications : At least one year of post high school coursework/training in chemistry, biology, or related field and one year of experience in a scientific laboratory.

Preferred Qualifications : Bachelor's Degree in chemistry, biochemistry, animal science or related field of study with experience in analytical chemistry.

Other : Regular and Reliable attendance is required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of: the principles, methods, practices of chemistry and biochemistry; the principles and practices of scientific methodology; the procedures, equipment, materials, and facilities of laboratory testing; the hazards and safety precautions of laboratory testing activities; analytical chemistry.

Ability to: communicate orally and in writing to exchange technical and scientific information; interact with other scientists, laboratory staff, and the public; understand and apply oral and written supervisory instructions, equipment operation manuals, and safety rules and instructions; apply chemical analysis principles and technical practices and standards in a laboratory setting; calculate solutions to mathematical and statistical problems; observe and identify characteristics or patterns in substances and compounds; extract and interpret findings from laboratory tests and analyses; set personal work priorities and manage own work time.

Benefits

We offer a comprehensive package of pay, benefits, paid time off, retirement and professional development opportunities to help you get the most out of your career and life. Your paycheck is just part of your total compensation.

Check out all that the State of Nebraska has to offer! Benefit eligibility may vary by position, agency and employment status. For more information on benefits, please visit:

Equal Opportunity Statement

The State of Nebraska values our teammates as well as a supportive environment that strives to promote diversity, inclusion, and belonging. We recruit, hire, train, and promote in all job classifications and at all levels without regard to race, color, religion, sex. age, national origin, disability, marital status or genetics.

Current employees of the State of Nebraska should NOT apply on this external career. Instead go to Workday and access the Jobs Hub - Internal Apply app from your home landing page.