Soil Scientist

Job Posting Title

Soil Scientist

Agency

645 CONSERVATION COMMISSION

Supervisory Organization

Conservation Commission

Job Posting End Date (Continuous if Blank)

September 19, 2025

Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the day prior to the posting end date above.

Estimated Appointment End Date (Continuous if Blank)

Full/Part-Time

Full time

Job Type

Regular

Compensation

Salary based on education and Experience. Applicant must submit Cover letter and Resume.

Job Description

Basic Purpose

Positions in this family are responsible for planning, performing, implementing and supervising laboratory analyses, quality assurance and special studies. This includes analyses and studies used to determine compliance with state and federal rules, consumer protection regulations, agriculture products standards, highway construction materials specifications, and environmental quality of lakes, rivers, aquifers and air. These positions will provide consultation and assistance in the formulation of regulations and standards. Laboratory specialty areas will include chemistry, biology and physics.

Typical Functions

• Analyzes air, water, soil, waste, highway construction materials, and agricultural samples to determine levels of compliance with state and federal regulations or applicable specifications.
• Implements the use of approved methods and procedures in the analysis of samples, and of Quality Assurance practices and procedures in all analytical and study processes.
• Develops methods and procedures needed for laboratory analyses used in the determination of quality, formulation standards and compliance where no approved procedures exist.
• Plans or aids in the planning of special studies requiring the collection and analysis of samples leading to the protection of the public health and the environment.
• Maintains all equipment related to analysis within the laboratory.
• Maintains supply inventories necessary to perform all laboratory analyses.
• Serves as expert witness in the interpretation of laboratory analysis for the enforcement of state and federal regulations.
• Evaluates and prepares reports on the results of analyses and studies.
• Provides consultation on laboratory analyses and studies performed both within and outside of the laboratory for development of regulations and compliance standards, or evaluation of environmental situations.
• Researches, develops and assists in the implementation of long term planning for the efficient use of the states air, water, land and agricultural resources.

Level Descriptor

This is the leadership level of the job family where employees are assigned responsibility for directing and supervising the work activities of a laboratory area, such as gas chromatography, metals, wet chemistry, radiochemistry, mass spectrometry microbiology or quality assurance and control. This includes implementing quality assurance criteria and making recommendations on complex regulatory and non-regulatory matters related to analysis and studies performed. Positions are assigned responsibility for the supervision of other laboratory staff, including reviewing and assigning work, providing training and evaluating performance. This includes assigning and reviewing work of other laboratory staff, ensuring completion of assigned activities and providing training. It may also include responsibility for direct supervision, including administrative tasks such as completing performance evaluations, approving leave and initiating disciplinary action.

Education and Experience

Education and Experience requirements for classification at this level consist of a bachelor's degree in chemistry, biological or environmental science and two years of professional level experience in a laboratory; OR a masters degree in chemistry or biological or environmental science and one year of professional experience in a laboratory.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Competencies

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities required to perform work at this level include knowledge of chemical laboratory testing procedures and equipment; of instruments and test apparatus; of the purpose of the chemical analysis being performed and of the materials being analyzed; of current research in the field; of chemical research; of developments in the laboratory's specialty; of physical science reference materials; and of supervisory practices and principles. Ability is required to operate laboratory equipment; to write technical reports; to apply laboratory safety procedures; to perform physical tests and analyses; to achieve acceptable test volume and quality targets; to present findings and research data to professional groups; and to supervise and direct the work of others.

Special Requirements Additional Job Description

Equal Opportunity Employment

The State of Oklahoma is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of genetic information, race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, or disability.

Current active State of Oklahoma employees must apply for open positions internally through the Workday Jobs Hub .