CHEMIST

***THIS RECRUITMENT MAY CLOSE WITHOUT FURTHER NOTICE DEPENDING ON THE NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS RECEIVED. APPLICANTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY AS SOON AS POSSIBLE***

Job Summary The Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA), Division of Plant Health and Compliance - Chemistry Program, is seeking to fill one vacant position of Chemist in the Sparks office. This position will be tasked with assisting to coordinate the Nevada Hemp program which will include ensuring state alignment with United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) requirements per the 2018 Farm Bill. This position will expedite requests and ensure chemical and reports of analysis are being completed in a timely manner. Delayed analysis of crop samples can result in federal non-compliances and increasing THC levels within the crop as growers await results. Anything above this threshold must be properly disposed of to ensure a potentially psychoactive product does not enter the stream of commerce under the auspice of “hemp”, which would circumvent marijuana regulations.

The Chemist duties include:

• Chemical analysis of hemp samples
• Preparing Reports of Analysis
• Maintain quality control and quality assurance sample data for the Hemp Program
• Oversight of laboratory hemp proficiency testing

Chemists analyze air, water, tissue, milk, petroleum products, antifreeze, soil, cement, paint, construction materials, pesticide residue, and other samples.

Essential Qualifications Two or more years of applicable experience as described in the job duties and graduation from high school or equivalent education.

Job Duties

• Analyze samples and identify and document sample contents and contaminants.
• Ensure adherence to federal and State laws, regulations, standards, procedures, and agency policies and procedures.
• Operate laboratory instrumentation.
• Conduct chemical testing of highway construction materials and ensure appropriateness for projects.
• Assist engineers in solving construction problems related to chemical and physical properties of materials.
• Analyze construction materials and samples and determine and document contents and contaminants.
• Evaluate, maintain, update, and write specifications for construction materials, products, equipment, and specifications.
• Provide testimony to lawmakers, boards, and industry representatives.
• Assist in resolving conflicts and problems in sample testing.
• Evaluate and incorporate new technology into laboratory procedures.
• Analyze motor fuels and motor oil samples for physical characteristics and air quality impact.
• Determine compliance of antifreeze samples by measuring certain properties and testing for foaming tendencies.
• Analyze ground water, surface water, vegetation, soil, and tissue for pesticide residues, identify presence, and calculate concentration of herbicides and pesticides.
• Analyze water samples for gross alpha, gross beta, and additional radiochemistry.
• Analyze fertilizer samples for nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and other nutrients and non-nutrients.
• Maintain sample integrity and chain of custody and complete data calculations and worksheets.
• Record processes and results, prepare and submit reports, enter findings, and maintain quality assurance.
• Manage laboratory equipment, perform maintenance, and request supplies, chemicals, and equipment.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of:

• Applicable federal and State laws, regulations, standards, procedures, and agency policies and procedures.
• Organic and inorganic chemistry; qualitative and quantitative methods of analysis; health and safety precautions applicable to working with volatile chemicals and other hazardous materials; laboratory equipment used in analysis of water, motor fuel, antifreeze, oil, and other samples; computer hardware and software used in a chemistry laboratory.

Skill in:

• Performing laboratory techniques and procedures.
• Interpersonal and communication, both verbal and written.
• Use and operation of office and job-related equipment and software.

Ability to:

• Compare analytical results with reference standards and form logical conclusions; systematically arrange information, test results, data, and reports into appropriate categories; determine laboratory instruments’ reliability and make necessary adjustments; analyze information, methods, and procedures to determine the best method for analysis; perform several different procedures simultaneously using a variety of equipment.
• Read and understand technical laboratory literature; accurately measure, record, and report scientific data; establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships with others; perform testing procedures using modern laboratory equipment and techniques.

Recruiter information: Alan Carino - acarino@admin.nv.gov

Benefits

Benefits include:

• Health Insurance: Medical, dental, life, and disability insurance programs for employees and their dependents/family are offered through the Public Employees’ Benefits Program (PEBP).
• Vacation: Accrual of three weeks of annual leave each year.
• Sick Leave: Accrual of three weeks of sick leave each year.
• Holidays: 12 paid holidays per year.
• Retirement: Participation in the Nevada Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). Employees do not contribute to Social Security but will contribute to PERS if their position is at 50% or more full-time equivalency. For more information on how PERS service may impact Social Security benefits, visit the SSA publication.
• Deferred Compensation: The State offers a voluntary Deferred Compensation Program.
• No Nevada state income tax.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness: Eligible due to public sector employment.
• Longevity Payments Eligibility: Employees who have received a performance rating of “standard” or better and have completed eight (8) or more years of continuous service are eligible for longevity pay.

Additional benefits may apply to employees covered under a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), depending on their designated bargaining unit. For more information, visit the Labor Relations Unit (LRU). For more details about your rights and responsibilities as a State of Nevada employee, please review the State of Nevada Employee Handbook (PDF). ***State Holidays The holiday schedule for State employees is established by the Legislature.

The following are legal holidays:

January 1.............................................. New Year's Day Third Monday in January.................. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Birthday Third Monday in February................ Washington’s Birthday Last Monday in May........................... Memorial Day June 19................................................ Juneteenth Day July 4.................................................... Independence Day First Monday in September.............. Labor Day Last Friday in October....................... Nevada Day November 11........................................ Veterans' Day Fourth Thursday in November........ Thanksgiving Day Friday following the Fourth Thursday in November...................... Family Day December 25........................................ Christmas Day When January 1, June 19, July 4, November 11, or December 25 falls on a Saturday, the preceding Friday is the observed legal holiday. If these days fall on Sunday, the following Monday is the observed holiday. Eligibility for holiday pay is covered by the provisions of NAC 284.255

The State of Nevada is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to building diverse, inclusive, and innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. All applicants are considered without regard to race, color, national origin, religion or belief, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, domestic partnership, genetic information (GINA), or compensation and/or wages.

Please send direct Inquiries or correspondence to the recruiter listed on this announcement.