Agency
Dept of Health and Human Services
Division
Public Health
Job Classification Title
Chemistry Technician I (S)
Position Number
60041380
Grade
NC06
About Us
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is one of the largest, most complex agencies in the state, and has approximately 17,000 employees. It is responsible for ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of all North Carolinians, providing human service needs for special populations including individuals who are deaf, blind, developmentally disabled, and mentally ill, and helping poor North Carolinians achieve economic independence.
of Work
The Chemistry Technician I position provides technical support to the Inorganic Chemistry Unit within the Environmental Sciences Section of the State Laboratory of Public Health. The role performs routine and standardized laboratory tasks including sample accessioning, wet chemistry bench analysis, quality assurance checks, and preparation of environmental and drinking water samples for testing. Work includes operating and maintaining laboratory instruments, managing sample documentation within the laboratory information management system, and supporting daily laboratory workflows to ensure timely and accurate processing.
This position functions within a regulated laboratory environment that requires adherence to established safety procedures, data integrity standards, and accreditation requirements. The role supports chemists and chemistry technicians and contributes to overall laboratory operations through consistent and precise technical execution.
Key Duties Include:
- Accession drinking water and environmental lead samples and record associated information in the laboratory information management system.
- Apply accessioning labels, verify sample documentation, and prepare samples for designated testing procedures.
- Perform wet chemistry tests such as total dissolved solids and total suspended solids using established laboratory methods.
- Assist in preparing samples for metals analysis through hot‑block digestion and other standardized preparation techniques.
- Conduct backup instrumental analysis using automated titration equipment.
- Complete routine laboratory tasks including glassware washing, inventory receipt, sample disposal, and workspace upkeep.
- Carry out periodic laboratory safety and quality assurance checks in accordance with internal procedures and accreditation standards.
- Support sample digestion workflows and provide general operational assistance to chemistry technicians and chemists.
- Review and follow standard operating procedures relevant to assigned technical tasks.
- Perform additional laboratory support functions as assigned to maintain efficient unit operations.
Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences
Candidates now meet the minimum qualifications of a position if they meet the minimum education and experience listed on the vacancy announcement.
The Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)/ Management Preferences are not required. Applicants who possess the following skills are preferred:
Demonstrated experience accessioning environmental and drinking water samples in a laboratory information management system (LIMS) with intermediate proficiency in electronic documentation.
Proven record performing wet chemistry analyses such as TDS and TSS using standardized laboratory methods, with documented accuracy in recorded results.
Measurable experience preparing samples for metals testing through hot‑block digestion and related inorganic chemistry preparation techniques.
Documented success conducting routine laboratory safety and quality control checks in accordance with established laboratory procedures and accreditation requirements.
Established history managing core laboratory support tasks—including inventory receipt, sample disposal, and glassware cleaning—with consistent completion under defined timelines.
Must be able to stand for prolonged periods.
Must be able to lift 40 lbs.
About the NC Division of Public Health (DPH):
The NC Division of Public Health works to promote and contribute to the highest possible level of health for the people of North Carolina. Our entire statewide system of public health has dedicated professionals who carry out our mission every day through a wide range of essential and activities touching the lives of everyone in our state.
The State Laboratory of Public Health (SLPH), we provide medical and environmental laboratory services such as testing, consultation, and training, to public and private health provider organizations responsible for the promotion, protection, and assurance of the health of North Carolina citizens. SLPH serves the entire state as a reference laboratory for difficult, unusual, or otherwise unavailable laboratory procedures and assist in the development, evaluation, and standardization of medical and environmental laboratory testing procedures. We provide training and consultation to improve and assure quality services in other laboratories and certify milk and water laboratories and milk analysts. We test for Acanthamoeba to Zika and everything in between!
Visit our website at http://slph.ncpublichealth.com to learn more.
Campus Amenities and Benefits at the State Laboratory of Public Health:
220,000 square feet state-of-the-art facility
Plentiful Free Parking
Easy access to highways (70, 40 and 440), NC Museum of Art, Umstead State Park, healthcare providers, and shopping centers
Proximity to globally and nationally ranked universities (NC State, UNC-Chapel Hill, Duke)
Fitness area with exercise equipment, classes, and wellness activities
Weekly Food Trucks
Car Cleaning and Detailing Services On-site bimonthly
Annual Flu Shot Clinic for Employees and Families
Monthly and quarterly career development classes, including opportunities for traveling
Library of academic journals and materials on-site
Employee Engagement and Staff Development Activities
NCSLPH Employee Recognition Programs
State Health Plan and State of NC Employee Benefits
The State of North Carolina offers excellent comprehensive benefits. Employees can participate in health insurance options, standard and supplemental retirement plans, and the NCFlex program (numerous high-quality, low-cost benefits on a pre-tax basis). Employees also receive paid vacation, sick, and community service leave. In addition, paid parental leave is available to eligible employees. Visit the website for State Benefits
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is an Equal Opportunity Employer that embraces an Employment First philosophy, which consists of complying with all federal laws, state laws, and Executive Orders. We are committed to reviewing requests for reasonable accommodation at any time during the hiring process or while on the job. For more information about DHHS: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/
DHHS uses the Merit-Based Recruitment and Selection Plan to fill positions subject to the State Human Resources Act with the most qualified individuals. Hiring salary will be based on relevant qualifications, internal equity, and budgetary considerations pertinent to the advertised position.
In accordance with the Governor’s Executive Order 303, our agency supports second-chance employment for individuals who were previously incarcerated or justice-involved. We invite all potential applicants to apply for positions for which they may be qualified.
Be sure to complete the application in its entirety. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing this application.
Information should be provided in the appropriate areas, to include the following: Education, including high school and all degrees obtained, Work Experience, and Certificates & Licenses. It is critical to our screening and salary determination process that applications contain comprehensive candidate information.
Answers to Supplemental Questions are not a substitute for providing all relevant information within the body of your application. To receive credit for the supplemental questions, you must provide supporting information within the "Work Experience" section of the application to support your answers.
If multiple applications are submitted to an individual posting, only the most recent application received prior to the closing date will be accepted. Applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM on the closing date.
Applicants may be subject to a criminal background check. All candidates selected for positions considered "Positions of Trust" will be subject to a criminal background check.
Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to provide information regarding the status of your application over the phone. To check the status of your application, please log in to your account. Upon the closing date, applications are "Under Review" and will be screened by Human Resources for qualified applicants. The hiring process may take several weeks.
Degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions. Transcripts and degree evaluations may be uploaded with your application. The State of North Carolina/Office of State Human Resources uses the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) as a referral resource for applicants who need to have their credentials certified as equivalent.
For a list of organizations that perform this specialized service, please visit the NACES membership website at https://www.naces.org/members
Degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions. Transcripts, degree evaluations, and cover letters may be uploaded with your application.
Applicants seeking Veteran's Preference must attach a DD-214 Member-4 Form (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) to their applications.
Applicants seeking National Guard Preference must attach an NGB 23A (RPAS), along with the state application, if they are a current member of the NC National Guard in good standing.
Applicants who are former members of either the NC Army National Guard or the NC Air National Guard, with honorable discharge and six years of creditable service, must attach a copy of the DD 256 or NGB 22, along with the state application.
Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA), DHHS is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, DHHS will ensure that people with disabilities, or known limitations covered by the PWFA, are provided with reasonable accommodation. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact the person indicated below.
If there are any questions about this posting, please contact Talent Acquisition at talentacquisition@dhhs.nc.govResumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing this application
Minimum Education and Experience
Some state job postings say you can qualify by an “equivalent combination of education and experience.” If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details.
Associate's degree in one of the chemical, biological, microbiological, environmental or natural resource sciences or a closely related curriculum including related chemistry laboratory coursework from an appropriately accredited institution
OR
An equivalent combination of education and experience.
EEO Statement
The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.
Recruiter:
Tresha Walker
Email:
talentacquisition@dhhs.nc.gov
Whether you are interested in the arts, transportation, IT, the environment, public safety, healthcare or countless other areas, the State of North Carolina has an opportunity for you.
North Carolina State Government employs more than 81,000 people across the state in various agencies, branches and universities. Our careers are as diverse as the citizens we serve! We are seeking skilled and dedicated individuals from a wide range of educational and experience backgrounds.
Governor Josh Stein believes in the potential of our great state and its people. He knows that we can build a state and an economy that work for everyone. By investing in our public schools and giving students the tools they need to succeed, creating good jobs and raising incomes for the middle class, and strengthening our communities, North Carolinians can live and work in places they are proud to call home.
Working for the State of North Carolina can offer you the chance to effect positive change for our residents and visitors, take advantage of numerous benefit options and advancement opportunities, and work in an environment that values collaboration, creativity, innovation and diversity. Learn more about state government jobs at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/northcarolina.
