Job Description

Agency

Dept of Agriculture , Consumer Services

Division

Agriculture Consumer Service

Job Classification Title

Chemistry Technician II (S)

Position Number

60011800

Grade

NC07

About Us

The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services provides services that promote and improve agriculture, agribusiness, and forests; protect consumers and businesses; and conserve farmland and natural resources for the prosperity of all North Carolinians. The Department employs approximately 2,000 employees.

Description of Work

Please note: Job postings close at 11:59:59 p.m. the night before the listed Posting End Date above.

The NCDA&CS Agronomic Services Division provides statewide diagnostic and advisory services that increase agricultural productivity, promote responsible land management, and safeguard environmental quality. The Division is comprised of three laboratory sections and a field services section with a combined total of 61 full-time employees. The Agronomic Division maintains a very active, employee-led safety program and is recognized as a Public-Sector Star site by the NC Department of Labor.

The Soil Testing Laboratory at the Agronomic Division in the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (NCDA&CS) is excited to announce the opening of a Chemistry Technician II position in the Soil Testing lab. You will work in a team environment that is high-volume and fast-paced analyzing soil samples. In its busiest time, 3,200 samples are analyzed daily. From the lab results, soil fertility recommendations that maximize plant growth and yield, optimize profitability, and protect the environment are provided to the client.

This position is primarily responsible for performing a range of complex analytical tests on a variety of soil samples in the Soil Testing Laboratory. This is an advanced level position. Duties include:

• Subsampling soil samples using volumetric scoops
• Weighing soil samples on an analytical balance
• Extracting nutrients from soil samples
• Operating Inductively Coupled Plasma – Optical Emission Spectrometer (ICP-OES) instruments
• Determining soil pH measurement and electrical conductivity
• Conducting UV/VIS spectroscopy analysis

Other aspects of the position include:

• Utilizing a custom-made Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS)
• Evaluating data accuracy
• Preparing solutions and standards
• Training and mentoring junior technicians
• Maintaining accurate records
• Cleaning labware
• Adhering to all Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and safety protocols

The employee must be able to function largely independently, with minimal supervision. Tasks include lifting trays and boxes that routinely weigh 40-60 lbs., up to 80 lbs. on occasion and standing for extended periods of time throughout the day. This effort is used to load trays of soil onto tables for sample processing.

Normal working hours are 6:00 am to 3:00 pm, Monday through Friday, but occasional overtime may be required to meet established turnaround times. These working hours may be flexed depending on the length of lunch break taken.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences

Recruitment Range- $37,377-$53,000

• Knowledge of the basic scientific principles Applicable in a laboratory setting and effectively passing written practicum test during the interview and passing post-offer fitness for duty/function capacity evaluation.
• Ability to independently perform complex laboratory tests and procedures, record results accurately, understand and solve basic problems and guide other technicians in chemical procedures.
• Ability to clearly communicate technical information, both verbally and in writing, when reporting results and explaining procedures.
• Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships, and train new and junior staff.
• Ability to lift up to 30 lbs., stand for extended periods of time, and perform activities involving repetitive hand and wrist movements.

Click Here to Learn more about State Employee Benefits.

Any employment offer may be less than the maximum of the range due to salary equity with similarly situated employees or the selected candidate's related education and experience.

Please follow the instructions to apply online. It is important that your application includes all your relevant education and experience. Text or attached resumes ARE NOT accepted as a substitution for a completed application. Applicants seeking veteran's/National Guard preference should submit a copy of their Form DD-214, NGB 23A (RPAS), DD256 or NGB 22.

All Law Enforcement positions, aviation safety-sensitive positions, and positions requiring a Pilot's License or a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) shall be subject to pre-employment drug testing. All positions requiring a Commercial Driver's License shall also be subject to pre-employment DMV physicals. Selected applicants must obtain a U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) medical certificate prior to employment. If a CDL is listed as a preference and the selected applicant has a CDL at the time of hire, then the CDL will become a requirement for the position.

• Note: When required, you must answer the question(s) for this position, or your application will be considered incomplete. *

Questions regarding this posting? Contact 919-707-3201.

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.

Bachelor's degree in one of the chemical, biological, microbiological, environmental or natural resource sciences including related chemistry laboratory coursework from an appropriately accredited institution;

or 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 and two years of directly related chemistry laboratory experience;

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:

Toni Lynn Tooley

Recruiter Email: agr.workday@ncagr.gov