Environmental Chemical Lab Scientist

About the role

This position is located in the State Environmental Laboratory Services Division - General Chemistry Section in Oklahoma City. All applicants must be able to pass a background check and must be able to legally work within the United States. DEQ does not allow sponsorship for those on a H1B visa. This position requires in-office work Monday - Friday.

Responsibilities

• Analyzes water to determine levels of compliance with state and federal regulations utilizing approved methods and procedures.
• Develops methods of analysis and aids in special studies.
• Maintains equipment and inventory for laboratory analysis.
• Prepares reports.
• May be involved in consultation and expert witness activities.
• Perform analytical testing on public and private water, hazardous waste, soils, biological tissues, and other environmental samples in support of state and federally funded environmental projects using approved standard operating procedures (SOPs) and work instruction documents (WIDs).
• Prioritize and schedule daily work tasks to meet Section, Group, Division, and Agency goals.
• Effectively interact with the Laboratory Information Management System and related databases.
• Thoroughly document all actions and decisions associated with the generation of analytical data.
• Provide technical assistance/technical support to customers and develop knowledge of regulatory requirements as they relate to sample validity and response actions.
• Perform a thorough review of records and data generated by self and peers.
• Conduct all work in accordance with divisional policies, including the SELSD Quality Assurance Manual, Ethics and Data Integrity Program, and Laboratory Safety Program.
• Aid in the review and development of technical and operational SOPs and WIDs.
• Aid in the inventory control of all supplies and consumables required to perform testing.
• Aid in general housekeeping including sample control and disposal.

Requirements

• Level I - bachelor's degree in chemistry, biological or environmental science.
• Level II - bachelor's degree in chemistry, biological or environmental science plus one year of professional level experience in a laboratory; OR a master’s degree in chemistry or biological or environmental science.

Qualifications

• To be considered for this position applicants must be within 60 days of obtaining their degree.
• Some occasional travel may be required for training and career enhancement activities.

Skills

• At least intermediate computer skills and familiarity with Microsoft Suite including Word & Excel.
• Familiarity with other databases, including a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), to electronically store and track data, customer accounts, and result reports.
• Ability to wear PPE, including lab coats, goggles/protective eyewear or face shields while performing laboratory tasks.
• Ability to independently lift 25 lbs.

Benefits

• Generous leave including 15 days of vacation, 15 days of sick leave and 11 paid holidays annually.
• A comprehensive Benefit Package with a generous Benefit allowance to offset the cost of insurance premiums for employees and their eligible dependents.

Pay

• Level I - $60,944.00
• Level II - $64,001.60

Schedule

• Full time