Job Title: Chemist III
Division: Regulatory and Environmental Affairs
Headquarters: Guthrie Agriculture Center Charleston, WV
FLSA Status: Exempt
Salary Range: $49,000 – $60,000

Nature of Work: Performs analyses of pesticide products, residues, hemp, medical marijuana, groundwater, food, dairy, meat, animal feed, liming materials, forage, fertilizer, specimens, swabs, and environmental samples. The employee will also perform related work in the maintenance of a quality assurance program for the laboratories and will provide professional advice and guidance regarding analysis involving formulation of a new or revision of an existing standard method.

Examples of Work:

• Develop and maintain quality assurance measures to ensure that the analytical standards are being met.
• Determine the type and extent of testing required to ascertain the quality of samples submitted for analyses, guided by the principles and techniques of analytical chemistry and by the methods devised by professional and testing organizations in developing the necessary laboratory procedures.
• Develop methods consistent with the laboratories’ equipment for analysis of pesticide products, residues, groundwater, food, meat, dairy, animal feed, liming materials, forage, fertilizer, specimens, swabs, and environmental samples.
• Analyze and interpret test results to assist in the administration of laws, regulations or specifications relating to the chemical composition of the material, pesticide formulations, chemical contaminant, adulterant, or residues found.
• Report questionable identifications or finds on work to a supervisor.
• Attend meetings that may include overnight travel.
• Utilize a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) for data entry and other computer operations.
• Perform related work as required, such as assisting other division chemists as needed.
• Prepare official reports and may be called upon to testify before the court or the Commissioner.
• Maintain records of all quality activities as documented in SOPs and test methods.
• Handle samples and perform analyses according to SOPs and test methods.
• Write SOPs and test methods.
• Sign reports when designated with signature authority.
• Maintain and calibrate equipment.
• Report deficiencies or malfunctions to the Supervisor.
• Identify and record nonconformities on Corrective Action Requests
• Identify and record potential nonconformities on Preventive Action Requests
• Correct nonconformities and potential nonconformities.
• Improve laboratory and/or quality activities on a continuous basis.
• Act as a Subject Matter Expert when reviewing new or revised methods.
• Contribute to research project development and conduct related bench work.
• Conduct training with new laboratory staff on detection methods and SOP’s.
• Prepare in-house proficiency check samples, when necessary, for other laboratory staff.
• Provide professional advice and guidance in new or revised existing laboratory methods.
• Perform Technical Lead duties.
• Write grant proposals and oversee implementation.
• Present research findings through scientific papers, lectures, and presentations.
• Other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions:

• Ability to sit, stand, and/or walk for extended periods of time; frequently bend, squat, reach above shoulder level, push, pull and handle objects and capable of lifting up to 50 pounds.
• Employment may require working with pathogenic microorganisms, hazardous chemicals such as disinfectants, acids, bases, mutagens, teratogens, and solvents; hot liquids, steam, and hot solid surfaces capable of burns. Also, warm, humid conditions that can be found in the laboratory environment. Personal protective equipment is supplied by the department and is required to be worn by laboratory staff.
• Some jobs require employees to be exposed to unpleasant odors.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Seasoned knowledge of the principles, practices and procedures of pesticide formulation and residue chemistry.
• Advanced skills in the use of laboratory equipment, which may include gas chromatograph, mass spectrometer, liquid chromatograph, electron capture detectors and other detectors.
• Proficient ability to prepare analytical reports and to organize and present scientific information in a clear and concise manner.
• Skilled ability to perform directed research and with supervision devise new methods of testing for chemical analysis.
• Advanced knowledge of laboratory quality control procedures and appropriate statistical methods.
• Skilled ability to use and care for complex laboratory instruments.
• Expert ability to perform various tests, adapt techniques as required, and to perform complex computations.
• Proficient in preparing scientifically accurate and thorough reports.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Skilled ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Seasoned knowledge in the procedures involving the use and handling of hazardous chemicals.
• Skilled in speaking in front of an audience.
• Advanced knowledgeable of HAZWOPER requirements.
• Proficient, knowledgeable, and authorized by management personnel for use on all detection methods associated with the laboratory.
• Advanced skills in grant writing, monitoring, and management.

Qualifications:
Training: Graduation from an accredited 4-year college or university with a major in chemistry or related physical science including at least 24 semester hours in those areas required. A Master of Science degree is preferred.
Experience: Minimum of five (5) years of paid employment experience performing laboratory technical work related to chemical analyses required.

Additional Requirements:

• Valid Driver’s License.
• Satisfactory completion of pre-employment drug testing.
• Satisfactory completion of pre-employment law enforcement background investigation, including DMV records.
• Must maintain a positive image of the Commissioner, West Virginia Department of Agriculture, and the State of West Virginia.