Chemistry Technician I

About the Role

The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (NCDA&CS) Agronomic Services Division, specifically the Plant/Waste/Solution/Media (PWSM) lab, is seeking a Chemistry Technician I. This role operates in a high-volume, fast-paced team environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Performing moderately complex analytical tests on plant tissue, waste, solution, and media samples.
• Determination of alkalinity and calcium carbonate equivalency by chemical titration.
• Measurement of pH and electrical conductivity by electrode.
• Extractions for plant chloride and nitrate.
• Extractions of soilless media.
• Preparation of reagents, standards, and other chemicals.
• Serving as the lead technician for sample receiving and processing.
• Managing the accuracy of the daily analytical worklist.
• Overseeing and coordinating the workflow for sample receiving staff.
• Training staff in and performing plant, waste, solution, and media sample check-in procedures.
• Training staff in and performing plant, waste, solution, and media processing procedures, such as drying, grinding, homogenizing, and weighing samples.
• Assisting the lab supervisor, chemist I, and chemistry technician II with additional tasks as needed.

Duties will vary based on the time of year and laboratory staffing needs.

The employee must be able to perform all duties independently by the end of the first year of service.

Work Hours & Environment

• Normal working hours: 6:30 am to 3:30 pm, Monday through Friday.
• Occasional overtime may be required.
• Must pass a fitness for duty/functional capacity evaluation post-offer.
• A written practicum will be given to candidates during the interview.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• General knowledge of basic laboratory practices.
• Ability to independently perform moderately complex laboratory tests and procedures.
• Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations.
• Ability to record results with a high degree of accuracy.
• Ability to plan and assign work, train employees, and evaluate their work.
• Ability to understand and follow laboratory standard operating procedures and safety procedures.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs., stand for extended periods, and perform activities involving repetitive motion of the hands and wrists.

Qualifications

• 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.