CHEMIST II

The Maryland Department of Agriculture is a department under Maryland's Executive Branch.  Formed in 1972 by the Maryland General Assembly to address the agriculture needs for the State of Maryland, the Department oversees and serves as a regulatory body for animal health, consumer services to include marketing and lab services, plant and pest management and resource conservation.  As the number one industry in Maryland, the diversity of agriculture programs in the State continue to expand and grow.   

The State Chemist Section regulates the sale and distribution of products to enhance and promote agricultural production, protect consumers, animals and the environment from unsafe products, and provide the regulated industry with a competitive marketplace. Our Chemists play a vital role in performing analyses on fertilizers, pesticides, animal feeds and more.

15

Maryland Department of Agriculture Headquarters ~ Annapolis, MD

Performs analyses on agricultural materials, such as fertilizer-pesticides and pesticides to determine the amount of the active ingredients on the label to ensure that the products meets label claims within a predefined limit. Performs analyses that support the Department, the Section, and other agencies (both state and federal) to protect the public health, the environment, and to provide support for agriculture.

Chemical Analysis.  Determines the percentage of active ingredients in fertilizer/pesticide and pesticide formulations within the designated turn­ around time using the appropriate method based upon formulation type, active ingredients present, the label claim and CIPAC/AOACI OMA. Discusses major method modifications with the Supervisor, Lab Manager and QA Officer to determine the type of method validation needed before analyzing samples.  Contacts the manufacturer of the formulation if there is no official method available.

Data and Result Reporting.  Records pertinent analytical data on the data worksheet while performing the analysis. Prepares accurate spreadsheets, and reports of the analysis performed, including reviewing data and using appropriate statistics, to determine if the quality assurance requirements are met and whether the analysis is to be repeated and the entire data package defensible before submitting the package to the Supervisor.  Reports data on appropriate forms after the Quality Assurance Officer approves the data package.

Instrument Maintenance.  Performs routine maintenance on and troubleshoots instruments that are used for chemical analysis of formulations.  Records each event in an instrument log, contacts appropriate vendors to perform preventive maintenance and to service the instruments that are under service agreements.  Performs necessary instrument checks to ensure that the instrument is performing before analyzing samples.  Maintains stocks of instrument consumables that are used in maintaining the instrument.  Backs up analytical data weekly.

Safety. Routinely reviews compiled Safety Data Sheets to ensure that they are current and up-to-date for the chemicals that are used.  Attends all safety meetings and courses, and makes recommendations to maintain a safe work environment.  Ensures that the laboratory hoods are working before use.  Ensures that the safety equipment in the lab, eye dilutes, showers, fire extinguishers, etc., is accessible, and knows how to properly use them.

This position will also be required to attend vendor seminars, EPA/FDA/SDA training, and other professional meetings as assigned. 

Education:   A Bachelor’s degree in chemistry or other related science which includes completion of at least 24 credit hours in chemistry from an accredited college or university.

Experience: One year of experience performing laboratory chemical analysis work in a public health or chemistry laboratory.

Notes:

1. Possession of a Master’s degree in chemistry from an accredited college or university may be substituted for the required experience.                    

2. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a commissioned officer in chemistry classification or chemistry specialty codes in the chemistry field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required experience and education.

Preference will be given to applicants who possess the following preferred qualification(s). Include clear and specific information on your application regarding your qualifications.

Experience with High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and/or Gas-liquid chromatography (GLC).

Employees in this classification may be assigned duties which require the operation of a motor vehicle. Employees assigned such duties will be required to possess a motor vehicle operator’s license valid in the State of Maryland.

Please make sure that you provide sufficient information on your application to show that you meet the qualifications for this recruitment. All information concerning your qualifications must be submitted by the closing date. We will not consider information submitted after this date. Successful candidates will be ranked as Best Qualified, Better Qualified, or Qualified and placed on the eligible (employment) list for at least one year.

The assessment may consist of a rating of your education, training, and experience related to the requirements of the position. It is important that you provide complete and accurate information on your application. Please report all experience and education that is related to this position.

STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS