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Posted: April 1, 2026 (0 days ago)

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Chemist 1

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

Department of Environmental Protection

Fresh

Location

Pennsylvania, 17120

Salary

$51,971 - $79,062

per year

Closes

April 15, 2026

SES Pay Grade

Base salary range: $147,649 - $221,900

Typical requirements: Executive-level leadership experience. Senior executive qualifications required.

Note: Actual salary includes locality pay (15-40%+ depending on location).

Job Description

Summary

This job involves analyzing environmental samples for harmful organic compounds using lab equipment and methods to help protect Pennsylvania's environment.

You'll work in a government lab, maintain instruments, follow safety rules, and assist in improving lab procedures.

It's a great fit for recent chemistry graduates who enjoy hands-on lab work and want to contribute to environmental protection.

Key Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree in chemistry or a related field with at least 30 credits in chemistry or biochemistry
  • Experience or knowledge in extracting and analyzing environmental samples for organic compounds
  • Familiarity with U.S. EPA, Standard Methods, and DEP validated analytical procedures
  • Ability to perform preventive maintenance on lab instruments and keep detailed logs
  • Compliance with lab and workplace safety protocols, including hazardous waste handling
  • Assistance in developing or improving lab methodologies, such as control charts and SOPs
  • Possession of a REAL ID or passport for employment

Full Job Description

Are you eager to put your chemistry education and experience to work while protecting the environment around you? The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), Bureau of Laboratories, is excited to welcome a diligent Chemist 1 to showcase your skills while conducting vital organic compound analysis in environmental samples. This is a fantastic chance to enhance your professional abilities and further your career, apply today!


Requirements

As a Chemist 1, you will extract and analyze environmental samples for the presence of environmentally significant analytes using specialized equipment and techniques, and employing accepted methods such as U.S.

EPA, Standard Methods, and DEP validated methods and procedures.

Your work will involve assisting the Chemist 2 in the implementation, modification, adaptation, or improvement of existing methodologies, inclusive of generating control charts to establish in-house control limits and creating Standard Operating Procedures.

You will also perform preventive maintenance of analytical instruments and maintain a detailed logbook of preventive maintenance, malfunctions, and repairs.

It is essential to remain in compliance with all lab and workplace safety protocols at all times, in addition to properly labeling all hazardous waste containers and arranging for transport.


Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.


Work Schedule and Additional Information:

  • Full-time employment
  • Work hours are 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch.
  • Occasional overtime and travel may be required.
  • Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time, up to 2 days per week, upon successful completion of the training period.

    In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection and work from an approved location inside Pennsylvania.

    If you are unable to telework, you will have the option to report to the headquarters office in Harrisburg. The ability to telework is subject to change at any time.

    Additional details may be provided during the interview.

  • Salary: Selected candidates who are new to employment with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will begin employment at the starting annual salary of $51,971.00 (before taxes).
  • You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

  • A bachelor’s degree in chemistry; or
  • A bachelor’s degree that includes 30 credits in chemistry or biochemistry.
  • Applicants will be considered to have met the educational requirements once they are within 3 months of graduating with a qualifying degree/credits.


Other Requirements:

  • You must possess and maintain a REAL ID or passport for this position. Proof of possession will be needed at the time of a conditional offer of employment.
  • You must meet the PA residency requirement. For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link and click on Residency Guidelines.
  • You must be able to perform essential job functions.


How to Apply:

Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position.

Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).

  • If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
  • Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
  • Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.
  • All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant’s own experience, qualifications, and work. Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only.

    Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted. Review the Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job Seekers for additional information.


    Veterans:

    • Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. §7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans.


    Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

    • 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).


    If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.


    The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce.

    The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania.

    The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law.

    All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.

    Additional Information

    • Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as your exam for this position. No additional exam is required at a test center (also referred to as a written exam).
    • Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions.
    • Your score is valid for this specific posting only.
    • You must provide complete and accurate information or:
      • your score may be lower than deserved.
      • you may be disqualified.
    • You may only apply/test once for this posting.
    • Your results will be provided via email.

    Check your resume before applying to catch common mistakes

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    Posted on NEOGOV: 4/1/2026 | Added to FreshGovJobs: 4/1/2026

    Source: NEOGOV | ID: neogov-pabureau-5286688