Chemist 1 (Permanent) - Dauphin County
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Posted: January 15, 2026 (0 days ago)
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Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Department of Environmental Protection
Location
Pennsylvania, 17120
Salary
$51,971 - $79,062
per year
Type
Full Time
More Science & Research jobs →Closes
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).
This job is for an entry-level chemist in Pennsylvania's environmental protection department, where you'll analyze water, soil, and other samples in a lab to detect pollutants using specialized tools.
It involves following safety rules, maintaining equipment, and helping improve testing methods to support environmental assessments.
It's a great fit for recent science graduates who enjoy hands-on lab work and care about protecting the environment.

In this position, you will be tasked with conducting laboratory analyses and examinations of chemical substances and materials, playing a vital role in supporting essential Bureau operations that are influenced by varying workloads and program requirements.
Your primary responsibilities will include receiving samples, extracting pollutants of interest from diverse matrices, and analyzing these samples through chromatography techniques.
Additionally, you will assist in the implementation, modification, and enhancement of existing methodologies, ensuring that analytical instrumentation is properly maintained.
A strong emphasis will be placed on laboratory safety and adherence to Quality Assurance/Quality Control protocols.
The primary focus of your analytical work will involve the volatile analysis of water, soil, and COWS using advanced techniques such as GC/MS with instruments like the HP5975 and HP5977.
Furthermore, you will also engage in secondary analytical tasks, specifically targeting volatiles in drinking water through Method 524.3, utilizing the GC/MS HP5977 and Thermo ISQ7610 systems.
Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.
Work Schedule and Additional Information:
Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time.
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.
QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:
Condition of Employment:
Other Requirements:
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).
Veterans:
Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):
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.
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