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Posted: January 20, 2026 (0 days ago)

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Chemist 2

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

Department of Environmental Protection

Fresh

Location

Pennsylvania, 17120

Salary

$59,345 - $90,211

per year

Closes

February 3, 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 testing air, water, and soil samples in a lab to check for pollutants, using specialized equipment to ensure environmental safety.

You'll follow strict rules for handling samples, maintaining records, and improving testing methods, while helping your team with technical advice.

It's a great fit for someone with a chemistry background who loves precise lab work and wants to protect the environment.

Key Requirements

  • One year as a Chemist 1 or equivalent, or one year of professional chemical analytical experience with a bachelor’s degree including 30 credits in chemistry or biochemistry, or a graduate degree in chemistry
  • Proficiency in analytical techniques like GC/MS for volatile and semi-volatile analysis of air and water samples
  • Experience with sample organization, documentation, and chain of custody protocols
  • Ability to perform method optimization, development, and holding time studies (e.g., for glycols in soil)
  • Knowledge of EPA and TNI standards, quality control procedures, and data interpretation/reporting
  • Valid Pennsylvania driver’s license and possession of a REAL ID or passport

Full Job Description

Are you detail-oriented with a solid grasp of air and aqueous testing methodologies? The Department of Environmental Protection is seeking to fill the vital position of Chemist 2. In this role, you will play a key part in analyzing environmental samples for significant analytes using advanced techniques such as computerized Gas Chromatographs (GC) and various spectroscopic methods, adhering to established protocols like EPA and Standard Methods. Join our committed team and make a meaningful impact on environmental protection. If you have the qualifications and are eager to contribute, we invite you to apply today!

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Requirements

In this position, you will be responsible for organizing and documenting received samples while adhering to all necessary documentation and chain of custody protocols. The primary focus of your analytical work will involve the volatile and semi-volatile analysis of air and water using advanced techniques such as GC/MS with instruments like the HP5975 and ISQ7610. Furthermore, you will also engage in secondary analytical tasks involving method optimization with a holding time study for glycols and method development for the analysis of glycols in soil samples. Your role will involve planning, organizing, and executing various chemical tests and analyses with precision, often concurrently. You will serve as a resource for all personnel in the Organic Section regarding equipment operation, sample preparation, analytical techniques, quality control procedures, documentation, interpretation of results, and data reporting. Furthermore, you will participate in on-site evaluations as mandated by the EPA and TNI.

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 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch.
  • Telework: You will not have the option to telework in this position.
  • Salary: Selected candidates who are new to employment with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will begin employment at the starting annual salary of $59,345.00 (before taxes).
  • You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

Qualifications

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:
  • One year as a Chemist 1(Commonwealth job title or equivalent Federal Government job title, as determined by the Office of Administration); or
  • One year of professional chemical analytical experience, and a bachelor’s degree that includes 30 credits in chemistry or biochemistry; or
  • A graduate degree in chemistry.
  • Applicants will be considered to have met the educational requirements once they are within 3 months of graduating with a qualifying degree.

Condition of Employment:
  • This position requires possession of a valid Pennsylvania driver’s license.

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.
  • You must be able to perform essential job functions.


Commonwealth employees who wish to use their seniority rights must apply to the internal posting for their seniority rights to be considered.


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.

  • 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: 1/20/2026 | Added to FreshGovJobs: 1/20/2026

    Source: NEOGOV | ID: neogov-pabureau-5198385