Possibly Stale

Posted: April 15, 2026 (45 days ago)

This job has been posted for over a month. It may already be filled.

Chemist

Environmental Protection Agency

Other Agencies and Independent Organizations

Stale

Location

Salary

$65,271 - $84,857

per year

Closes

April 21, 2026More EPA jobs →

GS-9 Pay Grade

Base salary range: $51,332 - $66,732

Typical requirements: 1 year specialized experience at GS-8. Master's degree or 2 years graduate study.

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

Job Description

Summary

This entry-level chemist role at the EPA involves helping analyze environmental samples for contaminants, interpreting the data to understand its impact, and supporting quality control in a lab setting in Athens, Georgia.

It's a great fit for recent graduates with a science background who are passionate about protecting the environment and want to contribute to cleaner communities through hands-on lab work.

As you gain experience, the job offers opportunities to take on more independent responsibilities.

Key Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree in chemistry or a related field (basic entry education requirement)
  • One year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-07, such as analyzing environmental or scientific data and assisting in its interpretation
  • Or, a master's degree or equivalent graduate education directly related to the position
  • Or, an equivalent combination of education and experience
  • Strong competencies in chemistry, technical knowledge, teamwork, written and oral communication, attention to detail, quality assurance, scientific integrity, and consultation
  • Ability to physically report to the duty station in Athens, Georgia on a regular basis

Full Job Description

This position is in Region 4, Laboratory Services and Applied Science Division, Laboratory Services Branch, Organic Chemistry Section.

About Region 4 This is an office-centered position--you must physically report to the duty station stated in this announcement on a regular basis.

NOTE: You must meet qualification requirements, including any requirements described in the Education section, by the closing date of this announcement.

In addition to the basic entry education requirements, you must have specialized experience and/or directly related education as described below: To qualify for the GS-09 level, you must have one of the following: 1 year of full-time* specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-07 level defined as performing analysis on environmental/scientific data, and/or assisting in the interpretation/evaluation of environmental/scientific data.

2 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a master's degree; or master's or equivalent graduate degree; the education must be directly related and provide the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the position equivalent combination of education and experience NOTE: 1 year of full-time graduate education is the number of credit hours that the school attended has determined to represent 1 year of full-time study; if that number cannot be obtained from the school, 18 semester hours is considered an academic year of graduate study.

You will need the following competencies in order to perform the duties of this position successfully: Chemistry.* Technical Knowledge (Related to Position).* Teamwork.* Written Communication.

Attention to Detail.* Quality Assurance.* Scientific Integrity.* Consultation.* Oral Communication.* *You will be evaluated on these critical competencies. Major Duties:

At the entry level of this position, you will: Assist in the analysis of environmental samples for the determination of contaminants and chemical parameters.

Assist in the interpretation and evaluation of data to determine its significance. Assist in implementing and adhering to Laboratory Quality Control system requirements.

Provide information and advice on sample analysis to federal, state, and local and/or tribal governments.

When entering a Federal job at a grade level lower than the highest promotion potential level, you may be promoted to more complex duties and work more independently, as your career progresses.

NOTE: Career ladder promotions are not automatic, and all eligibility and qualifications requirements must be met in order to progress to the next grade level.

A good career for the good of our planet The environmental challenges we face today are urgent.

At the Environmental Protection Agency, we need professionals like you to join our team dedicated to safe, clean, and healthy communities.

Our agency is built upon a commitment to protect human health and the environment. The work we do here changes the world.

That's why there has never been a more crucial moment to be one of the scientists, engineers, community leaders, IT specialists, communicators, administrative professionals, technicians, problem solvers, and innovators united in our mission to protect our land, air, water, and people.

Join us. Be EPA. Discover how you can make an impact. Explore careers and learn more about EPA at epa.gov/careers.

Check your resume before applying to catch common mistakes

Browse Similar Jobs

Posted on USAJOBS: 4/15/2026 | Added to FreshGovJobs: 4/16/2026

Source: USAJOBS | ID: EPA-T4-DE-2026-0001