Chemist Jobs

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) is looking to fill a Chemist position in the Pesticide Laboratory. The “Ag Labs” function is to protect the citizens of Iowa from potential food safety issues and from fraudulent sale and/or use of meat, milk, feed, fertilizer, or pesticide. IDALS has several laboratories that each focus on specific products and work closely with an associated bureau within the department. This position works in our labs in Ankeny just a few minutes north of the Des Moines metro. You can find more information about our laboratories at this link: https://www.iowaagriculture.gov/laboratory.asp and https://iowaagriculture.gov/video

Purpose

The primary purpose of this Chemist position is laboratory testing.

Job Duties

• Maintain a safe, well stocked laboratory that is neat and organized.
• Analyze official pesticide formulation samples and "use dilution" samples as presented by pesticide inspectors. Analyses will be conducted by using standard methods when possible. Analytical work will be completed by using GC, HPLC or other appropriate methods. Maintain proficiency by participating in appropriate check sample programs.
• Perform other duties as assigned such as equipment maintenance, training, cleaning and other activities.
• Participate in and help maintain 17025:2017 laboratory accreditation by keeping sample testing records, editing/writing SOPs, using a LIMS, and other detailed record keeping.
• Analyze official hemp samples as presented by pesticide inspectors. Analyses will be conducted by using standard methods when possible. Analytical work will be completed by using GC, HPLC or other appropriate methods. Maintain proficiency by participating in appropriate check sample programs.

Benefits

As an employee of IDALS you are a State of Iowa employee and eligible for a comprehensive benefits package that includes

• Low out of pocket, high quality family medical insurance as low as $187.00 per month, single as low as $56.00 per month
• Paid leave includes – 9 holidays, sick, vacation, military leave, and jury duty leave
• Dental insurance is free for single and $45.00 per month for family coverage
• $20,000 basic life insurance at no cost, voluntary supplemental life for an additional cost, and long term disability insurance at no cost
• In addition to IPERS a deferred compensation plan (similar to a 401K) with a state match of up to $75.00 per month
• Exceptional retirement package includes IPERS (Iowa Public Employee Retirement System) which is a fixed income or defined benefit pension plan

To learn more about benefits available as a State of Iowa Employee click here benefits to visit the web page.

Applicants may submit a cover letter and resume describing their relevant experience.

Application materials can be uploaded in the Attachments Section during the application process.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in chemistry, biochemistry or a closely related chemical science;

OR

a combination of education and experience substituting one year of employment in the capacity of a laboratory technician at an advanced level in a chemistry laboratory for one year of the required education with a maximum substitution of four years;

OR

employees with current continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes experience equal to four years of full-time work as a Laboratory Assistant 3.

For additional information, please click on this link to view the job description.