Scientist I Jobs

DHHS is seeking a Scientist to work in our Public Health Lab in Lincoln.

We offer an excellent total compensation package including: 13 paid holidays; vacation and sick leave; State-matched retirement plan; health, dental, vision, and life insurance options!

You have the passion, we have the opportunities – let’s make a difference for Nebraskans.

Under administrative direction, this position will prepare and analyze drinking water, surface water, and wastewater samples for nutrients using flow injection analysis, and miscellaneous wet chemistry inorganic parameters. Alternate weekend work performing minimal microbiological testing is required for this position. Perform other cleaning, customer service, analytical and quality control duties on an as assigned basis. Responsible for presenting and conducting themselves in a professional manner at all times when representing the laboratory. Work with both internal and external State and Nebraska Department of Health & Human Services (DHHS) partners.

REQUIREMENTS: At least one year of post high school coursework/training in chemistry, biology, or related field and one year of experience in a scientific laboratory.

PREFERRED: Bachelor's degree with major in biology, chemistry, environmental science or laboratory science. Prefer one year of practical environmental laboratory experience. Familiarity with drinking water methodology is helpful.

Knowledge of: the principles of chemistry and biology related to the work assigned; flow injection analysis technique; chemical, microbiological, methods; computer applications such as Word, Excel, and Access; lab safety practices; quality management principles; advanced knowledge of lab instrumentation, operation, and calibration;

Skill in: applying analytical principles and performing analyses; operating computers and laboratory instruments; interpreting and troubleshooting laboratory results; maintaining lab instruments and work environment in a safe and operable condition; summarizing findings and conclusions of analyses into technical lab reports; reviewing the work of other chemists; technical repair of specialized equipment; safe handling of chemicals and hazardous waste.

Ability to: communicate effectively; interact with lab staff and the public; understand and follow supervisory instructions, equipment operation manuals, and safety policies; instruct other lab staff in the policies, procedures, and standards of a lab function; interpret data correctly and record results; work with limited supervision; compose correspondence using correct grammar, punctuation and spelling; relay knowledge gained to co-workers to recognize and solve problems; present and conduct themselves in a professional manner at all times when representing the laboratory; lift up 50lb containers.