Chemist 1

Salary: $51,971.00 - $79,062.00 Annually
Location : Dauphin County, PA
Job Type: Civil Service Permanent Full-Time
Job Number: CS-2026-48468-15120
Department: Department of Environmental Protection
Division: EP BL Inorganic Srvs Div
Opening Date: 05/01/2026
Closing Date: 5/14/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Job Code: 15120
Position Number: 00071609
Union: AFSCME
Bargaining Unit: B4
Pay Group: ST06
Bureau / Division Code: 00351510
Bureau / Division: EP BL Inorganic Srv Div
Worksite Address: 2575 Interstate Drive
City: Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Zip Code: 17110
Contact Name: Susan Kreiser-Array
Contact Email: [click to reveal email address]skreiserar@pa.gov

THE POSITION
The Chemist 1 role with the Department of Environmental Protection gives you the chance to support environmental health every day. This position lets you apply science to protect communities across the state. You will work with a dedicated team that values accuracy and responsibility. Join us and help make a real difference for Pennsylvania.
DESCRIPTION OF WORK
This position focuses on processing environmental samples and performing scientific analyses that support critical laboratory operations. The work ensures that results are accurate, reliable, and useful for decision making. As a Chemist 1, you will perform the following duties:

• Sample Handling: Organize and log samples while ensuring proper labeling and documentation
• Analytical Testing: Perform laboratory analyses for mercury, metals, and soil properties using approved scientific methods
• Instrument Operation: Operate, calibrate, and maintain laboratory instruments according to established procedures
• Quality Control: Follow quality assurance practices, review data for validity, and document results for traceability
• Record Keeping: Maintain detailed notebooks and electronic entries to support data management and reporting
• Training Support: Assist in training staff and interns in laboratory techniques and procedures

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 $51,971.00 (before taxes).
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY

QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• A bachelor's degree in chemistry; or
• A bachelor's degree that includes 30 credits in chemistry or biochemistry.
• Applicants will be considered to have met the educational requirements once they are within 3 months of graduating with a qualifying degree/credits.

Condition of Employment:

• This position requires possession of a valid Class C driver's license that is not under suspension.

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

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.
• All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant's own experience, qualifications, and work. Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only. Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted. Review the Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job Seekers for additional information.

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 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.

EXAMINATION 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.

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Health & Wellness

We offer multiple health plans so our employees can choose what works best for themselves and their families. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health coverage, vision, dental, and wellness programs.*

Compensation & Financial Planning
We invest in our employees by providing competitive wages and encouraging financial wellness by offering multiple ways to save money and ensure peace of mind including multiple retirement and investment plan options.

Work/Life Balance
We know there's more to life than just work! Our generous paid leave benefits include paid vacation, paid sick leave, eight weeks of paid parental leave, military leave, and paid time off for most major U.S. holidays, as well as flexible work schedules and work-from-home opportunities.*

Values and Culture
We believe in the work we do and provide continual opportunities for our employees to grow and contribute to the greater good. As one of the largest employers in the state, we provide opportunities for internal mobility, professional development, and the opportunity to give back by participating in workplace charitable giving.

Employee Perks
Sometimes, it is the little "extras" that make a big difference. Our employees receive special employee-only discounts and rates on a variety of services and memberships.

For more information on all of these Total Rewards benefits, please visit and click on the benefits box.

*Eligibility rules apply.
01

Condition of Employment - Do you possess a current driver's license which is not under suspension?

• Yes
• No

02

If you answered yes, please provide your driver's license number and expiration date. If you answered no, type N/A in the text box below.
03

Do you possess or are you within 3 months of conferring a bachelor's degree in chemistry?
If you are claiming credits/degree, you must upload a copy of your college transcript(s) for this education to be considered in the eligibility decision. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. You must attach your transcript(s) prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add transcript(s) to the application after it has been submitted.If you answer "Yes" to this question based on education acquired outside of the United States, you must upload a copy of your foreign credential evaluation report. We can only accept foreign credential evaluations from organizations that are members of the National Association of Credential Services (NACES). A list of current NACES members can be found by visiting and clicking the Evaluation Services link.

• Yes
• No

04

If you answered "Yes" to the above question, what date do you expect to receive your degree? If you answered "No" to the above question, please type "N/A" in the text box below.
05

Do you possess or are you within 3 months of conferring a bachelor's degree that includes 30 credits in chemistry or biochemistry?
If you are claiming credits/degree, you must upload a copy of your college transcript(s) for this education to be considered in the eligibility decision. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. You must attach your transcript(s) prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add transcript(s) to the application after it has been submitted.If you answer "Yes" to this question based on education acquired outside of the United States, you must upload a copy of your foreign credential evaluation report. We can only accept foreign credential evaluations from organizations that are members of the National Association of Credential Services (NACES). A list of current NACES members can be found by visiting and clicking the Evaluation Services link.

• Yes
• No

06

If you answered "Yes" to the above question, what date do you expect to receive your degree? If you answered "No" to the above question, please type "N/A" in the text box below.
07

You must complete the supplemental questions below. These supplemental questions are the exam and will be scored. They are designed to give you the opportunity to relate your experience and training background to the major activities (Work Behaviors) performed in this position. Failure to provide complete and accurate information may delay the processing of your application or result in a lower-than-deserved score or disqualification. You must complete the application and answer the supplemental questions. Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position or to determine your score.
All information you provide on your application and supplemental questions is subject to verification. Any misrepresentation, falsification or omission of material facts is subject to penalty. If requested, you must provide documentation, including names, addresses, and telephone numbers of individuals who can verify the validity of the information you provide in the application and supplemental questions.

Read each question carefully. Determine and select which "Level of Performance" most closely represents your highest level of experience/training. List the employer(s)/training source(s) from your Work or Education sections of the application where you gained this experience/training. The "Level of Performance" you choose must be clearly supported within the description of the experience and training information entered in your application or your score may be lowered. In order to receive credit for experience, you must have worked in a job for at least six months in which the experience claimed was a major function.

If you have read and understand these instructions, please click on the "Yes" button and proceed to the exam questions.

If you have general questions regarding the application and hiring process, please refer to our

• Yes

08

WORK BEHAVIOR 1 - PREPARE SAMPLES
Prepares standards, reagents, spikes and samples for examination of analytes from environmental samples (water soil, vegetation, air, tissue) using specialized equipment and techniques. Ensures proper preservatives are present. Organizes samples into batches for efficient processing within designated time frames.
Levels of Performance
Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.

• A. I have successfully completed two Environmental Chemistry classes with associated lab work OR I have completed an undergraduate research project related to preparation and analysis of environmental samples.
• B. I have successfully completed one Environmental Chemistry class with associated lab work.
• C. I have successfully completed a Chemistry class related to preparing samples, but NOT for analytes from environmental samples.
• D. I have NO experience or training related to this work behavior.

09

If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.

1. College/University
2. Course Title(s)
3. Credits/Clock Hours

10

In the text box below, please provide details concerning your undergraduate research project related to preparation and analysis or environmental samples. If you claimed you have no experience related to research, type N/A in the text box below.
11

WORK BEHAVIOR 2 - ANALYZES SAMPLES
Performs analysis of samples to determine the presence and concentration of specific analytes using appropriate and approved methods and equipment while following standard operating procedures and published methods. Calibrates and prepares instruments before sample evaluation to ensure optimal analytical conditions. Evaluates positive and negative controls, duplicates and spike recoveries to ensure results are accurate and determines if any contamination is present. Labels and disposes of hazardous waste following standard operating procedures.
Levels of Performance
Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.

• A. I have experience in which I was responsible for instrument calibration, quantitation of analytes using standard or published methods AND evaluation of quality controls and recoveries OR I have successfully completed an Instrumental Chemistry/Analysis class with associated lab work.
• B. I have successfully completed an Analytical Chemistry class with associated lab work AND I have completed an undergraduate research project using analytical instrumentation.
• C. I have successfully completed an Analytical Chemistry class with associated lab work.
• D. I have NO experience or training related to this work behavior.

12

In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.

1. The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
2. Details regarding your experience related to instrument calibration, quantitation of analytes using standard or published methods.
3. Details regarding your experience evaluating quality controls and recoveries.

13

If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.

1. College/University
2. Course Title(s)
3. Credits/Clock Hours

14

In the text box below, please provide details concerning your undergraduate research project using analytical instrumentation. Please provide a list of analytical instrumentation (Ex. gas or liquid chromatography, mass spectrometry, atomic absorption, UV/Vis spectroscopy) and how it was used during your undergraduate research project. If you claimed you have no experience related to research, type N/A in the text box below.
15

WORK BEHAVIOR 3 - DATA MANAGEMENT
Documents the results of all analytical quality control measures. Inputs sample results into a Laboratory Information Management System and approves data to generate reports of sample results in a timely manner. Interprets the raw analytical data to determine result accuracy.
Levels of Performance
Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.

• A. I have successfully completed an Analytical Chemistry course with related lab work involving assessment of quality control measures AND a course in Statistics.
• B. I have successfully completed an Analytical Chemistry course with related lab work involving assessment of quality control measures.
• C. I have successfully completed college-level coursework that analyzed data accuracy charts using Excel or other database software.
• D. I have NO experience or training related to this work behavior.

16

If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.

1. College/University
2. Course Title(s)
3. Credits/Clock Hours

17

WORK BEHAVIOR 4 - QUALITY ASSURANCE AND QUALITY CONTROL
Reads, understands and implements quality assurance procedures using standard operating procedures. Maintains records of sample chain of custody and accurate/thorough documentation of the work performed to ensure the legal defensibility of analytical results. Initiates corrective action plans as required. Performs required periodic quality assurance activities including Minimum Detection Limits, Demonstration of Capability, and interference checks to ensure conformance with required practices.

Levels of Performance
Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.

• A. I have professional experience in reading, understanding and implementing quality assurance procedures AND in maintaining records of sample chain of custody and documentation of analytical work processes.
• B. I have successfully completed a Forensic Chemistry course (involving quality assurance procedures) with associated lab work.
• C. I have NO experience or training related to this work behavior.

18

In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.

1. The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
2. Details regarding your experience related to reading, understanding and implementing quality assurance procedures.
3. Details regarding your experience related to maintaining records of sample chain of custody and documentation of analytical work processes.

19

If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.

1. College/University
2. Course Title(s)
3. Credits/Clock Hours

20

WORK BEHAVIOR 5 - WRITTEN COMMUNICATION
Updates written technical procedure documents to reflect current processes. Composes responses to sample collectors regarding analytical results or procedures and writes corrective action reports based on any unacceptable quality or sample data.

Levels of Performance

Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.

• A. I have experience updating written technical procedure documents to reflect current processes AND writing corrective action reports based on unacceptable quality or sample data. I was responsible for writing the COMPLETE document.
• B. I have successfully completed college-level coursework or training related to technical writing, report writing, English composition, or nonfiction writing.
• C. I have NO experience or training related to this work behavior.

21

In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.

1. The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
2. The type(s) of written technical procedure documents you were responsible for.
3. The type(s) of corrective action reports based on unacceptable quality or sample data you were responsible for.

22

If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework or training, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.

1. College/University/Training Source
2. Course Title(s)
3. Credits/Clock Hours

Required Question