Graduate Chemist
Salary: $60,808.00 Annually
Location : Philadelphia, PA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 3H25-20260817-OC-00
Department: PWD Water
Opening Date: 08/17/2026
Closing Date: 9/6/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
FLSA: Exempt
Bargaining Unit: J
Competition: Open Competitive
Residency Waiver: 1 year waiver
Certification Rule: Rule of 8
1. Parts: Computer-Based Multiple Choice Exam
1. Weight: 100%
Salary Range: EP11-(5-5)
Additional Salary Information: Starting Salary: New employees may be appointed at a step in the pay range above the minimum salary depending on qualifications.
WHO WE ARE
As an employer, the City of Philadelphia values inclusion, integrity, innovation, empowerment, and hard work above all else. We offer a vibrant work environment, comprehensive health care and benefits, and the experience you need to grow and excel. If you're interested in working with a passionate team of people who care about the future of Philadelphia, start here.
What We Offer:
Impact - The work you do here matters to millions.
Growth - Philadelphia is growing, why not grow with it?
Diversity & Inclusion - Find a career in a place where everyone belongs.
Benefits - We care about your well-being.
The City of Philadelphia is a Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program qualified employer.
Learn more here:
Equal Access to Civil Service Testing
The City of Philadelphia is an Equal Opportunity employer and does not permit discrimination based on race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, source of income, familial status, genetic information or domestic or sexual violence victim status. If you believe you were discriminated against, call the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations at [click to reveal phone number] or send an email to [click to reveal email address]. For more information, go to: [click to reveal website link]
The City of Philadelphia is committed to ensuring access to Civil Service examinations by providing appropriate accommodation for candidates with documented medical or religious reasons. Candidates may request accommodation for a Civil Service examination by contacting the Office of Human Resources (OHR) at [click to reveal phone number] or by email at [click to reveal email address]. The accommodation process is interactive and requires cooperation and communication between the applicant and OHR. Decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis using the required documentation that is submitted. Requests are to be made in a timely manner prior to the scheduled date of the Civil Service examination.
Only an on-line application will be accepted for this exam. Paper applications will not be accepted.
Computers are available in the 3-1-1 Walk-In Center located in Room 167 of City Hall (Weekdays from 9 AM to 5 PM) and at your local Philadelphia Free Library branch.
For inquiries regarding City employment, contact the Office of Human Resources Monday through Friday between 8 AM and 4 PM by telephone at [click to reveal phone number] or by email at [click to reveal email address]
Information concerning employment with the City of Philadelphia may be found at:
General Definition
This is beginning level analytical chemistry work. Employees in this class perform assignments of limited scope and complexity which are intended to develop knowledge and skills required for analytical chemistry.
Employees in this class will work with hazardous substances. Work is performed under the close supervision of a higher-level chemist or engineer.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
The analyst responsible for reviewing applications and additional documentation for this job opportunity is
Jenna R. Smith
City of Philadelphia - Office of Human Resources
1401 JFK Blvd., Room 1530
Philadelphia, PA 19102-1675
Phone:[click to reveal phone number]
Fax: [click to reveal phone number]
Email:
For all other inquiries please contact Customer Service at [click to reveal phone number] or email [click to reveal email address]
Notes to Applicants and Projected Exam Information
ELIGIBLE LIST: OPEN-COMPETITIVE: Only an Open-Competitive eligible list will be established as a result of this examination. Permanent City employees will receive no promotional preference in this examination.
Candidates who pass the exam and are placed on the civil service list will be retained on the list for a minimum of one year and a maximum of two years after the establishment of the Eligible List.
RESIDENCY WAIVER
The Civil Service Commission has waived the usual requirement that candidates must be residents of Philadelphia for one year prior to appointment. Establishment of residency in Philadelphia will be required no later than one (1) year after appointment.
PREFERENCE FOR PHILADELPHIA RESIDENTS
Candidates who have maintained a bona fide residence in Philadelphia for at least one year prior to the date of the civil service examination shall have priority over all other people receiving an identical test score.
To receive such preference, candidates must respond to the question regarding residence on this application. This response will be used to determine eligibility for preference for residents. Documentation of residence may be required if there is any question as to whether you meet the residency preference requirements.
If an applicant does not respond to the appropriate residence question, it will be assumed that the applicant does not qualify for residence preference. Eligibility for residence preference must be determined by the date of the test administration. No requests for residence preference will be granted after the test administration.
INDEBTEDNESS NOTICE
As a condition of employment with the City, any person offered employment shall be required to certify that such person either is fully current on any and all debts, taxes, fees, judgments, claims, and other accounts and obligations due and owing to the City; or has voluntarily entered into a payment agreement with the City. For so long as the person is employed by the City, the amount of the payment as set forth in the payment agreement (not to exceed, for any pay period, twenty percent (20%) of the person's gross pay for such period, without the person's consent) shall be withheld from each paycheck until such payment agreement is fully satisfied.
Such person shall also be required to certify as a condition of employment that he or she is fully current on any and all debts, taxes, fees, judgments, claims, and other accounts and obligations due and owing to the Philadelphia Gas Works (PGW) or has voluntarily entered into a payment agreement with PGW.
Failure to enter into a payment agreement shall result in the cancellation of the appointment and removal from the certification. The name of the eligible candidate will be returned to the eligible list.
PREFERENCE POINTS FOR CANDIDATES FOR OPEN-COMPETITIVE EXAMS
Candidates who pass Open-Competitive exams may be eligible for additional points added to their final score. Preference Points may be claimed from the time of application until 30 days after the eligible list is established. The required documentation for the preference must be provided to receive the points.
U.S. VETERAN'S PREFERENCE
Ten points will be added to the scores of eligible veterans. You must be honorably discharged from the U.S. armed forces. Attach a DD214, member 4, or NGB-22 to your application if you wish your eligibility to be reviewed. Spouses of disabled or deceased veterans may also be considered. Veteran's Points may be claimed at any time before the list expires.
LEGACY PREFERENCE
Ten points will be added to the scores of the children or grandchildren of Philadelphia Firefighters or Police Officers who were killed or died in the line of duty.
NATIONAL VOLUNTEER SERVICE PREFERENCE
Up to 5 points will be added to the score of any candidate who has:
A. Successfully completed a term of volunteer service with Peace Corps, AmeriCorps NCCC (including FEMA Corps), or AmeriCorps VISTA are eligible for additional points.
For Peace Corps, such candidates will be awarded five (5) points for the completion of a two-year term of service or three (3) points for the completion of a one-year term of service.
B. Successfully completed at least 450 hours of service with AmeriCorps State and National (including Teach for America).Such candidates will have:
• 1 point added to their final score if they have completed 450 Hours of the above service.
• 2 points added to their final score if they have completed 675 Hours of the above service.
• 3 points added to their final score if they have completed 900 Hours of the above service.
• 5 points added to their final score if they have completed 1700 Hours of the above service.
PHILADELPHIA SCHOOL DISTRICT CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION PREFERENCE
Up to 5 points will be added to the score of candidates who have completed and graduated from a career technical education (CTE) program of the School District of Philadelphia within the last three years before the examination announcement date. If the 5 additional points from the CTE preference would rank a CTE graduate above a veteran, additional points shall be applied to the CTE candidate's passing score to rank them directly below the veteran.
PROJECTED EXAM DATE:
This examination will be scheduled for September 29, 2026Please note that this examination date is subject to change.
Candidates will need access to a desktop computer or laptop with internet access to take the examination. If you do not have internet access, please contact the analyst listed on this announcement and alternative arrangements will be made for you to take this examination.
An Eligible List will be established the week of October 12, 2026. Please note that this date may change.
TEST REVIEW
In accordance with Civil Service Regulation 9.091B, candidates will have 30 days after the results have been mailed to review their test and to file appeals to the key answers. Call [click to reveal phone number] if you wish to schedule a Test Review.
Level of Education Required
College
Minimum Acceptable Training and Experience
Candidates who meet all eligibility requirements within 9 months (6/6/2027) of the application deadline will be admitted to this examination. Successful candidates will be placed on the eligible list but may not be hired or promoted until all requirements have been satisfied.
1. EDUCATION:
Completion of a bachelor's degree program, at an accredited college or university, in environmental chemistry, analytical chemistry, biochemistry, chemistry, forensic chemistry, forensic toxicology, physical chemistry, inorganic or organic chemistry, physics or materials science.
OR
Completion of a bachelor's degree program at an accredited college or university with a minimum equivalent of 34 semester hours in toxicology, chemistry, or biochemistry.
NOTE: Selective Factor Certification may be utilized, as needed, to fill specific positions.
In accordance with Civil Service Regulation 11.032 - Selective Factor Certification - the appointing authority may request certification of eligible candidates with the specified education or training to fill specific positions in this class. Certification to fill such position will be made from the highest ranking eligible candidates on the eligible list who possess the specified qualification.
PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS
Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required of a position in this class.
LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND/OR CERTIFICATES
Possession of a valid proper class motor vehicle operator's license as issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania prior to appointment and during tenure of employment as a Graduate Chemist if required by work assignment.
TRANSCRIPT, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
Candidates MUST submit a copy of their official college or university transcript(s) indicating completion of the educational requirement and all required licenses, registrations or certifications at the time of application. Transcripts MUST indicate conference of the appropriate degree. Candidates with a degree from foreign colleges or universities must submit proof of degree as certified by a professional evaluation service.
Candidates MUST submit a copy of their license, registration or certification.
If you have ever submitted a paper transcript, license, registration or certification for any City of Philadelphia civil service examination, you have to submit another document
Option 1 - Upload a paperless transcript, license, registration or certification - One time only! You may upload documents into your account and attach a document with this application. Once the document is uploaded to your account, it may be attached to all future applications. Attaching your document will save you time and money if you apply for an examination in the future, and you will be assured that your transcript cannot be misplaced.Your documents should be uploaded and attached to your application before it is submitted. They cannot be uploaded or added to your application electronically after your application has been submitted.
Option 2 -Submit a paper transcript, license, registration or certification - Separate document required for each application.If you submit a paper copy of a transcript, license, registration or certification, the document will be used for this application only. You will have to submit documents again whenever you apply for an examination in the future. Paper documents will not be retained and will not be returned to applicants.
Mailing address for paper transcript and other required materials:
Jenna R. Smith
City of Philadelphia - Office of Human Resources
1401 JFK Blvd., Room 1530
Philadelphia, PA 19102-1675
City of Philadelphia Benefits includes:
- Medical
- Dental
- Prescription
- Vision
- Life Insurance
- Flexible Spending Account
- Hybrid Defined Benefit/Defined Contribution Plan
- Voluntary Deferred Compensation Plan
- Employee Assistant Program
- 13 paid holidays
- Paid sick leave
- Vacation leave
- Paid personal days
- 8 weeks paid Parental Leave
- Backup Child and Adult care
- Wellbeing platform and programs
- Retiree Health Benefits
- Qualified Student Loan Forgiveness Employer
- Tuition Discounts for City Employees