Environmental Chemical Laboratory Scientist

Compensation

Hiring Rates:
Level I: $60,944.00
Level II: $64,001.60

Job Description

This position is located in the State Environmental Laboratory Services Division - Accreditation & Quality Assurance Section in Oklahoma City.

All applicants must be able to pass a background check and must be able to legally 
work within the United States. DEQ does not allow sponsorships for those on a H-1B visa.

Application Requirements
All applicants must upload a resume, cover letter, three professional references and official college transcript to be considered for this position.

Basic Purpose

This position develops, implements, and maintains the Quality Management System for the Oklahoma Principal State Laboratory. This is a critical role that serves to maintain and support the quality and defensibility of the laboratory’s operations and data.

Typical Functions

Develop and perform internal audit functions, including data review, method audits, system audits, and planning and scheduling of audits.

Perform and track data review and other additional tasks as assigned.

Support and participate in external laboratory assessments.

Ensure suitability and implementation of the laboratory quality assurance (QA) manual.

Create, control, maintain, revise, review, and archive documents.

Ensure suitability and implementation of controlled documents.

Manage and maintain records.

Manage and maintain laboratory support equipment, including verification, calibration, and purchasing.

Manage and facilitate the laboratory’s proficiency testing.

Develop and maintain knowledge of the technical, analytical, and operational procedures of the laboratory.

Manage laboratory root cause analysis and corrective actions.

Collaborate and communicate with external and internal bodies regarding QA, laboratory operations, and requirements.

Develop and conduct QA training.

Develop and track QA metrics and improvements.

Research, interpret, and communicate regulatory requirements, specifically from the Environmental Protection Agency, Oklahoma State Statutes and Codes, The NELAC Institute, and the International Organization for Standardization.

Travel Requirements

Infrequent; two to four times a year.

Education and Experience

Level I - bachelor's degree in chemistry, biological or environmental science.

Level II - those identified in Level I plus one year of professional level experience in a laboratory; OR a master’s degree in chemistry or biological or environmental science.

To be considered for this position applicants must be within 60 days of obtaining their degree.

Additional Considerations/Preference (These cannot eliminate a candidate)

Applicants with training in quality assurance principles, at least one year of experience in quality assurance, a working knowledge of statistics involved in quality control of laboratory analysis, and a basic understanding of the methods, techniques, and technologies used in the laboratory are preferred.   

Physical Requirements

Applicant must be able to:

Operate a computer for several hours per day.

Have sufficient visual acuity to perform routine laboratory tasks, such as reading narrow thermometer graduations, distinguishing between colors and solvent layers, and reading printed standards and regulations.

Wear and perform in various types of personal protective equipment including lab coats, protective eye wear, face shields, and gloves.

Special Requirements

Applicant must have excellent communication skills, including face-to-face interactions, verbal communication, professional written correspondence, and customer service skills. They must also be adept at time management, critical problem-solving, research, and both independent and collaborative work and decision-making. Candidate must be proficient with Microsoft Suite products, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and Teams.

Other Information not included above

Applicant is expected and required to complete ethics and data integrity training annually and upon starting work. This includes a sworn statement to conduct work behavior in accordance with outlined policies and procedures.  

Benefits

Generous leave including 15 days of vacation, 15 days of sick leave and 11 paid holidays annually.

A comprehensive Benefit Package with a generous benefit allowance to offset the cost of insurance premiums for employees and their eligible dependents.

Not all applicants will receive an interview.  If you are selected to be interviewed, you will be notified by email.