Chemist 3 (Permanent) - Dauphin County

Salary: $66,250.00 - $100,636.00 Annually
Location : Dauphin County, PA
Job Type: Civil Service Permanent Full-Time
Job Number: CS-2025-18724-15140
Department: Department of Agriculture
Division: AG Labs Div
Opening Date: 02/12/2025
Closing Date: 2/26/2025 11:59 PM Eastern
Job Code: 15140
Position Number: 50370695
Union: Non Union
Bargaining Unit: B5
Pay Group: ST08
Bureau / Division Code: 00046331
Bureau / Division: Labs Division
Worksite Address: 2301 North Cameron Street
City: Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Zip Code: 17110
Contact Name: OA, CE Section Intake Division
Contact Email: RA-OACEINTAKESEC@pa.gov

THE POSITION

Are you seeking a thrilling career in chemistry focused on environmental protection? The Department of Agriculture is on the hunt for a professional to conduct laboratory work involving the preparation of feed, fertilizer, lime, and hemp samples for analysis. If you are a science enthusiast passionate about the environment, this is an opportunity you will not want to miss!
DESCRIPTION OF WORK

In this position, you will manage and engage in the chemical and physical analysis of food, dairy, feed, fertilizer, limestone, and pesticides within the Chemistry Section to ensure compliance with regulatory standards established by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. You will assess and approve the analytical results produced by chemists, which will be used to formulate legally valid reports for the tests and analyses performed by the department.
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 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch.
• Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
• 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:

• One year as a Chemist 2; or
• Two years of professional chemical analytical experience, and a bachelor's degree that includes 30 credits in chemistry or biochemistry; or
• One year of professional chemical analytical experience, and a graduate degree in chemistry.

Other Requirements:

• You must meet the PA residency requirement. For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link and click on Residency.
• 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.

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 www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx and click the Veterans' Preference tab or contact us at ra-cs-vetpreference@pa.gov.

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

Have you been employed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as a Chemist 2 for one full year or more?

• Yes
• No

02

If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experience must also be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below.
03

How many years of full-time professional chemical analytical experience do you possess?

• 2 or more years
• 1 but less than 2 years
• Less than 1 year
• None

04

If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experience must also be included in the appropriate section of your application if you would like this experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below.
05

Do possess a conferred graduate 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. For more information on foreign education credentials, please visit and click on Other Information.

• Yes
• No

06

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

07

WORK BEHAVIOR 1 - PREPARES SAMPLES AND PERFORMS CHEMICAL LABORATORY ANALYSISPrepares and analyzes environmental samples in a variety of matrices including drinking water, non-potable water, soil, pure products, etc. using instrumental technology with varying software.Levels of PerformanceSelect the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.

• A. I have experience PREPARING AND ANALYZING ENVIRONMENTAL samples in a variety of matrices including drinking water, non-potable water, soil, pure products, etc., using instrumental technology with varying software.
• B. I have experience PREPARING AND ANALYZING NON-ENVIRONMENTAL samples in a variety of matrices using instrumental technology and varying software.
• C. I have experience PREPARING environmental samples in a variety of matrices including drinking water, non-potable water, soil, pure products, etc., using instrumental technology and varying software. I DO NOT have experience analyzing environmental samples.
• D. I have successfully completed college-level coursework or training related to Environmental Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, or Instrumental Chemistry.
• E. I have NO experience or training related to this work behavior.

08

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.

The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.

The type(s) of environmental samples that you have experience analyzing.

The type(s) on non-environmental samples that you have experience preparing and analyzing.

09

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.

College/University/Training Source

Course Title(s)

Credits/Clock Hours

10

WORK BEHAVIOR 2 - DATA INTERPRETATION AND REPORTING RESULTSOperates and maintains analytical instruments in order to obtain analytical data; reviews and interprets analytical data based on quality control criteria and accreditation standards; and produces final reports based upon results.Levels of PerformanceSelect the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.

• A. I have experience operating and maintaining analytical instruments in order to analyze ENVIRONMENTAL samples and obtain analytical data; reviewing and interpreting analytical data based on quality control criteria and accreditation standards; and producing final reports based upon results.
• B. I have experience operating and maintaining analytical instruments in order to analyze NON-ENVIRONMENTAL samples to obtain analytical data; reviewing and interpreting analytical data based on quality control criteria and accreditation standards; and producing final reports based upon results.
• C. I have successfully completed college-level coursework or training related to Statistics, Data Analysis, or Analytical Chemistry.
• D. I have NO experience or training related to this work behavior.

11

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.

The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.

The type(s) of samples you analyzed to obtain analytical data.

The type(s) of environmental analytical instruments you used.

12

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.

College/University/Training Source

Course Title(s)

Credits/Clock Hours

13

WORK BEHAVIOR 3 - PREPARES WRITTEN MATERIAL OR REPORTSPrepares written materials or reports which may include assessment of laboratory analyses and results, standard operating procedures, training materials, or other documents relevant to the field of chemistry.Levels of PerformanceSelect the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.

• A. I have experience preparing written materials or reports which may include assessment of laboratory analyses and results, standard operating procedures, training materials, or other documents relevant to the field of chemistry. I was responsible for the COMPLETE document.
• B. I have experience preparing PORTIONS OR SECTIONS of written materials or reports which may include assessment of laboratory analyses and results, standard operating procedures, training materials, or other documents relevant to the field of chemistry. I was NOT responsible for the complete written document.
• C. I have successfully completed college-level coursework or training related to Technical Writing, Report Writing, or Non-fiction Writing.
• D. I have NO experience or training related to this work behavior.

14

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.

The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.

The type(s) of written communications for which you were responsible.

15

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.

College/University/Training Source

Course Title(s)

Credits/Clock Hours

16

WORK BEHAVIOR 4 - READS, INTERPRETS, EXPLAINS, AND DEVELOPS SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL MATERIALSReads, interprets, explains, and develops professional scientific and technical materials relevant to the field of chemistry or environmental laboratory assessments.Levels of PerformanceSelect the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.

• A. I have experience reading, interpreting, explaining, and developing professional scientific and technical materials relevant to the field of chemistry or environmental laboratory assessments.
• B. I have experience reading and interpreting professional scientific and technical materials relevant to the field of chemistry or environmental laboratory assessments. I DO NOT have experience explaining and developing professional scientific and technical materials relevant to the field of chemistry or environmental laboratory assessments.
• C. I have successfully completed college-level coursework or training related to English Composition or Communications.
• D. I have NO experience or training related to this work behavior.

17

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.

The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.

Specifics on your experience explaining professional scientific and technical materials relevant to the field of chemistry.

Specifics on your experience developing professional scientific and technical materials relevant to the field of chemistry.

18

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.

College/University/Training Source

Course Title(s)

Credits/Clock Hours

19

WORK BEHAVIOR 5 - SUPERVISIONSupervises staff which involves assigning and reviewing work, providing guidance, training subordinates or arranging for the training of subordinates, evaluating work, providing discipline, monitoring and approving leave, and performing the full range of supervisory duties.Levels of PerformanceSelect the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.

• A. I have experience SUPERVISING staff which involves assigning and reviewing work, providing guidance, training subordinates or arranging for the training of subordinates, evaluating work, providing discipline, monitoring and approving leave, and performing the full range of supervisory duties.
• B. I have experience as a LEAD WORKER to other staff on specific projects or assignments, including providing guidance and direction in techniques used in performing work.
• C. I have successfully completed college-level coursework or training related to Supervision, Performance Evaluation, Staff Development, or Training.
• D. I have NO experience or training related to this work behavior.

20

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.

The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.

The duties you performed as a supervisor or lead worker.

Your level of responsibility.

The level or type of employees supervised.

21

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.

College/University/Training Source

Course Title(s)

Credits/Clock Hours

Required Question