CHEMIST

State of Nevada

Sparks, NV

$61,721.28–$91,496.16 Per Year

4 days ago

Job Description

CHEMIST

Salary

$61,721.28 - $91,496.16 Annually

Location

Sparks

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

2026-04563

Department

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Opening Date

11/10/2026

Closing Date

11/17/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

FLSA

Non-Exempt

Bargaining Unit

Salary Grade

Full Physical Address of Position (City, State, Zip)

SPARKS, NV 89431

Description
Benefits
Questions
THIS RECRUITMENT MAY CLOSE WITHOUT FURTHER NOTICE DEPENDING ON THE NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS RECEIVED. APPLICANTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY AS SOON AS POSSIBLE*

Job Summary

The Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA), Division of Measurement Standards is seeking to fill one vacant Chemist position in the Sparks office. This position will be tasked with performing analyses on Gasoline and Diesel and associated Motor Vehicle samples following approved ASTM methods in a timely manner. This position will also be expected to work independently and communicate results to supervisor as well as Inspectors in expected Turn around times.

The Chemist duties include:

Following Chain of Custody procedures and Sample Login via LIMS system.
Preparing Sample Reports of Analysis.
Maintain quality control and quality assurance sample data.
Represent Petroleum Technology program at meetings as required.

Chemists analyze air, water, tissue, milk, petroleum products, antifreeze, soil, cement, paint, construction materials, pesticide residue, and other samples.

Essential Qualifications

Two or more years of applicable experience as described in the job duties and graduation from high school or equivalent education.

Additional Position Requirements:

Have a current drivers license.

Travel up to 25% of the time for training purposes.

Job Duties

Analyze samples and identify and document sample contents and contaminants.
Ensure adherence to federal and State laws, regulations, standards, procedures, and agency policies and procedures.
Operate laboratory instrumentation.
Conduct chemical testing of highway construction materials and ensure appropriateness for projects.
Assist engineers in solving construction problems related to chemical and physical properties of materials.
Analyze construction materials and samples and determine and document contents and contaminants.
Evaluate, maintain, update, and write specifications for construction materials, products, equipment, and specifications.
Provide testimony to lawmakers, boards, and industry representatives.
Assist in resolving conflicts and problems in sample testing.
Evaluate and incorporate new technology into laboratory procedures.
Analyze motor fuels and motor oil samples for physical characteristics and air quality impact.
Determine compliance of antifreeze samples by measuring certain properties and testing for foaming tendencies.
Analyze ground water, surface water, vegetation, soil, and tissue for pesticide residues, identify presence, and calculate concentration of herbicides and pesticides.
Analyze water samples for gross alpha, gross beta, and additional radiochemistry.
Analyze fertilizer samples for nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and other nutrients and non-nutrients.
Maintain sample integrity and chain of custody and complete data calculations and worksheets.
Record processes and results, prepare and submit reports, enter findings, and maintain quality assurance.
Manage laboratory equipment, perform maintenance, and request supplies, chemicals, and equipment.
Perform related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of:

Applicable federal and State laws, regulations, standards, procedures, and agency policies and procedures.
Organic and inorganic chemistry; qualitative and quantitative methods of analysis; health and safety precautions applicable to working with volatile chemicals and other hazardous materials; laboratory equipment used in analysis of water, motor fuel, antifreeze, oil, and other samples; computer hardware and software used in a chemistry laboratory.

Skill in:

Performing laboratory techniques and procedures.
Interpersonal and communication, both verbal and written.
Use and operation of office and job-related equipment and software.

Ability to:

Compare analytical results with reference standards and form logical conclusions; systematically arrange information, test results, data, and reports into appropriate categories; determine laboratory instruments' reliability and make necessary adjustments; analyze information, methods, and procedures to determine the best method for analysis; perform several different procedures simultaneously using a variety of equipment.
Read and understand technical laboratory literature; accurately measure, record, and report scientific data; establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships with others; perform testing procedures using modern laboratory equipment and techniques.

Recruiter information: Alan Carino - acarino@admin.nv.gov

The State of Nevada is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to building diverse, inclusive, and innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. All applicants are considered without regard to race, color, national origin, religion or belief, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, domestic partnership, genetic information (GINA), or compensation and/or wages.

Please send direct Inquiries or correspondence to the recruiter listed on this announcement.

Benefits include:

Health Insurance: Medical, dental, life, and disability insurance programs for employees and their dependents/family are offered through the Public Employees' Benefits Program (PEBP).
Vacation: Accrual of three weeks of annual leave each year.
Sick Leave: Accrual of three weeks of sick leave each year.
Holidays: 12 paid holidays per year.
Retirement: Participation in the Nevada Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). Employees do not contribute to Social Security but will contribute to PERS if their position is at 50% or more full-time equivalency. For more information on how PERS service may impact Social Security benefits, visit the SSA publication.
Deferred Compensation: The State offers a voluntary Deferred Compensation Program.
No Nevada state income tax.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness: Eligible due to public sector employment.
Longevity Payments Eligibility: Employees who have received a performance rating of "standard" or better and have completed eight (8) or more years of continuous service are eligible for longevity pay.

Additional benefits may apply to employees covered under a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), depending on their designated bargaining unit. For more information, visit the Labor Relations Unit (LRU).

For more details about your rights and responsibilities as a State of Nevada employee, please review the State of Nevada Employee Handbook (PDF).

State Holidays The holiday schedule for State employees is established by the Legislature.

The following are legal holidays:

January 1.............................................. New Years Day

Third Monday in January.................. Martin Luther King, Jr.s Birthday

Third Monday in February................ Washington's Birthday

Last Monday in May........................... Memorial Day

June 19................................................ Juneteenth Day

July 4.................................................... Independence Day

First Monday in September.............. Labor Day

Last Friday in October....................... Nevada Day

November 11........................................ Veterans Day

Fourth Thursday in November........ Thanksgiving Day

Friday following the Fourth Thursday in November...................... Family Day

December 25........................................ Christmas Day

When January 1, June 19, July 4, November 11, or December 25 falls on a Saturday, the preceding Friday is the observed legal holiday. If these days fall on Sunday, the following Monday is the observed holiday. Eligibility for holiday pay is covered by the provisions of NAC 284.255

For my application to be considered, it must be complete, accurate, and truthful, including: Employment Information • Employment dates are accurate, with end dates for any past positions. • My current employer is included. • Contract work lists the contracting company as the employer. • Each position held at the same employer is listed separately with correct dates. Application Requirements • All required documents are attached (resume, transcripts, veteran documentation (if applicable) and any applicable licensure or certification) • I have not listed "see resume" or "refer to application" in any section. I understand that not completing the application as directed, unanswered questions, incomplete responses, false statements, omissions, or partial information may result in disqualification from the selection process.

Yes
No (NOTE: By answering no, I understand that my application may be disqualified from consideration.)

Which of the following best describes your highest level of completed education? This must match the education section of your profile.

High School Diploma or G.E.D. equivalent.
High School Diploma or G.E.D. equivalent and have completed some college credits.
Associate's Degree.
Bachelor's Degree.
Master's Degree or higher.
None of the above

Do you have any of the following?

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in chemistry or closely related field or High school diploma.
An equivalent combination of education and experience.
None of the above.

For each degree you have earned or are currently pursuing, list the degree type, area of study, and the total number of units or credits completed (if the degree is still in progress). If you do not have any degrees, enter N/A.

A valid drivers license is required at the time of appointment and as a condition of continuing employment. Can you meet this requirement?

This position requires up to 25% of travel. Can you meet this requirement?

Are you familiar and comfortable with following SOPs and providing quality data reports?

Are you familiar with and able to practice good laboratory practices (GLP)?

Describe your experience comparing analytical results to reference standards.

Please describe your understanding of quality control and explain why it is important.

How many years of analytical, regulatory or production lab experience and verifying quality data in accordance with QA/QC requirements do you possess? This experience is preferred. Your answer will be compared to the work history information on your application to determine if you meet minimum qualifications.

I do not possess this experience
Less than 1 year
More than 1 year to less than 2 years
More than 2 years to less than 4 years
More than 4 years to less than 6 years
6 or more years.

Describe your analytical, regulatory or production lab experience and verifying quality data in accordance with QA/QC requirements. For each position where you gained this experience, please use the following format: 1. Employer Name 2. Job Title 3. Dates of Employment 4. Detail of Experience. If you do not possess this experience, please enter N/A. Note: The work experience section of your application must include all relevant job duties. The positions listed below will be compared to the work experience section and will be utilized to evaluate qualifications.

How many years of working independently and managing workloads do you possess? This experience is preferred. Your answer will be compared to the work history information on your application to determine if you meet minimum qualifications.

I do not possess this experience
Less than 1 year
More than 1 year to less than 2 years
More than 2 years to less than 4 years
More than 4 years to less than 6 years
6 or more years.

Describe your working independently and managing workloads.. For each position where you gained this experience, please use the following format: 1. Employer Name 2. Job Title 3. Dates of Employment 4. Detail of Experience. If you do not possess this experience, please enter N/A. Note: The work experience section of your application must include all relevant job duties. The positions listed below will be compared to the work experience section and will be utilized to evaluate qualifications.

Required Question

Employer State of Nevada (NV)

Address See Above for Agency Information

See Above for Posting Location, Nevada, 89701

Website https://nvjobs.nv.gov