Environmental Chemist

Work for Indiana

Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, youll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, youll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.

Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM):

Our mission is to implement federal and state regulations to protect human health and the environment while allowing the environmentally sound operations of industrial, agricultural, commercial, and governmental activities vital to a prosperous economy. We issue air, water, and solid and hazardous waste permits that restrict discharges to environmentally safe levels. Staff members inspect and monitor regulated entities; provide compliance and technical assistance; monitor and assess air, land, and water quality; use enforcement actions as necessary to ensure compliance; and respond to incidents involving spills to soil or waters of the state.

Use our Compensation Calculator to view the total compensation package.

Role Overview:

• This position is responsible for overseeing and managing the Urban Air Toxics Program canister cleaning and certification duties. Toxic Volatile Organic Compounds are monitored per the commitments in the Environmental Performance Partnership Agreements (EnPPA)/Performance Partnership Grants (PPG) Program. Canisters are cleaned in an oven which fills and evacuates the canisters to remove volatile organic compounds. The canisters are then certified by analysis on a Gas Chomtagraph/Mass Spectrometer to ensure all TO-15 compounds are at a negligible level. They will also assist with sample analysis for TO-15 toxics volatile organic compounds on a GC/MS.
• This position will also function as a backup for the Photochemical Assessment Monitoring Station (PAMS) as required by 40 CFR 58, Appendix D. This is a critical program which collects ozone precursor data to be used in assessing the ozone status of Indianapolis and providing information to assist in the control of ozone to maintain the attainment of the National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) for the Indianapolis area.
• The ideal candidate will have a B.S. or M.S. in Chemistry with gas chromatography knowledge or experience.
• This position requires a valid IN drivers license.

Salary:

The salary for this position traditionally starts at $53,222.00 but may be commensurate with education and work experience. Use our Compensation Calculator to view the total compensation package.

A Day in the Life:

The essential functions of this role are as follows:

• Analyze ambient air samples and perform method development limits, calibration curves, and other quality control samples on Gas Chromatograph/Mass Spectrometer.
• Determine the chemical impact of regulations on the environment and on other programs and propose revisions to existing regulations or formulation of new regulations.
• Provide technical and regulatory consultation to intra-agency staff, other public agencies, private contractors, consultants, responsible parties, lawyers and the public regarding sampling and analytical criteria, analytical data evaluation, site characterization and remediation methods for cases involving possible contamination of the environment and endangerment of human health.
• Function as a liaison with federal agencies to interpret revisions in federal regulations and develop and implements appropriate changes in state rules and policies.
• Initiate and standardize chemistry monitoring research and monitoring techniques.
• Write chemistry specifications and guidance for the regulated community and other general public customers to achieve compliance with vague regulations and standards, agency objectives and/or unwritten agency policy.
• Evaluate field sampling, laboratory analytical processes, site characterizations and other chemistry related factors for technical adequacy to meet project data quality objectives (DQOs).
• Assist in investigations or suspected sites of environmental concern to the agency.
• Prepare reports for staff regarding evaluations performed, recommend approval, modification or denial of plans, permit applications and closure demonstrations based upon findings.
• Assist in training environmental chemistry staff and office technical staff with regards to environmental chemistry related issues.
• Serve as an agency environmental chemistry representative to cross-media, interagency, interstate and regional task forces, committees and work groups.

The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

This position is exempt from overtime compensation for additional work hours which may be required to complete essential functions or other assigned work. Exempt employees may work more than 75 hours in a pay period without additional compensation and must report a minimum of 75 hours per pay period of work hours and/or paid leave taken to receive their base biweekly salary.

What Youll Need for Success:

Individuals in this role should minimally be able to articulate or demonstrate the following:

• Working knowledge of Gas Chromatography.
• Broad knowledge of agency program processes as related to the discipline of chemistry.
• Broad knowledge and ability to interpret and apply federal policies, guidelines, goals, and procedures of the relevant program area.
• Broad analytical, organic, and inorganic chemistry knowledge related to environmental monitoring and its application to the relevant program areas.
• Working knowledge of biology, toxicology, biochemistry, and geology as needed for environmental regulations and program development.
• Broad knowledge of environmental quality assurance/quality control as applied to laboratory operating procedures, audit processes, and contract requirements.
• Working knowledge of legal and court procedures for the collection of evidence.
• Working knowledge of word processing, spreadsheets, and other application software.
• Working knowledge of the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) laboratory safety practices and procedures.
• Ability to write narrative reports and prepare effective presentations.

A Bachelor's degree with a major in Chemistry, Accredited graduate training in the above area, and two (2) years of full-time professional experience as a chemist in an environmental field is required.

Individuals should have the ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana:

The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees which includes:

• Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans

• Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards

• Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution

• Deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to 401(k) plan) with employer match

• Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options

• A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to:

• 150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers

• Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave

• Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off

• 12 paid holidays, 14 on election years

• Education Reimbursement Program

• Group life insurance

• Referral Bonus program

• Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits

• Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

• Free Parking for most positions

• Free LinkedIn Learning access

Equal Employment Opportunity:

The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at jobs@spd.IN.gov.