New Job Chemist 1/2/3 Flex (Pcn 187924) In Alaska

What you will be doing:
Learn to perform field based ambient air measurements and investigations to assess compliance with the applicable state and federal ambient air quality health standards. This chemist position does not work with beakers and Bunsen burners, but uses a wide variety analytical and physical chemistry knowledge, job skills, and abilities in a fast paced and flexible environment, from the hands-on operation and troubleshooting of simple to complex air quality monitors, to the analysis, review, and reporting of collected data sets.

Our mission:
The Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation’s mission includes “Conserving, improving, and protecting Alaska's natural resources and environment to enhance the health, safety, economic, and social well-being of Alaskans.”
Clean air is essential to every breathing moment. The Air Monitoring & Quality Assurance Program in the Division of Air Quality operates and oversees air quality monitoring networks throughout Alaska. Our primary services include:

• Operating ambient air quality monitoring networks to assess compliance with the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for carbon monoxide, particulates, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur oxide, ozone, and lead.
• Conducting air quality monitoring in response to volcanic ashfall, wildfires, etc., or other special studies
• Providing technical assistance in developing monitoring plans for air monitoring projects.
• Displaying near real-time data online and issuing Air Advisories to inform the public of hazardous air conditions.

The benefits of joining out team:
This is a terrific opportunity to step into a job that has room to advance and build a wide range of analytical and technical skills to help develop your professional career and benefit your community. The skills learned here are rewarding and desirable to many fields and careers.

The enviroment you can expect:
This position is conveniently located in downtown Anchorage, a short distance from many restaurants and businesses, with a great mix of field and office duties. The incumbent will train to operate ambient air monitoring equipment in the Anchorage and Mat-Su areas, deploy and collect samples, assess and ensure accurate and legally defensible data in a team setting, while enjoying a friendly and flexible office environment with opportunities to telework.

Who we are looking for:

• Accountability: Holds self and others accountable for measurable high-quality, timely, and cost-effective results. Determines objectives, sets priorities, and delegates work. Accepts responsibility for own actions and decisions. Complies with established control systems and rules.
• Self-Management: Sets well-defined and realistic personal goals; displays a high level of initiative, effort, and commitment towards completing assignments in a timely manner; works with minimal supervision; is motivated to achieve; demonstrates responsible behavior.
• Technical Problem Solving: Troubleshoots, diagnoses, analyzes, and identifies system malfunctions to determine the source and cause of the problem.
• Attention to Detail: Is thorough when performing work and conscientious about attending to detail.
• Measurement and Instrumentation: Knowledge of electronics and related electrical engineering disciplines necessary for the research and development of sensors, electronic measurement devices, and instrumentation systems for aerospace systems and components.

Hands-on experience and initiative to enhance his or her knowledge of air quality investigations, sampling technologies, data analysis, and reporting.

• Basic knowledge of the principles of chemistry and physics especially as they relate to gas measurements and chemical calculations.
• Basic knowledge of and experience with the use and calibration of common laboratory equipment.
• Basic knowledge of statistics as they apply to data analysis and drawing scientific conclusions from datasets.
• Strong computers skills with spreadsheet calculations and word processing.
• Knowledge and experience conducting field investigations and operations.
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, for preparation of reports and presentations, as well as to effectively relate technical information.
• Sound judgment and initiative to accomplish work assignments under general supervision.
• Ability to conduct field work in remote areas of the state under potentially adverse weather conditions.

Special Note:

• A valid drivers license is required
• Occasional trips to remote locations for up to 5 days length may be required

Minimum Qualifications

A bachelor's degree from an accredited college in chemistry, chemical or biomolecular engineering, forensic chemistry, biochemistry, biophysical chemistry, geochemistry, environmental chemistry, molecular biology or other physical or natural science, which includes or is supplemented by at least 20 semester (30 quarter) hours of any combination of classroom and laboratory coursework in chemistry, organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, physical chemistry, biochemistry and/or instrumental methods, of which 9 semester (12 quarter) credits are upper division courses.

Special Note:
"Upper division courses" means courses that are specialized, in-depth and advanced. Such courses emphasize problem-solving, analytical thinking skills, and theoretical applications, with depth and rigor in a discipline's theories and methods; specialization in a particular field or profession; refinement of general education; and/or development of specific intellectual and professional skills. Upper division courses are commonly identified in college catalogs as 300 level and higher.

Some positions in this class require a background investigation in accordance with the Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 2002.
A bachelor's degree from an accredited college in chemistry, chemical or biomolecular engineering, forensic chemistry, biochemistry, biophysical chemistry, geochemistry, environmental chemistry, molecular biology or other physical or natural science, which includes or is supplemented by at least 20 semester (30 quarter) hours of any combination of classroom and laboratory coursework in chemistry, organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, physical chemistry, biochemistry and/or instrumental methods, of which 9 semester (12 quarter) credits are upper division courses;
AND
One year of experience performing progressively complex sample collection and preparation and classical or instrumental chemical testing and related analyses in a laboratory or similar setting.

Substitution: Graduate-level study in chemistry, chemical engineering, biochemistry, biophysical chemistry, geochemistry, environmental chemistry, or a closely related field may substitute for up to the one year of requisite experience (3 semester/4 quarter hours = 1 month).

Special Note:
"Upper division courses" means courses that are specialized, in-depth and advanced. Such courses emphasize problem-solving, analytical thinking skills, and theoretical applications, with depth and rigor in a discipline's theories and methods; specialization in a particular field or profession; refinement of general education; and/or development of specific intellectual and professional skills. Upper division courses are commonly identified in college catalogs as 300 level and higher.

Some positions in this class require a background investigation in accordance with the Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 2002. A master's degree from an accredited college in chemistry, chemical or biomolecular engineering, forensic chemistry, biochemistry, biophysical chemistry, geochemistry, environmental chemistry, or a closely related field.

OR

A bachelor's degree from an accredited college in chemistry, chemical or biomolecular engineering, forensic chemistry, biochemistry, biophysical chemistry, geochemistry, environmental chemistry, molecular biology or other physical or natural science, which includes or is supplemented by at least 20 semester (30 quarter) hours of any combination of classroom and laboratory coursework in chemistry, organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, physical chemistry, biochemistry and/or instrumental methods, of which 9 semester (12 quarter) credits are upper division courses;
AND
Two years of experience independently performing a variety of standard analytical methods, tests and procedures that includes at least one form of instrumental analysis (e.g., mass spectrometry, gas chromatography). This is met by service as a Chemist 2 with the State of Alaska or its equivalent elsewhere.

Special Note:
"Upper division courses" means courses that are specialized, in-depth and advanced. Such courses emphasize problem-solving, analytical thinking skills, and theoretical applications, with depth and rigor in a discipline's theories and methods; specialization in a particular field or profession; refinement of general education; and/or development of specific intellectual and professional skills. Upper division courses are commonly identified in college catalogs as 300 level and higher.

Individual positions at this level in the class series may require demonstrable specialization or expertise in a particular branch (e.g., inorganic chemistry), methodology and/or instrumentation (e.g., mass spectrometry, gas chromatography). Recruitment and selection will be on the basis of these requirements.

Some positions in this class may require a background investigation in accordance with the Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 2002.

Additional Required Information

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED AT TIME OF APPLICATION:

• Attach a copy of your college transcripts if using education to meet the minimum qualifications for the position. (Unofficial Transcripts) Or at the time of interview if not attached to application.
• A cover Letter describing how you meet the qualities under “Who we are looking for” and “Desired strengths”.
• Three professional references (may substitute educational references if no work history)
• Professional or educational writing sample.
• Copies of two most recent evaluations (if applicable) or letter of recommendations in lieu of .

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED AT TIME OF INTERVIEW:

• Proof of valid drivers license

FLEXIBLE STAFFING
This position is flexibly staffed. The level of the job offer will be based on the selected candidate’s eligibility. If hired at the lower level, you will be promoted to the higher-level job class after completing the training plan and meeting the minimum qualifications.

SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONS
For your application to be evaluated you must answer the Supplemental Questions. Be specific in your answers and tell us how you acquired the relevant experience. Please use complete sentences and proof-read your submissions when answering the supplemental questions. Your responses will be considered a writing sample and will be used to determine which applicants will advance to the interview phase of the recruitment process.

EDUCATION
To verify education being used to meet the required minimum qualifications, you must fill in the Education section of the application. If you have not obtained a degree, please indicate the number of units completed. Copies of transcripts are required to verify educational credentials being used to meet the minimum qualifications for a position and are required with each application. (Unofficial are okay, please ensure that the institution/URL name is listed on the transcripts). Transcripts can be attached at the time of application, provided at the time of interview or if not provided, transcripts will be required prior to appointment.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR FOREIGN EDUCATION
Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the above requirements, if applicable. If utilizing this education you must show that the education credentials have been submitted to a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign educational credentials and that such education has been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education programs; or an accredited U.S. state university reports the other institution as one whose transcript is given full value, or full value is given in subject areas applicable to the curricula at the state university. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying. Omission of required documentation listed will result in an incomplete application and you will not receive further consideration.

NOTE : The State of Alaska does not provide VISA Employer sponsorships.

WORK EXPERIENCE
When using work experience not already documented in your application, please provide the employer's name, your job title, dates of employment, and whether full-or part-time. Applications will be reviewed to determine if the responses are supported, and minimum qualifications are clearly met. Work experience needed to meet the minimum qualifications must be documented in the application. If the application does not support minimum qualifications, the applicant may not advance to the interview and selection phase of the recruitment. A resume will not be used to determine that minimum qualifications have been met for the position in which you are applying.

If you are currently or previously been appointed to a flexibly staffed position, please ensure your work experience within a flexibly staffed position indicates the actual dates employed at each level. Ensure your time and any subsequent flex promotion(s) are documented as a separate position. This is required as there are minimum qualifications that require experience at a particular level in which the lower level may not be considered. If this information is not accurately reflected in your application this may cause the processing of your application for consideration to be delayed.

NOTE : Attaching a resume or curriculum vitae is not an alternative to filling out the application in its entirety. Noting "see resume or CV" or any similar response on any portion of your application may lead to a determination your application is incomplete and removal from consideration for this job posting.

MULTIPLE VACANCIES
This recruitment may be used for more than one (1) vacancy. The applicant pool acquired during this recruitment may be used for future vacancies for up to ninety (90) days after this recruitment closes. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply to each recruitment notice to ensure consideration for all vacancies.

APPLICATION NOTICE
You can ONLY apply for this position through the Workplace Alaska website or via hardcopy application. If you accessed this recruitment bulletin through a job search portal such as AlaskaJobs or any other database, you MUST use a Workplace Alaska online or hardcopy application to successfully apply. Instructions on how to apply with Workplace Alaska may be found on the Workplace Alaska "How to Apply" webpage, found here: http://doa.alaska.gov/dop/workplace/help/

NOTICE
Questions regarding the application process can be directed to the Workplace Alaska hotline at 800-587-0430 (toll free) or (907) 465-4095. If you choose to be contacted by email, please ensure your email address is correct on your application and that the spam filter will permit email from the ‘govermentjobs.com’ domains. For information on allowing emails from the ‘govermentjobs.com’ domains, visit the Lost Password Help page located at https://www.governmentjobs.com/OnlineApplication/User/ResetPassword

EEO STATEMENT
The State of Alaska complies with Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Individuals with disabilities, who require accommodation, auxiliary aides or services, or alternative communication formats, please call 1-800-587-0430 or (907) 465-4095 in Juneau or TTY: Alaska Relay 711 or 1-800-770-8973 or correspond with the Division of Personnel & Labor Relations at: P.O. Box 110201, Juneau, AK 99811-0201. The State of Alaska is an equal opportunity employer.

WORKPLACE ALASKA APPLICATION QUESTIONS & ASSISTANCE
Questions regarding application submission or system operation errors should be directed to the Workplace Alaska hotline at 1-800-587-0430 (toll free) or (907) 465-4095 if you are in the Juneau area. Requests for information may also be emailed to [email protected].

For applicant password assistance please visit:https://www.governmentjobs.com/OnlineApplication/User/ResetPassword

Contact Information

The following information describes typical benefits available to employees of the State of Alaska. Actual benefits received may differ by bargaining unit or branch of government, position type, or be prorated for other than full time work.

For a quick breakdown of the insurance, health, and retirement benefits available for State Employees you can view an orientation video from Division of Retirement and Benefits. (Please note this video is specifically designed for new State Employees.)

Insurance Benefits

• Health insurance, which includes employer contributions toward medical/vision/dental
  • The following employee groups are under AlaskaCare Benefits administered by the State: See http://doa.alaska.gov/drb/programs/index.html for additional information.
    • AVTEC
    • Confidential
    • Correctional Officers
    • Marine Engineers
    • Mt. Edgecumbe Teachers
    • Supervisory
    • Unlicensed Vessel Personnel/Inland Boatman's Union
    • Exempt employees (not covered by collective bargaining)
  • The following employee groups are covered by Union health trusts. Contact the appropriate Union for additional information.
    • General Government
    • Labor, Trades and Crafts
    • Public Safety Employees Association
    • Masters, Mates & Pilots
• Employer paid Basic Life insurance with additional coverage available (amount depends on Bargaining Unit)

• Group-based insurance premiums for
  • Term life (employee, spouse or qualified same sex partner, and dependents)
  • Long-term and short-term disability
  • Accidental Death and Dismemberment
  • Long-term care (self and eligible family members)
  • Supplemental Survivor Benefits
• Employee-funded flexible spending accounts for tax savings on eligible health care or dependent care expenses

Retirement Benefits

• Membership in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)/Teachers' Retirement System (TRS)
• Matching employer contribution into a defined contribution program (new employees)
• Employer contribution into a defined benefit or defined contribution program (current employees)
• Contributions to the Alaska Supplemental Annuity Plan in lieu of contributions to Social Security
• Option to enroll in the Alaska Deferred Compensation Program
• Note: The Defined Contribution Plan, Supplemental Annuity Plan and Deferred Compensation Program offer a variety of investment options

Paid Leave & Other Benefits

• Personal leave with an accrual rate increase based on time served
• Eleven paid holidays a year
• Gym discounts at participating fitness providers in multiple locations throughout the state.

See http://doa.alaska.gov/drb/ghlb/employee/health/gymListing.html for additional information