Chemist II (Program support)

State of South Carolina
Richland, SC



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Science| Service| Sustainability

The Quality Assurance Assistant (QAA) assists with the QAA program for the SCDES Laboratory to ensure adherence to the established federal regulations relevant to analytical methodologies performed within the Bureau of Regional and Laboratory Services along with the ambient air monitoring program to help ensure adherence to the requirements of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards.

Job Responsibilities:

  • Responsible for working directly with the QAA Lead and the Section Managers to assist to prepare for external audits by performing conducting internal assessments for the Division of Air Quality Analysis (DAQA), Analytical Radiological Environmental Services Division (ARESD), and Regional Laboratories.
  • Responsible with assisting in record and data review as needed to ensure compliance to the quality documents as a part of the internal assessment and as requested by QAA Lead and Management. Responsible for assisting with special projects, presentations, and other duties as assigned by the Agency and Management.
  • Responsible for reviewing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) with the required Division and EPA deadlines and maintaining document control of the Quality Assurance Project Plans (QAPPs) and Standard Operations Procedures (SOPs) necessary to meet federal and state regulations.
  • Responsible for assisting with review of spreadsheets used by the DAQA and during internal assessment of all the laboratories to ensure accurate calculations and adherence with the requirements of analytical methods and measurement quality objectives
  • Completes administrative task such as PCAS and SCEIS time entry as required.

  • A master's degree in chemistry;
  • OR a bachelor's degree in chemistry and one year of chemistry experience;
  • OR a bachelor's degree in the natural or physical sciences* with 16 semester hours in chemistry and two years laboratory experience
  • A doctorate in chemistry may be substituted for the required work experience

*Institutions of higher learning must be recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditations

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Strong organizational skills and strict adherence to deadlines.
  • Knowledge of modern office practices, procedures, and equipment. Ability to coordinate diverse administrative/management functions. Working knowledge of Microsoft word and Excel as well as a strong background in general office administration
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships
  • Ability to communicate effectively and maintain a professional appearance
  • Strong demonstrated customer service background that lends itself to working with a diverse staff
  • Duties are performed in a fast-paced laboratory environment with separate workspace for the administrative duties of this position
  • Employee must have and maintain a valid driver’s license.
  • Must be able to bend, climb, and stoop. Some standing for periods of time and lift-up to 50 lbs. to countertop level
  • Some limited travel with advance notice if required.
  • Prior to possible selection for this position, candidates, will have to attend an in-person interview


  • Preference will be given to applicants that have:
  • With prior experience in quality assurance
  • Experience with Microsoft Office® programs
  • Excellent organizational and communication skills.

SCDESis committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and does not discriminateon the basis ofrace, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, including, but not limited, to lactation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information. TheDepartment will not sponsor H1B visas for this position.

The South Carolina Department ofEnvironmental Servicesoffers an exceptional benefits package for full time (FTE) employees:?

  • Health, dental, vision, long-term disability, and life insurance for employees, spouse, and children. Clickhereforadditionalinformation.

  • 15 days annual (vacation) leave per year

  • 15 days sick leave per year

  • 13 paid holidays

  • Paid parental leave

  • Retirement benefit choices*

  • State Retirement Plan (SCRS)


*Enrollment in one of the listed plans isrequiredfor all FTE employees; please refer to the contribution section of hyperlinked retirement sites for the current contribution rate of gross pay.

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