HIRING - JOIN OUR TEAM! 

Looking for a career where you can truly make a difference?

The Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services, within the Department of General Services (DGS), is always looking for talented scientists and support staff with diverse skills who can help fulfill our laboratory's mission.

Title: Scientist - CL398

State Role Title: Scientist I

Hiring Range: $59,000 - $74,000

Pay Band: 4

Agency: Department of General Services

Location: DCLS

Agency Website: www.dgs.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

The Department of General Services, Division of Consolidated Laboratories (DCLS) seeks a qualified candidate to serve as a Scientist in the Inorganics Non-Metals and Water Micro Group. This group performs high volume testing of potable and non-potable waters in support of the Commonwealth’s public and environmental health programs. The laboratory seeks a motivated candidate primarily for the group’s inorganics testing commitments. The candidate must be able to perform routine and complex analytical testing to include reporting of results. The selected candidate will have a working knowledge of analytical testing equipment used for determining inorganic and nutrient constituents in the environment. Instrumentation such as: Ion Chromatographs (IC), Segmented flow analyzers, Spectrophotometers, Total Organic Carbon analyzers (TOC), and gravimetric and titrimetric equipment are used in this laboratory. Knowledge and understanding of required quality systems such as those adhering to ISO17025 or The NELAC Institute (TNI) is preferred. The duties of this position are to be performed independently and with minimal supervision from the Group Manager.

Some weekend, holiday, and on call work is required.

Minimum Qualifications

• Knowledge of laboratory safety practices for the handling of chemical, microbiological, infectious or toxic materials, as applicable.
  
• Considerable knowledge of the theory and application of chemical and/or microbiological principles.
  
• Ability to perform testing following Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s).
  
• Ability to accurately record and report test results, observations, Quality Control (QC), and Quality Assurance (QA) measures.
  
• Ability to troubleshoot laboratory instrumentation.
  
• Ability to communicate effectively both written and orally.
  
• Experience and ability to work well on a team.
  
• Ability to work well in a fast-paced environment.
  
• Ability to lift 30 pounds.
  
• Ability to work nights and weekends as needed.
  

Additional Considerations

• Significant laboratory experience and skilled in analytical chemistry and/or microbiology techniques and methods.
  
• Experience with techniques such as ion chromatography, spectrophotometric analysis, segmented flow analysis, total organic carbon analysis and gravimetric analysis.
  
• Experience with TNI and/or ISO 17025 Certification Standards.
  
• Ability to identify laboratory errors and take proactive action for correction.
  
• Experience in writing SOP’s.
  
• Experience working with a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
  
• Ability to compile and formulate data, draw conclusions, and provide data interpretation.
  
  

DGS offers excellent health benefits at affordable pricing, pre-tax spending accounts, paid life insurance, paid Short- and Long-Term Disability benefits, paid holidays, vacation, and other leave benefits, wellness programs, and a state retirement plan with options for tax-deferred retirement savings including employer matching. DGS is a qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.  

Qualified state employees may be eligible for student loan forgiveness through the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF). As a full-time employee with the Virginia Department of General Services, Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services, you may be able to take advantage of this program! Visit the site Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program for more information including eligibility requirements.

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

DGS will record information from each new employee’s Form I-9 (Employment Eligibility Verification) into the Federal E-Verify system to confirm identity and work authorization.

Sponsorship will not be provided for this position now or in the future. Confirmation of eligibility to work will be required at time of hire.

The selected candidate must pass a fingerprint-based criminal background check.

Fax, e-mail or mail applications will not be accepted. The online State application must contain all required information and fully respond to the questions to be considered for this job opportunity.

For assistance or computer access, please visit your local Virginia Employment Office or contact our office at jobs@dgs.virginia.gov or call 804-786-3910.

Applications will be accepted until a suitable pool of candidates is received. After 5 business days, this position may be closed at any time.

The Virginia Department of General Services is an equal opportunity employer. Minorities, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and individuals with AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service experience are encouraged to apply.

Applicants in need of accommodation during the application and/or interview process may contact DGS at 804-786-3910 for assistance.

The online state application must contain all required information and fully respond to questions to be considered for this job opportunity. For assistance or computer access, please visit your local Virginia Employment Office or contact our office jobs@dgs.virginia.gov or 804-786-3910.

Blood-borne pathogen training will be provided by the employer. In order to comply with OSHA blood-borne pathogen requirements, DCLS offers the Hepatitis B vaccine.

DCLS employees are designated as essential personnel. This designation requires DCLS employees to report to the workplace or at an assigned remote location during state authorized closings or delays (i.e., weather-related closures/delays, holidays, etc.), unless otherwise instructed by management.

Contact Information

Name: DGS Human Resources

Phone: 804-768-3910

Email: jobs@dgs.virginia.gov

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.