Are you passionate about laboratory science and quality assurance? We’re seeking a skilled professional to lead technical performance, ensure compliance with TNI standards, and drive innovation in inorganic testing. This role offers the opportunity to manage complex analyses, mentor staff, and contribute to cutting-edge research in a collaborative environment.

Shape the Future of Environmental Testing—Join Our Team as a Principal Scientist!

Title: Principal Scientist (Inorganic Nonmetals/Water Micro) – CR560 

State Role Title: Scientist II

Hiring Range: $86,000 - $99,000

Pay Band: 5

Agency: Department of General Services

Location: DCLS

Agency Website: www.dgs.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

The Virginia Department of General Services (DGS) is seeking a qualified candidate to serve as Principal Scientist in the Inorganic Nonmetals/Water Micro Group for the Commonwealth's Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services (DCLS), which is one of the largest and most diverse consolidated state laboratories in the nation. With an annual budget of over 30 million dollars and over 250 state employees, DCLS performs approximately 9 million tests annually. Results from these tests are used confidently by local, state, and federal public health, agriculture, food regulatory, environmental protection, and law enforcement officials serving to protect our citizens, food supply environment and commerce. DCLS is a member of several public health networks and emergency response groups; the Consolidated Laboratory also directs Commonwealth’s environmental laboratory accreditation program.

The Inorganic Nonmetals and Water Micro Group provides high volume chemical testing of surface water, sediments, recreational waters and potable waters. This group provides certified laboratory data to multiple state agencies including Virginia's Department of Environmental Quality and the Virginia Department of Health's Office of Drinking Water to ensure the citizens of the Commonwealth have access to safe drinking and recreational waters.

As a Principal in the Inorganic Nonmetals/Water Micro Group, job duties include, but are not limited to:

• Provide technical leadership, troubleshooting, and project management.
• Independently perform highly complex testing and analysis.
• Identifies QA/QC deficiencies to management, in writing and presents alternative corrective actions, preventive actions or corrections to improve quality.
• Ensure compliance with quality assurance standards and regulatory requirements.
• Completes audit training, conducts QA audits, and presents reports.
• Independently prepare well written specifications for instrumentation purchases, sole source procurements and provide support for the group’s procurement process.
• Provides technical training regarding new projects and methods.

Minimum Requirements:

• Meet the educational and work experience requirements for Inorganics Technical Manager as defined by the 2016 TNI Standard EL-V1M2-2016-Rev2.1 section 5.2.6.1.
• Considerable experience with quantitative analyses, and analysis methods for potable and non-potable water related to regulated inorganics testing.
• Comprehensive knowledge of the theory and application of chemical and/or microbiological principles in a compliance laboratory setting.  
• Experience with validation/verification of reference methods and method development.   
• Skill in the application and operation of complex laboratory equipment as necessary for the analysis of samples and reporting of test results in an inorganic testing laboratory.  
• Knowledge of laboratory safety practices for the handling of chemical, microbiological, infectious or toxic materials, as applicable including use of facility controls as applicable.  
• Experience with troubleshooting complex laboratory instrumentation and analytical methods.
• Experience compiling and formulating data, drawing conclusions and providing interpretations of data within the guidelines of a quality system.
• Strong communication and computer skills to provide consultation to customers or internal clients relating to sample submission, testing and interpretation of results.
• Knowledge of QA/QC, mathematics, and basic statistics.
• Ability to lift 30 pounds.
• Ability to work nights and weekends as needed. 

This position is in Richmond, Virginia and must report on-site.

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. Additionally, supplemental bus passes, ride share, or parking are available, and DGS is a qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. 

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 also pass a fingerprint-based criminal background check.

Additional Considerations:

• Experience with any of the following: Ion chromatography, Uv/Vis Spectrophotometry, segmented flow analyzers, elemental analyzers, total organic carbon analyzers, residue analysis, titrations and microbiology techniques.
• Experience in writing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Experience working with a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
• Experience with The NELAC Institute Standards and/or ISO 17025 as it pertains to certified testing.
• Experience in compliance testing and federal, state and local requirements, regulations or laws as related to potable and non-potable water testing.

Special Instructions

You will be provided with 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.

The online state application must contain all required information and fully respond to questions to be considered for this job opportunity. Please be sure that all your relevant qualifications and considerations are specifically addressed in your submitted application. Online applications should be submitted via jobs.virginia.gov.

Fax, e-mail, or mail applications will not be accepted. For assistance or computer access, please visit your local Virginia Employment Office or contact our office jobs@dgs.virginia.gov or 804-786-3910.

You will be provided with confirmation of receipt when your application has been successfully submitted. Applications will continue to be accepted until a suitable pool of candidates is received, but this position may be closed at any time after Tuesday, February 10, 2026.  

Please refer to the “Your Application” page in your account to check the status of your application for this position. Applicants in need of accommodation during the application and/or interview process may contact DGS at 804-786-3910 for assistance.

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. 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.

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

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.

Due to the critical nature of the work performed by the Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services (DCLS) and the requirements and responsibilities placed upon DCLS by the Drug Free Workplace Act, Federal Select Agent Program, and DHRM Policy 1.05 Alcohol and other Drugs, it is the policy of DCLS to maintain a workplace that is free from the harmful effects of alcohol or other drugs. The unlawful or unauthorized use of drugs by DCLS employees while at work adversely impacts DCLS’s ability to perform high quality analytical testing services and support for local, state and federal agencies that serve to protect the health, safety and security of the public. As such, DCLS strictly prohibits the manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession or use of alcohol, marijuana, or other drugs, prohibits employees from possessing or using alcohol, marijuana or any controlled substances (including, but not limited to prescription drugs) while in state owned vehicles, in the workplace or on DCLS premises, or when performing official work duties.   

Applicants that indicate they have preferential hiring rights in the form of a yellow form or blue card must submit these to our office prior to the closing of the posting, in accordance with DHRM policy 1.30. Please note that only current and former employees of the Commonwealth of Virginia that will be or have been laid off are eligible for preferential hiring rights.

The Virginia Department of General Services is an equal opportunity employer and a proud Virginia Values Veterans (V3) Certified employer. Individuals from minoritized groups, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and individuals with AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service experience are encouraged to apply.

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.

Contact Information
Name: DGS Human Resources
Phone: 804-786-3910
Email: jobs@dgs.virginia.gov

Contact Information

Name: DGS Human Resources

Phone: 804-786-3910

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 April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.