Position Title: NMDA State Chemist

Employee Classification: NMDA State Chemist

College/Division: New Mexico Dept of Agriculture

Department: 180600-NMDA STATE CHEMIST LABORATORY

Internal or External Search: External - Open to all applicants

Location: Las Cruces

Offsite Location (if applicable):

Target Hourly/Salary Rate:  Minimum $ 77,235.92 - Commensurate with Education and Experience

Appointment Full-time Equivalency:  1.0

Exempt or Non-Exempt:  Exempt

Summary:  The New Mexico Department of Agriculture (NMDA) works for the benefit of the state’s citizens and supports the viability of agriculture and affiliated industries. NMDA promotes food protection, a uniform, and fair marketplace, and global marketing and economic development; supports the beneficial use of natural resources; and works cooperatively with public and private sector entities. Opportunities for excellence abound, and NMDA staff dedicate themselves to proactive service in fulfilling the department’s mission. Each division plays an important role in carrying out the goals and objectives. Our rich agricultural history, culture, and traditions are addressed through new and innovative approaches using the latest in science, technology, and economic strategies. In New Mexico, we contribute to the safest and most affordable, and nutritious food supply on the globe.

NMDA is a constitutional agency organized under the Board of Regents of New Mexico State University (NMSU). This unique relationship creates efficiencies and opportunities for New Mexico’s food and agriculture sector as well as service and outreach opportunities for NMSU, making NMDA an integral part of the university. NMDA/NMSU is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer.

Classification Summary:
Primarily devoted to management of staff, functions and responsibilities of the laboratory. Oversees as well as assists in performing all operations of a regulatory agency laboratory including chemical, physical or biological analysis to identify the purity and concentration of substances that may be constituents, adulterants, contaminants, or potentially hazardous substances in the environment, food, consumer products, biological tissues and fluids, hazardous waste, or industrial and agricultural commodities or seeds for both the agency regulatory program, as well as the regulated industry and public (on a fee basis). Maintains proper quality assurance and lab certifications in compliance with federal, state, and university regulations and standards. Record, maintain, and report resulting analysis data to regulatory programs for utilization in inspection and enforcement determinations.

Classification Standard Duties:
Oversee and assist in performing all operations of the laboratory to meet needs of applicable regulatory programs. Maintain standards for required lab certifications. Resolve technical issues in an effective, efficient and timely manner. Evaluate and maintain adequate laboratory equipment and quality assurance procedures including arranging necessary maintenance or replacement of equipment and supplies. Under limited supervision, perform, modify, and develop methods for chemical physical or biological analysis. Consult on field sampling, handling and preservation procedures. Perform recording and mathematical or statistical analysis and interpretation of analysis results. Monitor, assess and improve laboratory programs and procedures. May maintain annual participation in check sample or other QA programs. Verify all practices and procedures are in compliance with program standards. May provide technical documentation or testimony in a compliance conference, formal hearing, court or other enforcement related action. Attend professional association conferences, trainings or meetings as approved by supervisor. Maintain regular communication with Division director and applicable staff as needed.

Required Education, Experience, Certification/License, Equivalency
Required Education:Bachelor's degree in a related field.; Required Experience:Five (5) years of professional experience directly related to the standard duties as outlined.; Equivalency:None; Required Certification/License:

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
KNOWLEDGE:Accreditation and certification requirements and standards, proper laboratory and equipment operations and procedures, QA/QC procedures and reporting, proper chemical hygiene and good laboratory practices. Hazardous waste handling and environmental health standards. State and Federal laws and rules pertaining to regulatory programs for which analysis is being performed.; SKILLS:Written and verbal communications skills in clear, concise and professional manner with effective listening. Prepare and maintain accurate, orderly records and reports. Maintain professional and appropriated rapport with staff, regulated entities and lab customers. Critical thinking and problem solving skills, short and long term planning for effective and timely completion of assigned work; ABILITIES:Ability to make well informed effective and timely decisions and perceives the impact and implication of those decisions. Provide supervision, direction, mentoring and feedback. Develop and perform analysis following prescribed analysis methodologies. Monitor and maintain QA/QC standards, complete tasks in requested timeframes, foster cooperative work environment and maintain effective relationships; self motivate to work effectively.

Job Duties and Responsibilities
The State Chemist performs highly advanced chemical analysis in a regulatory laboratory. Works under minimal supervision, with latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment in overseeing and assisting in performing all operations of the laboratory. Leads the training of chemists in laboratory methods, reviews the work of staff to determine the completeness or accuracy of tasks and adherence to policy, oversees the laboratory to meet requirements of applicable regulatory programs and maintains standards for required laboratory certifications/accreditations. Resolves technical issues in an effective, efficient and timely manner.

The State Chemist performs, modifies, and develops/verifies/validates methods for chemical, physical, or biological analysis including development of measurement uncertainty. May consult on field sampling, handling and preservation procedures; performs recording and mathematical or statistical analysis and interpretation of analysis results; monitors, assesses and improves laboratory programs and procedures; verifies all practices and procedures following program standards and provides technical documentation or testimony in a compliance conferences, formal hearings, court or other enforcement related actions when needed.

Has specific experience in the chemical analysis of feed (protein, fat, fiber, moisture, ash), fertilizer (via ICP-MS and/or ICP-OES) and/or pesticides (via GC, LC-MS/MS, HPLC). Specific experience working in a GLP or ISO/IEC:17025 certified laboratory.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in an accredited laboratory, management, applicable ISO standards, specifically ISO/IEC 19025:2017 and quality management systems. Laboratory supervisory experience and management outside of an academic setting.

Special Requirements of the Position
A Cover Letter and Unofficial Transcripts are required.

Practical working knowledge of the operation and maintenance of common analytical laboratory instruments. Knowledge of ISO/IEC 17025:2017 and Good Laboratory Practices.

Must be able to obtain and maintain respirator medical approval and fit test requirements annually.

Work may involve direct contact or exposure to allergens including but not limited to: bees, peanuts, dust, animal feed, etc.

Department Contact:  Cheryl Mason-Herrera, 575-646-7523, nmdahr@nmda.nmsu.edu

Contingent Upon Funding: Contingent upon funding

Bargaining Unit Eligibility: This is NOT a bargaining unit position with American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees (AFSCME).

Standard Work Schedule: Standard (M-F, 8-5)

If Not a Standard Work Schedule: 

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

Environment: Work involves almost constant exposure to unusual elements: i.e. extreme temp, toxic chemicals, biohazardous materials, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, loud noises, other potentially dangerous materials/situations that require safety precaution/protective equip

Physical Effort: Moderate physical activity.

Lifting Requirements: Requires heavy physical work; heavy lifting, pushing, or pulling required of objects up to 50 pounds.

Risk: Work environment involves exposure to potentially dangerous materials and situations that require following extensive safety precautions and may include the use of protective equipment.