Chemist I

Position Overview

The Illinois Department of Public Health is seeking a highly motivated individual to perform the duties of Chemist 1. Under direct supervision performs professional chemical biological or toxicological analysis on a variety of samples. Duties include but are not limited to regularly interpreting test results and assuming responsibility for accuracy of tests reports findings to appropriate health agencies and law enforcement.

Benefits Statement

As a State of Illinois Employee you will receive a robust benefit package that includes the following:

• Flexible and hybrid work schedules are available in many program areas(when available and dependent upon position)
• Competitive Group Insurance benefits including health life dental and vision plans.
• Pension plan through the State Employees Retirement System
• Deferred Compensation Program voluntary supplemental retirement plan
• Optional pre-tax programs -Medical Care Assistance Plan (MCAP) & Dependent Care Assistant Plan (DCAP)
• 10-25 days of paid vacation time annually (10 days for first year of state employment)
• 12 paid sick days annually which carryover year to year
• 3 paid personal business days per calendar year (pro-rated dependent on start date)
• 13-14 paid holidays per year
• 12 weeks of paid parental leave
• Employee Assistance Program and/or mental health resources

These are just a few of the many perks available to all State employees. For more information about our benefits please follow this link: Functions

• Performs specialized and standard analysis on a variety of samples submitted to the laboratory using analytical instrumentation as necessary.
• Prepares and standardizes reagents and solutions for use on laboratory procedures and quality control.
• Provides assistance to other units.
• Performs routine and preventive maintenance on laboratory equipment used; maintains a file on such maintenance.
• Records findings of procedures performed reporting unequivocal results.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Minimum Requirements

• Requires completion of four (4) years of college including 32 semester hours in chemistry from a recognized college or university.

*This class is included as an Upward Mobility Program credential title.

Preferred Qualifications

• Working knowledge of the principles practices and techniques of organic and inorganic as applied to analytical work.
• Working knowledge of chemistry result analysis and making recommendations based upon results obtained.
• One (1) year experience in reagent preparation and quality control checks of reagents.
• One (1) year experience in test analysis using analytical chemistry instrumentation and preventative maintenance procedures for instrumentation.
• One (1) year experience using computer equipment and software needed to perform daily testing and analysis of test results.
• Elementary knowledge of a laboratory information management system (LIMS).

About the Agency

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is tasked with the oversight of communities within Illinois to achieve and maintain optimal health and safety. With an annual budget of over $2 billion in state and federal funds 6 regional offices 3 laboratories and over 1200 employees IDPH is equipped to fulfill its mission of protecting the health and wellness of the people of Illinois through the prevention health promotion regulation and control of disease and injury.