Transportation Chemist Trainee - Kanawha County

Salary :

$47,100.14 - $68,450.10

Annually Location :

Materials Control, Soils and Testing Division, 190

Dry Branch Drive, Charleston, WV Job Type:

Full-Time Permanent Job Number:

DOT26MC032A

Division:

West Virginia Department of Transportation District/Subdivision:

Materials, Control, Soil & Testing Division Opening Date:

06/22/2026

Closing Date:

6/28/2026 11:59 PM Eastern Nature of Work

• Disclaimer-if the position is filled after July 1, 2026, then the job opportunity will not be in the classified service
• The Transportation Chemist Trainee will work under the general supervision of the Environmental & Coatings section supervisor.

This position performs professional work at the beginner level testing and analyzing raw, natural and processed substances using prescribed chemical and physical laboratory procedures in order to determine chemical composition or deviation from standards. Changes in procedures or standards are usually accompanied by specific instructions. Work is reviewed by a higher level chemist or supervisor through observation of skill and technique and evaluation of analyses and findings. May be exposed to hazardous or unknown substances. Assignments may include air and/or water pollution analysis, construction materials or environmental health. Performs related work as required.

Pay Grade:

15 Typical Duties and Responsibilities

• Performs standardized laboratory and field sampling and test procedures on substances requiring wet chemical and instrumental analysis
• Analyzes water samples of PH and various natural and pollutant components
• Collects and analyzes air samples for volatile organic pollutants; analyzes samples qualitatively and quantitatively by gas chromatography, mass spectrometry, and associated techniques
• Configures, maintains, and operates air and water quality monitoring instruments
• Calibrates analysis equipment by following standard laboratory procedures
• Analyzes cement samples of compliance with construction standards
• Operates a variety of standard chemical laboratory equipment, such as spectrophotometer, atomic absorption photometer, pH meter, gas chromatograph, and extractors
• Records and reports the results of analyses
• Specific rules, regulations, and procedures that typically involve a complete segment of an assignment or project of broader scope
• Travel may be required; therefore, a valid driver's license is required Skills and Knowledge
• Knowledge of the basic theories, principles, and practices in chemistry
• Knowledge of laboratory techniques, equipment, and terminology
• Knowledge of laboratory measurement procedures and units of measure; knowledge of the mathematics used in chemical measurement
• Knowledge of the laws, regulations, and standards pertinent to analytical work
• Ability to learn and apply general chemical principles to specific assigned procedures
• Ability to use standard laboratory techniques, instruments, and test equipment
• Ability to follow detailed procedures in performing tests and to detect deviation from standards Minimum Requirements

REQUIRED TRAINING/EDUCATION

Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university with a major in the basic or natural sciences and eighteen (18) semester hours or twenty-seven (27) quarter hours in chemistry.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE

This is the entry-level classification in this series. No prior experience is required.

Annual Increment Pay Paid Vacation Paid Holidays Paid Sick Leave Family Medical Leave Leave Donation Program Military Leave Employee Education Reimbursement & Leave Program Flexible Work Schedules Training Opportunities Promotion Opportunities Public Employees' Retirement System:

Employees enrolled in PERS Tier 1 contribute 4.5% of their gross salary. The Employer contributes 9%. Employees enrolled in PERS Tier 2 contribute 6.0% of their gross salary. The Employer contributes 9%. Deferred Compensation Health Insurance Enrollment Additional Coverage Options including Dental, Vision, Flexible Spending Accounts, Disability Insurance and more. Life Insurance Credit Union Employee Discounts