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Job Description
CHEMIST I
State of Illinois - 3.7 Springfield, IL Job Details Permanent | Full-time $5,572 - $7,898 a month 9 hours ago Benefits Paid parental leave Paid holidays Dental insurance Pension plan Parental leave Vision insurance Loan forgiveness Flexible schedule Paid sick time Qualifications Bilingual Hydrochemical analysis EPA Chemical extraction Environmental chemistry Laboratory equipment routine checks Data validation techniques Sample preparation Soil analysis Environmental laboratory testing High-performance liquid chromatographs Equipment troubleshooting Groundwater monitoring Laboratory test results documentation Analysis skills Laboratory reports Materials analysis (analytical chemistry specialty) Laboratory quality control Laboratory sample extraction Spectrometer Laboratory preventive maintenance Data interpretation Cleaning Mass spectrometers (MS) Chemistry Technical troubleshooting support Chemical testing Communication skills Entry level Environmental laboratory environment Full Job Description We continually strive for a workforce that reflects the growing diversity within the State of Illinois. A variety of employee backgrounds, perspectives, ideas and experiences are crucial to our ability to most effectively serve the public. Bilingual skills welcome Reasonable Accommodation Statement The State of Illinois is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to people with disabilities. Further, federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job, interview for a job, or for any other activity related to the hiring process. Examples of reasonable accommodation include, but are not limited to, making a change to the application process (if possible), providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment. To be provided a Reasonable Accommodation during the hiring process, you will need to provide a certification of disability from a physician, psychiatrist, school official or an Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Counselor. Supporting documentation should be uploaded under My Documents Additional Documents section for each application. Any questions on Reasonable Accommodations can be directed to Central Management Services Disability Resource Center at or call (217) 524-7514 for further information and to request or discuss an accommodation. Sponsorship for Employment The State of Illinois does not provide sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H-1B visa status), nor is the State able to provide extensions of optional practical training (OPT) under the STEM-designated degree program for F-1 students. To be considered for permanent employment with the State of Illinois, applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Disclosure of Salary Information In compliance with the Illinois Equal Pay Act, 820 ILCS 112/1 et seq., the State does not seek, request, or require a job applicant's wage or salary history. Employment decisions are not made based on an applicant's wage or salary history. To that end, please do not include wage or salary information in your resume or other profile or application materials .
Date:
Jun 15, 2026
Location:
Springfield, IL, US, 62702
Job Requisition ID:
56655
Job Requisition ID:
56655
Opening Date:
06/16/2026
Closing Date:
06/30/2026
Agency:
Department of Agriculture Class Title:
CHEMIST I - 06941
Skill Option:
UMP Credential Bilingual Option:
None Salary:
Anticipated Starting Salary (Effective 7/1/25) $5572 a month; Full Range $5572 - $7898 a month
Job Type:
Salaried Category:
Full Time County:
Sangamon Number of Vacancies:
1
Bargaining Unit Code:
RC062
Technical Employees, AFSCME Merit Comp Code:
This position is a union position; therefore, provisions of the relevant collective bargaining agreement/labor contract apply to the filling of this position. All applicants who want to be considered for this position MUST apply electronically through the illinois.jobs2web.com website. State of Illinois employees should click the link near the top left to apply through the SuccessFactors employee career portal. Applications submitted via email or any paper manner (mail, fax, hand delivery) will not be considered. Why Work for Illinois? Working with the State of Illinois is a testament to the values of compassion, equity, and dedication that define our state. Whether you're helping to improve schools, protect our natural resources, or support families in need, you're part of something bigger—something that touches the lives of every person who calls Illinois home. No matter what state career you're looking for, we offer jobs that fit your life and your schedule—flexible jobs that provide the gold standard of benefits. Our employees can take advantage of various avenues to advance their careers and realize their dreams. Our top-tier benefits and great retirement packages can help you build a rewarding career and lasting future with the State of Illinois. Position Overview The Bureau of Environmental Programs is seeking a Chemist I to join our pesticide laboratory. The Chemist I performs chemical analysis on a variety of samples; interprets instrument data; interprets test results and assumes responsibility for accuracy of tests, reports, and findings. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong communication skills, attention to detail and the ability to adapt to evolving priorities in a collaborative, fast-paced laboratory environment. Essential Functions Prepares samples for chemical analysis in the pesticide laboratory. Interprets instrument data, calculates analytical results and prepares reports of analyses. Performs analysis of prepared samples by High Performance Liquid Chromatography with ultraviolet detection (HPLC/UV), Gas Chromatography with Electron-capture detection (GC/ECD), Gas Chromatography with Flame-ionization detection (GC/FID), Gas Chromatography with Mass Selective Detection (GC/MSD) and High Performance Liquid Chromatography with triple quadruple mass spectrometer (LC/MS/MS). Performs routine preventative maintenance on laboratory instruments and equipment. Prepares standard solutions and analytical reagent solutions and documents their preparation. Cleans and prepares glassware for analysis. Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above. Minimum Qualifications Requires completion of four years of college from a recognized university including at least 32 hours of chemistry. Qualifying state employees in the Upward Mobility Program shall have the stated requirements of this classification waived by successful completion of specific proficiency tests and training programs. Preferred Qualifications Prefers at least 10 hours in laboratory coursework and successful completion of coursework in Analytical Chemistry or Instrumental Analysis. Prefers working knowledge of the principles, practices and techniques of chemical analysis as applied in analytical work. Prefers working knowledge with assuming responsibility for extreme accuracy in analysis and setting up and using sensitive laboratory equipment. Prefers working knowledge with direct, hands-on operating and troubleshooting Liquid Chromatography (LC) and Gas Chromatography (GC) coupled with Mass Spectrometry (MS/MS). Prefers working knowledge of pesticide residue extraction (e.g., Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, and Safe (QuEChERS) or Solid Phase Extraction) and analysis in complex matrices like vegetation, soil, or water. Prefers working knowledge with EPA or FDA pesticide residue methodologies and data validation guidelines. Prefers working knowledge of groundwater monitoring protocols and the ability to interpret label guarantee compliance data for pesticides. Prefers working knowledge to include the ability to interpret technical data, follow precise analytical protocols, and execute verbal and written instructions within a laboratory setting. Conditions of Employment Requires completion of a name-based background screening and self-disclosure of criminal history.
Work Hours:
8:00am - 4:30pm Monday -
Friday Headquarter Location:
801 E Sangamon Ave, Springfield, Illinois, 62702
Work County:
Sangamon Agency Contact:
Bureau of Human Resources Email:
Phone #: 217-785-5099
Posting Group:
Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics This title is within the Upward Mobility Program (UMP) . General Program information can be found by clicking on the Upward Mobility Program link or for specific title information at UMP Titles. To utilize upward mobility contractual rights for this position, employees must apply internally and must upload a copy of the UMP grade notice to their application documents prior to submission . UMP grades can be uploaded to the Additional Documents OR Grade Documentation section of the application. The Illinois Department of Agriculture administers an annual budget of approximately $200 million and employs more than 400 people statewide, with several hundred more seasonal employees hired during the summer to support the Illinois State Fair and Du Quoin State Fair. Separate bureaus administer programs and services directed at conserving the State's land and water resources; protecting the health and welfare of livestock and companion animals; overseeing state and county fairs; regulating seed, feed, and fertilizer products; ensuring the financial stability of grain dealers and warehouses; promoting Illinois food and agricultural products; and operating the State's horse racing programs. AGR values employees with different backgrounds, life experiences, and talents. AGR offers a robust benefit package including; Monday-Friday work schedule Flexible work schedules in many program areas Health, life, vision, and dental insurance 12 Weeks paid maternity/paternity leave Pension Plan Public Service Loan Forgiveness Deferred Compensation, and other pre-tax benefit programs Employees earn twelve (12) paid sick days annually Ten to twenty-five (10-25) paid vacation days based on years of service Employees earn three (3) paid personal days pro-rated based on start date Thirteen - Fourteen (13-14) paid state holidays annually For more information regarding State of Illinois Benefits follow this link: https://www2.illinois.gov/cms/benefits/Pages/default.aspx If this opportunity appeals to you, please apply today! This position
DOES NOT
contain "Specialized Skills" (as that term is used in CBAs).
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
If you are not already signed in, you will be prompted to do so. State employees should sign in to the career portal for State of Illinois employees - a link is available at the top left of the Illinois.jobs2web.com homepage in the blue ribbon. Non-State employees should log in on the using the "View Profile" link in the top right of the Illinois.jobs2web.com homepage in the blue ribbon. If you have never before signed in, you will be prompted to create an account. If you have questions about how to apply, please see the following resources: State employees: Log in to the career portal for State employees and review the Internal Candidate Application Job Aid Non-State employees: on Illinois.jobs2web.com - click "Application Procedures" in the footer of every page of the website. The main form of communication will be through email. Please check your "junk mail", "spam", or "other" folder for communication(s) regarding any submitted application(s). You may receive emails from the following addresses:
