CHEMIST I

CHEMIST I – IPR#47167

Agency : Department of Transportation 
Closing Date/Time: 06/04/2024 
Salary:  $4,316 - $7,534 MONTHLY

Anticipated Salary Range: $4,316 - $5,816 MONTHLY
Job Type: Salaried 
County:  Sangamon
Number of Vacancies: 3
Plan/BU:  NR916 Teamsters

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.

Agency Mission Statement

The Illinois Department of Transportation is seeking to hire Chemists.

The IDOT team works diligently to provide safe, cost-effective transportation for Illinois in ways that enhance quality of life, promote economic prosperity and protect our environment. We are problem solvers and leaders, constantly searching for innovations and improvements in support of our commitment to providing the best multimodal transportation system for Illinois.

Our team fosters a culture of inclusivity. We value diversity and hold ourselves to the highest ethical standards as we work together for a common purpose. Team members frequently collaborate with colleagues and others outside the department to best meet customer needs. 

The department offers extensive training and career advancement opportunities.  Employees also receive a robust benefit package including:

• Monday-Friday work schedule
• Flexible work schedules are available in many program areas.
• Health, Life, Vision, and Dental Insurance
• Pension Plan
• (10) Weeks paid Maternity/Paternity Leave
• Deferred Compensation Program and other pre-tax benefit programs (Medical/Daycare)
• Employees earn (12) paid Sick Days annually.
• New Employees earn (10) paid Vacation Days their first year of service and can earn up to (25) paid Vacation Days annually.
• Employees earn (3) paid Personal Days annually.
• (13-14) paid holidays annually (based on start date)
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program and/or mental health resources

We invite qualified applicants to apply to become part of our team. We are confident that you will take pride in serving Illinois and its residents and visitors.

Job Responsibilities

Under immediate supervision, this position performs chemical tests in the laboratory on materials used in highway construction and maintenance.

Samples tested per day: 15 +/-
Types of materials used: 115 +/-
New products tested annually: 8 – 15

This position reports to the Supervising Chemist (Analytic). There are no subordinates reporting to this position.

This position works in the chemical testing laboratories where they perform chemical and physical tests on materials to ensure that quality products are used in the construction and maintenance of highways and bridges throughout the state of Illinois. Dangerous and hazardous chemicals are used and tested in this laboratory and the incumbent complies with Safety Data Sheets (SDS), the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), and the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) specifications. Based on the data from test results, decisions are made as to the suitability of materials for their intended use. Data is also distributed to the purchaser and/or user of the materials. This position works with spreadsheets, databases, worksheets, and reporting forms to effectively derive and communicate test results. 

The greatest challenge of this position is becoming familiar with the chemical and physical characteristics of materials, as found on SDS’s, to prevent accidents from occurring.

Under immediate supervision, the incumbent works primarily in the laboratory conducting simple and routine chemical and physical tests on samples received from the districts, other bureaus, field personnel, and/or out of state contracted inspectors. This position assists experienced chemists with more complex testing. The incumbent rotates between the Asphalt Sub-Unit Laboratory and the Analytic Sub-Unit Laboratory to ensure proper operational coverage. This position performs periodic maintenance, calibration, verification, and necessary repairs on laboratory apparatus and equipment. Occasionally, the incumbent will be sent into the field under supervision.

This position has the freedom in accomplishing assigned responsibilities. Problems for which a solution falls outside the policies of the department and the Bureau of Materials are referred to the Supervising Chemist (Analytic) for resolution. The incumbent operates within department specifications, ASTM standards, and AASHTO Test Methods and Specifications adopted or modified by the department. 

Job Responsibilities Continued

The incumbent’s primary contacts are within the Bureau of Materials. However, this position may have occasional contact with other departmental bureau and district offices. The incumbent has a limited need for contact outside the department. This position requires occasional statewide travel which may include overnight stays. Successful completion of a background check is required.

The effectiveness of this position is measured by their success in satisfactorily completing assigned work by scheduled target dates, performing tests accurately, and demonstrating knowledge of laboratory procedures and techniques. The incumbent’s effectiveness is measured by how rapidly s/he shows initiative, learns and assumes more responsibility, and produces quality work.

Principal Accountabilities

1. Applies the appropriate specifications, procedures, and techniques used to test materials in the laboratory to obtain accurate results.
2. Performs and/or assists in performing tests on material samples.
3. Keeps current on technical advances in the industry and in the field of materials testing to broaden his/her capabilities.
4. Keeps work environment clean to ensure that the laboratory is healthy and safe.
5. Ensures the proper disposal of waste materials.
6. Performs duties in compliance with departmental safety rules. Performs all duties in a manner conducive to the fair and equitable treatment of all employees.
7. Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Position Requirements

• Completion of a bachelor's degree in chemistry or chemical engineering.
• Occasional statewide travel which may include overnight stay.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Successful completion of a background check.

Position Desirables

• Experience in the practice of analytical chemistry within a chemical testing laboratory.
• Knowledge of the operation and theory of various analytical instruments.
• Knowledge of comprehensive laboratory safety practices.
• Experience working with spreadsheets, databases, worksheets, and reporting forms in a laboratory testing environment.
• Experience in generating and interpreting sound and accurate laboratory data.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.

Work Hours: 8:00 A.M. - 4:30 P.M. Monday - Friday
Work Location:  126 E Ash St, Springfield, Illinois, 62704

Office: Office of Highways Project Implementation/Bureau of Materials

Agency Contact:  

Posting Group:  Transportation ; Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Use the “Apply” button at the top right or bottom right of this posting to begin the application process.

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.

Seasonal and temporary workers should use a personal e-mail address when applying for jobs.

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: