STEM OPT Chemist Jobs

SOUTH COAST AQMD AND JOB OVERVIEW

This is a transfer opportunity, open only to current South Coast AQMD employees, and is expected to result in a transfer list from which current and future Assistant Air Quality Chemist or Air Quality Chemist vacancies may be filled.

Please note that a transfer application, once accepted, is active for six calendar months.

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES

To view the classification specification, click the link here.

• Conducts qualitative and quantitative chemical and physical analyses of solid, liquid, and gaseous samples taken in connection with air quality monitoring, industrial source testing, compliance, and other air pollution control programs; and determines, within laboratory guidelines and under senior and principal direction, which methods to use to separate, identify and determine the concentration of contaminants.
• Uses a variety of chemical laboratory techniques, such as gas, ion, and liquid chromatography, spectrophotometry, spectroscopy, total combustion analysis, microscopy, wet chemistry, and other analytical methods, to analyze samples; may serve as a functional expert on specific analytical procedures or data-collection methods; and trains or assists in training other laboratory staff on specific procedures and methods.
• Develops and implements new analytical methods, as directed, to meet changing laboratory and South Coast AQMD needs and performs special projects.
• Assures proper chain-of-custody with respect to samples and applies quality assurance/quality control procedures to evaluate laboratory results, including maintaining data, performing peer review of other chemists' work to verify accuracy and appropriateness of data and calculations, flagging errors and problems, recommending modifications, and taking corrective action.
• Applies professional training and experience; keeps abreast of updated and new laboratory methods, instrumentation, procedures, protocols, equipment, and data analysis techniques through review of professional literature and other technical resources; and attends assigned training and conferences.
• Maintains detailed and accurate records related to laboratory work; prepares professional laboratory reports that describe methods and procedures used in analyses and summarize test results and conclusions; and prepares databases and customizes software, as needed.
• Prepares, for senior or principal review, research reports and papers for publication and may present papers at technical meetings and conferences.
• Prepares orders for consumables and other supplies, and may prepare or assist in developing instrument or equipment bid specifications.
• Confers and works collaboratively with other laboratory personnel, South Coast AQMD staff, and contacts outside South Coast AQMD, and participates on various committees and in working groups.
• Testifies in court and before the South Coast AQMD's Hearing Board regarding test methods and results.

MINIMUM AND DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

ELIGIBILITY

• Must currently be in the Assistant Air Quality Chemist or Air Quality Chemist classification.

OR

- To transfer to a new class title, your current classification must have the exact same pay and you must complete the application demonstrating that you meet the minimum requirements for the new class.

Please note: To transfer, an employee must have passed probation (12-month initial probation or 6-month promotional probation).

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in chemistry, preferably with an emphasis in qualitative and quantitative analysis.

Experience: Three years as an Assistant Air Quality Chemist or equivalent.

SUBSTITUTION: A master's degree in chemistry may substitute for up to one year of the required experience; a doctorate in chemistry may substitute for up to two years' experience.

KNOWLEDGE OF: Current methods, procedures, protocols, and instrumentation relating to organic, inorganic, and physical qualitative and quantitative analysis; quality assurance and quality control principles; operational principles of chemical laboratory instrumentation and techniques; principles of electronic circuitry and components; relevant professional research literature and resources; professional report writing; principles and methods of statistical analysis; database design, information management, and computer programming, as they relate to laboratory analysis of air contaminants; safety procedures and practices relating to laboratory work; and PC software applications common to the field and the general business environment of South Coast AQMD.

SKILL OR ABILITY TO: Develop, modify, and employ a variety of analytical methods, techniques and instrumentation in analyzing laboratory samples; maintain, calibrate, modify and repair electronic instrumentation; maintain accurate and complete records and data, input and review quality assurance and quality control data, and prepare written reports on test methods and results; survey literature and other resources for new analytical methods and instrumentation that might be used or adapted for specialized needs; design databases and data analysis procedures; proficiently use PC software applications common to chemical analysis and the general business environment of South Coast AQMD; read, understand, and follow verbal and written instructions; perform chemical laboratory analyses and operate related equipment safely; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; establish and maintain effective relationships with all those contacted in the course of work.

LICENSE: Possession of a valid California Class "C" Driver's License and a good driving record may be required.

PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYEE BENEFIT OVERVIEW

BENEFIT

DESCRIPTION

Monthly Benefit Allotment
$2,022, to purchase medical, dental, and life insurance, with unused portion paid to you as cash. Your insurance coverage becomes effective on the first of the month following completion of 30 days of continuous service. Dependent children may be covered to age 26 on medical, dental and vision plans.
Medical Health Plans
Blue Shield PPO
Blue Shield PPO Savings Plus 2250 (High Deductible Plan)
Blue Shield HMO
Kaiser HMO
Kaiser HSA HMO 1500 (High Deductible Plan)
Dental Plans
Delta Dental PPO (without orthodontic benefits)
Delta Dental PPO (with orthodontic benefits for children only)
DeltaCare (PMI) Dental
Vision Plan
EyeMed – Optional
Life Insurance
$10,000 Term Life Insurance
(Optional additional life insurance, paid by you, at 1X, 2X, or 3X your salary)
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Claremont EAP, powered by Uprise Health. EAP is available to all employees and their families at no cost. EAP offers confidential advice, support and practical solutions to real-life issues.
Accidental Death & Dismemberment
Optional
Section 125
Optional Plans (Medical Reimbursement; Dependent Care)
Work Schedule
Four 10-hour days, Tuesday through Friday
Vacation
80 hours per year, increasing to 120 after five years
Holidays
13 paid holidays per year
Sick Leave
100 hours per year
Other Leaves
Bereavement; Jury Duty; Military; Witness
Tuition Reimbursement
Reimbursed up to $5,000 per year
Deferred Compensation (457 Plan)
Optional (Employee may contribute up to the IRS maximum). South Coast AQMD matches, dollar for dollar up to $300 per year for the regular plan.
Retirement
2.5% @ 67 defined benefit plan – Applies to employees hired on or after January 1, 2013 who, at time of hire, were not members of the San Bernardino County Employees' Retirement Association (SBCERA) or another public employee retirement system through which reciprocity may be established.

2.0% @ 55 defined benefit plan – Applies to employees who, prior to January 1, 2013, were active members of SBCERA or another public employee retirement system through which reciprocity may be established.

Employees pay only the Medicare portion of Social Security.

01/01/2026