Description

The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services is seeking a Scientist II for our Public Health Environmental Laboratory.

The Scientist II plays a vital role in supporting Nebraska's drinking water program. The position also serves as the Radiation Safety Officer for the laboratory, ensuring compliance with safety protocols, and contributing to the overall integrity and reliability of water testing processes.

Pay rate: $26.834 hourly until June 30, 2026. $27.438 hourly starting July 1, 2026.

Job Duties:

Analyzing water samples for EPA methods 531.1, 547, and 549.2 for pesticides and herbicides in drinking water and for Radon in water analysis in support of Nebraska's drinking water program. 
Serving as Radiation Safety Officer for the lab.
Serving as backup analyst for other organic methods.
Performing other analytical and quality assurance duties as assigned

Requirements

Requirements / Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's degree with major in chemistry, biology or related field OR Post high school coursework/training in chemistry, biology or related field AND three years of experience in a scientific laboratory.

Preferred Qualifications:

Minimum of a bachelor degree in chemistry, biology, or environmental science and experience in organic analytical testing of water and waste water. 
Previous work in a regulatory environment and experience with radiochemistry testing is preferred.
Previous environmental lab experience or extensive HPLC experience a plus but not required.

Other: Ability to lift up 25 LB containers. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of: the principles of chemistry and radiochemistry related to the work assigned; High Performance Liquid Chromatography with diode array and fluorescence detectors; computer applications such as Word, Excel, and Access; lab safety practices; quality management principles; advanced knowledge of lab instrumentation, operation, and calibration; Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS)
Skill in: applying analytical principles and performing analyses; operating computers and laboratory instruments; interpreting and troubleshooting laboratory results; maintaining lab instruments and work environment in a safe and operable condition; summarizing findings and conclusions of analyses into technical lab reports; reviewing the work of other chemists; technical repair of specialized equipment; safe handling of chemicals and hazardous waste.
Ability to:  communicate effectively; interact with lab staff and the public; understand and follow supervisory instructions, equipment operation manuals, and safety policies; instruct other lab staff in the policies, procedures, and standards of a lab function; interpret data correctly and record results; work with limited supervision; compose correspondence using correct grammar, punctuation and spelling; relay knowledge gained to co-workers to recognize and solve problems; present and conduct themselves in a professional manner at all times when representing the laboratory;
Ability to lift up 25lb containers.