Chemist 2 - In-Training

Salary : $63,252.00 - $84,984.00 Annually Location : Yakima County - Yakima, WA Job Type: Full Time - Permanent Job Number: 2026-00751 Department: Dept. of Agriculture Division: Plant Protection - Chemical and Hop Lab Opening Date: 02/24/2026 Closing Date: Continuous Salary Information: The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step Description Apply early! This posting will remain open until filledThis is an in-training opportunity and may be hired as Chemist 1 or Chemist 2, depending on qualifications. AGRICULTURE - A Cornerstone of Washington's Economy The Washington State Department of Agriculture has been serving the state for more than 100 years. Through service, regulation, and advocacy, we keep agriculture viable and vital in Washington State, while protecting consumers, public health, and the environment. We work extensively with farmers and ranchers, but our responsibilities - from ensuring food safety to environmental protection - touch the lives of millions of people locally, nationally, and abroad. The agency includes 780 employees approximately and grows close to 1,000 employees at the peak of seasonal work. To learn more and view additional openings, please visit our Employment Page. The Opportunity: The Chemical and Hop Laboratory within the Plant Protection Division supports several agency programs by analyzing samples taken in investigations of alleged pesticide misuse and analyzing feed and fertilizer samples. The program monitors for pesticide residues in food and dairy products. The laboratory also carries out physical grading and chemical analysis of the hop crop to ensure orderly international and domestic marketing. As a Chemist 2 In-Training you will perform routine and non-routine tests that are highly complex analysis on agricultural food environmental or input products for pesticides, chemical residues, nutrients, and elements. This position will primarily work within the Environmental and Cannabis sections but will also work in other laboratory sections with supervisory or management approval. Laboratory results are provided to state, federal, and/or industry partners helping to assure consumer protection and to provide evidentiary information for compliance with regulatory levels or label guarantees. Important Notes: WSDA is recruiting for a full-time permanent Chemist 2 position within the Plant Protection Division. This position is located in Yakima, Washington and is represented by Washington Public Employees Association (WPEA) Union. What is an in-training plan? The in-training plan is intended to provide an opportunity for an individual to gain the required experience on the job as part of a formal "in-training" plan. Upon successful completion of an in-training plan, the incumbent will move up to the next job classification that is listed on the in-training plan, if applicable. If hired at the Chemist 1 level, the incumbent will be required to successfully complete the training plan to reach the goal class of a Chemist 2. The base pay offered will take into account internal equity and may vary depending on the preferred candidate's job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The base pay offered will take into account internal equity and may vary depending on the preferred candidate's job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The typical starting salary range for this position is: Based on qualifications the annually salary range: If hired as a Chemist 1- In-Training: Range 50, Step A $54,504 - Step L $71,472 Annually If hired as a Chemist 2: Range 56, Step A $63,252 - Step L $82,872 Annually DutiesInclude, but not limited to:Analytical Instrumentation Operate, maintain, monitor, and troubleshoot analytical instrumentation to ensure systems are ready for analysis. Create and/or update instrumental methods and documented procedures. This may include but not limited to such instruments as LC & GC triple quad mass specs, LC & GC single detectors, and various other laboratory equipment. Sample Extraction Perform sample extractions (bench work), following SOPs and Work Instructions. Data Analysis & Reporting Calculate and verify results; create worksheets and enter data in the Laboratory Information Management System. Review own work to provide results that consistently meet or exceed the needs and expectations of customers. Analytical Standard Preparation Receive standards and log them in. Prepare Neat/Parent standards, mix, working standards and daily injection standards for quantitative analysis. Gases Monitor, maintain, and order house gas supplies on a rotational basis. QualificationsChemist 1 (In-Training) Qualifications:A bachelor's degree with a major in Chemistry or bachelor's degree that includes a minimum of 30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours of college-level chemistry. OR Equivalent education/experience Chemist 2 Qualifications:A bachelor's degree with a major in Chemistry or bachelor's degree that includes a minimum of 30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours of college-level chemistry. AND Two (2) years of experience performing pesticide residue analysis in an analytical laboratory. Including operation and troubleshooting experience with GCMSMS and/or LCMSMS instrumentation. OR One (1) year of experience as a Chemist 1 or higher at Washington State Department of Agriculture. OR A master's degree will substitute for two years of the required experience provide a bachelor's degree and the required college-level chemistry has been achieved. OR Equivalent education/experience In addition to the above qualifications, the following knowledge, skills, and abilities will make a candidate highly desirable:Chemist 1 In-Training: One (1) year of experience performing laboratory bench work and knowledge/operation of either/or analytical instrumentation such as HPLC, GC select detector, LCMS or GCMS triple quad detectors. Chemist 2: Two (2) years' experience performing pesticide residue analysis in an analytical laboratory. Knowledge and experience with QuEChERS extraction technique, GC-FID, GC-MSD, GC-ECD, HPLC, LC/MS/MS, GC/MS/MS, ISO 17025 protocols, method validation practices, and analytical chemistry. Supplemental InformationEmployee BenefitsA healthy work/life balance, which may include flexible work schedules. WSDA provides an excellent benefits package beyond traditional benefits. State employment offers Dependent Care Assistance, Flexible Spending Accounts, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, Tuition Waiver, Deferred Compensation, Employee Recognition Leave; click here for more information. 12 paid Holidays & Vacation and Leave Accruals. All Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required will be provided by the agency. Commute Trip Reduction Program. For more information about the Washington State Department of Agriculture, visit us at How to apply: You must complete your careers.wa.gov profile and answer the supplemental questions. In addition to completing the online application, and supplemental questions applicants must attach the following documents to their profile to be considered for this position:Current resume detailing experience and education A cover letter describing how you meet the specific qualifications for this position Three professional references Copy of unofficial college transcripts. By submitting these materials, you are indicating that all information is true and correct. The state may verify information. Any untruthful or misleading information is cause for removal from the applicant pool or dismissal if employed. Applications with comments "see attachments" will be considered incomplete. If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll-free at (855) 524-5627 or email . The initial screening will be solely based on the contents and completeness of your application and the materials submitted. All information may be verified, and documentation may be required. Applications received via e-mail will not be accepted in lieu of applying through the state's on-line recruitment system. Equity at WSDA The Department of Agriculture recognizes, appreciates, supports, embraces, and respects all cultural identities and backgrounds while we collaborate in authentic ways. We hire amazing people that share in the commitment to our Pro-Equity Anti-Racist (PEAR) strategic plan, our Healthy Environment for All (HEAL) Act implementation plan, and our unique needs and desires for belonging, respect, and inclusion. We value the growth and development of our team members by providing equitable access to resources and opportunities for continuous learning, improvement, and advancement. We strive to hire, cultivate, and retain a productive and dedicated workforce that reflects the communities we serve while we are committed to a workplace that celebrates our differences and supports equal opportunity employment and inclusion regardless of race, creed, color, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, marital status, families with children (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sex, sexual orientation, gender identity diversity, age, status as a protected veteran, honorably discharged veteran or military status, status as an individual with the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with disabilities or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws. Contact Us Should you have any questions regarding this position or the online application, contact the Human Resource Office at Prior to a new appointment into the Department of Agriculture, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position. The Human Resources Division may use referrals from this recruitment to help fill future similar vacancies for up to six months. Veteran's Preference: Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications and wish to claim Veteran's Preference MUST attach a copy of their DD214, or other verification of military service. Please blackout any personally identifiable data such as social security numbers. For additional information on Veteran's Preference and guidance on how to determine if you are eligible, Persons with a disability, who need assistance with their application or need this announcement in an alternative format, may call 664-1960 or toll free (877) 664-1960. TTY users should first call 711 to access the Washington Relay Service. More than Just a Paycheck! Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation. We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs. Read about our benefits: The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time. Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits. Insurance Benefits Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state. Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts. To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs. Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses. Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction. The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees. Retirement and Deferred Compensation State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site. Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options. Social Security All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system. Public Service Loan Forgiveness If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. Holidays Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year. Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information. Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday. Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave. Sick Leave Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave. Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday. Vacation (Annual Leave) Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave. Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday. As provided in , an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165. Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave. Military Leave Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year. Bereavement Leave Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave. Additional Leave Leave Sharing Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Leave Without Pay Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits. Updated 01-07-2026 01 Your preferred name: 02 Your pronoun(s): 03 Are you legally authorized to work in the United States? Yes No 04 Will you now or in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status? Yes No 05 Please let us know where you learned about this job opportunity. 06 To be considered for this position you must attach a resume, cover letter, three professional references, and an unofficial copy of your college transcripts. Have you attached or included these documents to your application? Yes No 07 Do you have a Bachelor's degree with a major in Chemistry or Bachelor's degree in an allied science that includes a minimum of 30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours of college-level chemistry? Yes No No, but I do have equivalent education and/or experience that may substitute 08 Do you have at least two (2) years of experience performing pesticide residue analysis in an analytical laboratory? Including operation and troubleshooting experience with GCMSMS and/or LCMSMS instrumentation. Yes No 09 Do you have one (1) year of experience as a Chemist 1 or higher at Washington State Department of Agriculture? Yes No Required Question

Created: 2026-03-04