Chemist 2

Salary : $59,616.00 - $80,112.00 Annually

Location : Thurston County - Olympia, WA

Job Type: Full Time - Permanent

Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid

Job Number: 2023-3244-08076

Department: Liquor and Cannabis Board

Division: Enforcement and Education

Opening Date: 07/07/2023

Closing Date: Continuous

Description

WSLCB Vision
Safe communities for Washington State.

Mission
Promote public safety and trust through fair administration, education and enforcement of liquor, tobacco, cannabis and vapor laws.

This recruitment is open until filled. First review of applications will be July 28th, 2023. The hiring authority reserves the right and may exercise the option to make a hiring decision at any time. We encourage all to apply as early as possible.

These positions are currently eligible to telework. These positions are required to work in the office at least 2 days a week. This may change based on business needs.

Who we are

The mission of the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (WSLCB) is to promote public safety and trust through fair administration, education and enforcement of liquor, cannabis, tobacco, and vapor laws. We search for people who demonstrate a strong work ethic, excellence in customer service, partnering and teamwork, and quality performance.

We want to create a culture that fosters excellence in customer service, open and honest communication, transparency and accountability, data driven decisions, and business-initiated process improvement.

Our commitment to DEIB

The WSLCB strives to promote Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB)in all aspects of our work. This includes a commitment to our workforce and external stakeholders.

It is our mission to build, educate, and inspire an inclusive environment that recognizes, respects, and celebrates diversity in the workplace and in the community we serve. We are committed to maintaining a thriving culture where employees and those we serve feel safe and accepted regardless of education, background, or beliefs. As a WSLCB team member, you will have opportunity to join statewide business resource groups (BRGs) such as, Rainbow Alliance and Inclusion Network, Veteran Employee Resource Group, Latino Leadership Network, Blacks United in Leadership and Diversity, Disability Inclusion Network, Washington Immigrant Network and Hawaiians, Asians, and Pacific Islanders Promoting an Empowerment Network.

Your opportunity at a glance

The WSLCB Enforcement and Education Division is announcing an exciting opportunity for a Chemist 2 position inOlympia, WAThis position acts as a liaison between WSLCB and cannabis producers and processors, laboratories, and other state agencies on non-licensing, financial, and enforcement issues. The position acts as a subject matter expert in certain aspects of the cannabis industry and I-502 regulatory structure, acting as a resource on understanding cannabis production and specified compliance requirements under rule, including reporting, medical compliant products, quality control testing, package and labeling, record keeping, security requirements, allowable pesticides, soil amendments, fertilizers, other crop production aids, and destruction of waste.

The position also acts as the subject matter expert for the reporting system and conducts data analysis and forensics to assist with research, financial analysis, and enforcement. The position will support ongoing work and partnerships with other state agencies.

WSLCB provides a modern work environment and excellent benefits including:

• A comprehensive (including but not limited to Medical/Dental/Vision, Long Term Disability, Life Insurance etc.)
• Paid
• (enrollment in courses at state universities/colleges on a space availability basis - all or a portion of the tuition/fees may be waived for state employees)
• Tuition reimbursement (courses taken with prior approval in order to further employee's career development with the WSLCB)
• Training and career development programs (including online courses and LinkedIn Learning)
• A healthy work/life balance (this may include flexible/alternative work schedules and telework/remote work opportunities, when possible)
• - confidential program created to promote the health, safety and well-being of public service employees
• Generous wellness program (we offer reimbursements for certain fitness related activities)
• Onsite exercise facility (for employees working at WSLCB Headquarter Building in Olympia)
• Infants at Work Program to promote parent and infant bonding, parental well-being and healthy infant development. Depending on your job duties, work location and supervisor approval, eligible employees who are new mothers, fathers or legal guardians can bring their infant (six weeks to six months) when they return to work.
• Free parking

Duties
Some of the duties you will perform are:

• Supports the development of laboratory routines and procedures for handling of high-volume testing under standards-maintenance programs. Investigates erratic findings through lab results in reporting data, certificates of analysis, and on-site lab follow-up if needed. Coordinates between WSLCB departments regarding lab data and subsequent action needed.
• Determines procedures for separating, identifying, and measuring quantities of novel chemical components in cannabis, cannabis-infused products, and other samples, consults chemical journals and other technical literature for techniques which may be used or adapted for use.
• Provides up to date guidance regarding current and emerging testing methods adopted for the analysis of cannabis and cannabis products such as microbiological analysis and operation of electronic analytical instruments used for identification and measurement of chemical components such as gas chromatographs, infrared spectrophotometers, liquid chromatographs, and mass spectrometers.
• Writes laboratory analysis and research reports, presents findings to agencies, committees, and individuals within the general procedural framework.
• Performs frequent quality control checks of the data maintained by the agency to ensure accuracy and integrity.
• Prepares and disseminates reports on relevant trends for use by agency staff and other stakeholders.
• Produces complex reports for use by diverse groups such as division and agency management, state agencies, licensees, and industry organizations.
• Research, analyze, evaluate, and correlate information to determine source reliability, accuracy, and precision. This work will be used to distinguish trends and develop appropriate responses.
• Maintains working knowledge of the cannabis industry and compliance requirements under rule for such things as reporting, quality control testing, record keeping, cannabis production, and processing methods, medically compliant products, allowable pesticides, soil amendments, destruction of waste, high-risk products, allowable hydrocarbons and other solvents, and professional grade closed-looped extraction systems.
• Reviews quality control (QC) pesticide traceability data and WSDA laboratory reports for random and investigatory pesticide sampling. Assist with determining if a producer/processor should be investigated for the use of unauthorized pesticides.
• Provides up to date guidance, and on-site technical assistance to Enforcement staff at cannabis-licensed locations and certified laboratories. Produces corresponding reports on information and findings.

Qualifications
Required Qualifications:

• A Bachelor's degree with a major in chemistry or a Bachelor's degree with a minimum of 30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours of college level chemistry and two years of experience performing chemical analysis in an analytical laboratory.

OR

• One year of experience as a Chemist 1.
  
  NOTE: A Master's degree will substitute for two years of the required experience provided a Bachelor's degree and the required college-level chemistry has been achieved.

AND

• Advanced skills and demonstrated experience leveraging large complex datasets for impactful trends and relevant insights.
• Advanced skills in Excel and Visual Basic, including the ability to summarize and create informative visualizations from large complex datasets using pivot tables.
• Proficient skills in Microsoft Office Suite Software, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and PowerBI.

REQUIRED ABILITIES:

• Ability to write clear and concise summaries and reports for executive leaders
• Ability to deliver exceptional customer service to internal and external customers.
• Ability to comprehend and follow complex technical written or oral directions/instructions.
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• Ability to handle and maintain the integrity and confidentiality of highly sensitive material and information.
• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.
• Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference.
• Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions.
• Techniques required to produce technical reports in an appropriate format, link charts, association matrices, and other specialized reports and graphic presentations.
• Ability to analyze and interpret complex data and present results in a manner that is appropriate to your audience.
• Ability to read, understand, interpret, and explain a wide range of complex documents, policies, rules, and law relating to the cannabis industry and regulatory system.
• Ability to work both independently and in a team environment.
• Willingness and ability to remain current on job specific procedures through various sources, training courses, and organizational meetings to keep abreast of current changes and events relating to the cannabis industry.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT:

• Willingness to enter cannabis laboratories, production, processing, and retailfacilities by themselves.

Preferred/Desired Qualifications:

• Master's degree or PHD in Chemistry and direct experience with lab accreditation.
• Two or more years of experience conducting research and analyzing policies, laws, rules, or regulations or comparable combination of graduate education and experience.
• Two or more years of data analysis experience, including but not limited to: descriptive and inferential statistical analysis, modeling, data forensics, and forecasting.
• Two or more years of experience conducting research and analyzing policies, laws, rules, or regulations or comparable combination of graduate education and experience.
• Experience working in a liaison capacity representing an organization and working with a diverse group of government agencies and private organizations.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, ability to build mutually beneficial relationships within and outside the Liquor and Cannabis Board.
• Experience with public speaking and presenting technical material to non-technical audiences.

Supplemental Information

HOW TO APPLYPLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION CAREFULLY TO ENSURE YOU HAVE SUBMITTED THE REQUIRED MATERIALS TO BE CONSIDERED.

IMPORTANT: To be considered for this position, you MUST include the following, failure to do so will result in your application being disqualified:

1. Completed online application.
2. Current Resume.
3. Letter of Interest describing how you meet the specific qualifications for the position.
4. Three professional references to include a current or recent supervisor with email addresses and phone numbers.
5. Attach your unofficial transcripts showing you have taken 30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours of college-level chemistry. (If you do not attach your transcripts and you are offered an interview, you will need to send them to us prior to interviewing).

**A resume will not substitute for completing the "work experience" section of the application.The information provided in your application and supplemental questionnaire must support your selected answers in the supplemental questions. Responses not supported in your application will disqualify you for consideration of employment from this recruitment.

Prior to a new hire, 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.
OtherApplicants for employment with the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board should also be aware of RCW 66.08.080, which states in part: "No employee of the board shall have any interest, directly or indirectly, in the manufacture of liquor sold under this title, or derive any profit or remuneration from the sale of liquor, other than the salary or wages payable to him in respect of his office or position, and shall receive no gratuity from any person in connection with such business.

RCW 69.50.351, no member of the state liquor and cannabis board and no employee of the state liquor and cannabis board shall have any interest, directly or indirectly, in the producing, processing, or sale of cannabis, useable cannabis, or cannabis-infused products, or derive any profit or remuneration from the sale of cannabis, useable cannabis, or cannabis-infused products other than the salary or wages payable to him or her in respect of his or her office or position, and shall receive no gratuity from any person in connection with the business.

The Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from job seekers with diverse backgrounds. Honoring diversity, equity and inclusion means that as an agency, and as individuals, we are committed to ensuring that all employees enjoy a respectful, safe, and supportive working environment.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination based on sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, honorably discharged veteran or military status, sexual orientation including gender expression or identity, the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability. You are welcome to include your name and gender pronouns in your application, to ensure we address you appropriately throughout the application process.

For questions about this recruitment, or to request reasonable accommodation in the application process, please email or call (360) 664.1674. For TTY service, please call the at 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.

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, are entitled to three (3) 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 12-31-2022

01

Which of the following best describes your highest level of education with a major in chemistry or a degree with a minimum of 30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours of college level chemistry?

• Associate's Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree
• PhD Degree
• I do not have a degree

02

Please list your degree(s) and major(s) of study.

03

Which of the following statement best describes your professional experience performing chemical analysis in an analytical laboratory. This may include experience operating and performing operational calibrations on electronic analytical instruments for the identification and measurement of chemical components and radiation. This may include instrumentation such as mass spectrometers, gas chromatographs, infrared spectrophotometers, polariscopes, and radiation analyzers, for which standards and techniques have been recorded in chemical journals, manufacturers guides, and other chemical analytical literature, employing known methods of sample preparation for trace analysis?

• I have at least 1 year of experience
• I have 1 year of experience as a Chemist 1.
• I have at least 2 years of experience
• None of the above statements apply

04

In support of the question above, describe your experience as it relates to this position. Be specific as to name(s), date(s) of employment, titles/roles, and specific duties performed. If you do not have this experience, please indicate N/A. "See Resume" will be considered an incomplete answer.

05

Do you possess skills and demonstrated experience in data analysis, leveraging complex datasets to create meaningful reports and visualizations using software such as Excel?

• Yes
• No

06

Describe your experience in data analysis, working with complex datasets. Include where you gained this experience. If you do not have this type of experience, please indicate N/A. "See Resume" will be considered an incomplete answer.

07

Do you possess skills and demonstrated experience working in the field or conducting laboratory audits?

• Yes
• No

08

Describe your experience working in the field or conducting laboratory audits. Include where you gained this experience. If you do not have this type of experience, please indicate N/A. "See Resume" will be considered an incomplete answer.

09

Are you a current WLSCB employee?

• Yes
• No

10

How did you learn about this job posting?

• Careers.wa.gov
• WSLCB website
• WorkSource
• indeed
• Monster.com
• Handshake
• GovernmentJobs.com
• LinkedIn
• Referred by a WSLCB employee
• Veterans related job board
• Family Member or friend.

11

If you selected "Referred by a WSLCB employee", please list the name of the employee. If this does not apply, type N/A.

Required Question