Chemist 1

Job Description

The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) has a career opportunity within the Public Health and Safety Division in Helena.

This position performs chemical analyses related to emerging contaminants within the Environmental Laboratory Program. Responsibilities include, but not limited to: Validating and performing complex analytical analyses for emerging contaminants; Developing and implementing quality improvement projects internally and with external partners; Researching best practices to improve laboratory procedures for quality assurance and compliance purposes; Reporting legally defensible data using quality assurance and quality control procedures.

Why Join DPHHS

Our mission at DPHHS is serving Montanans in their communities to improve health, safety, well-being, and empower independence. By joining our department, you will have the opportunity to perform meaningful work in public service to our state and its residents.

The
State of Montana's comprehensive benefits package includes healthcare coverage, retirement plans, paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays, work/life balance, and eligibility to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. In addition, DPHHS is the largest state agency with a wide range of advancement opportunities w
hether you are joining the workforce or have several years of experience.

Qualifications for this Career Opportunity

Advanced knowledge and experience in analytical chemistry testing processes, including experience with instrumentation used for Organics testing.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Knowledge and experience in quality management systems, quality control, quality improvement, and good laboratory practices.
Accute attention to detail and observation skills.
Meet minimum qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry, or physical sciences.
Two years of related laboratory experience in a regulated environment, such as EPA or ISO17025 certified laboratories.
At least two years of experience with instrumentation used for Organics testing.
At least two years of laboratory experience in microbiology, analytical chemistry, and quality assurance practices.
Other combinations of related education and experience may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

How to Apply

To be considered for a DPHHS position, submit the following required documents with your application on the State of Montana Careers website. When submitting the required documents, you must check the "relevant document" box to ensure your attachments are uploaded correctly to your application for this position.

Cover Letter
Resume
References

Successful applicants will be subject to background checks relevant to the position and must pass reference checks before an offer will be extended. DPHHS is an equal opportunity employer. Women, minorities, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. For a copy of the full job description or if you need a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process, contact DPHHS Human Resources listed below.

Additional Information

This position is grant funded through September 30, 2028, with intention to seek additional funding.

Applicant Pool Statement
:

If another department vacancy occurs in this job title within six months, the same applicant pool may be used for the selection.

Training Assignment
:

This agency may use a training assignment. Employees in training assignments may be paid below the base pay established by the agency pay rules. Conditions of the training assignment will be stated in writing at the time of hire.

Salary: $

31.86

-

31.86

Hourly

Telework Eligibility
:

Not Telework Eligible

Benefits Package Eligibility
:

Health Insurance, Paid Leave & Holidays, Retirement Plan

Number of Openings
:

1

Employee Status
:

Regular

Schedule
:

Full-Time

Job Type
:

Standard

Shift
:

Day Job

Travel
:

Yes, 5 % of the Time

Primary Location
:

Helena

Agency
:

Department of Public Health & Human Services

Union
:

Montana Federation of Public Employees

Posting Date
:

Oct 6, 2026, 3:20:26 PM

Closing Date (based on your computer's timezone)
:

Nov 7, 2026, 1:59:00 AM

Required Application Materials
:

Cover Letter, Resume, References

Contact Name
:

Jenny Fowler

|

Contact Email
:

jenny.fowler@mt.gov

|

Contact Phone
:

406-444-3136

Anyone who needs to request a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the HR staff identified on the job listing or by dialing the Montana Relay at 711.
Montana Job Service Offices
also offer services including assistance with submitting an online application.
State government does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, childbirth or medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, creed, political beliefs or affiliation, veteran status, military service, retaliation, or any other factor not related to merit and qualifications of an employee or applicant.

Requirements

minimum qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry, or physical sciences.
Two years of related laboratory experience in a regulated environment, such as EPA or ISO17025 certified laboratories.
At least two years of experience with instrumentation used for Organics testing.
At least two years of laboratory experience in microbiology, analytical chemistry, and quality assurance practices.
Other combinations of related education and experience may be considered on a case-by-case basis.