Job Requisition ID: 56655
Opening Date: 06/16/2026
Closing Date: 06/30/2026
Agency: Department of Agriculture
Class Title: CHEMIST I - 06941
Skill Option: UMP Credential
Bilingual Option: None
Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary (Effective 7/1/25) $5572 a month; Full Range $5572 - $7898 a month
Job Type: Salaried
Category: Full Time
County: Sangamon
Number of Vacancies: 1
Bargaining Unit Code: RC062 Technical Employees, AFSCME
Merit Comp Code:
This position is a union position; therefore, provisions of the relevant collective bargaining agreement/labor contract apply to the filling of this position.
All applicants who want to be considered for this position MUST apply electronically through the illinois.jobs2web.com website. State of Illinois employees should click the link near the top left to apply through the SuccessFactors employee career portal.
Applications submitted via email or any paper manner (mail, fax, hand delivery) will not be considered.
Why Work for Illinois?
Working with the State of Illinois is a testament to the values of compassion, equity, and dedication that define our state. Whether you’re helping to improve schools, protect our natural resources, or support families in need, you’re part of something bigger—something that touches the lives of every person who calls Illinois home.
No matter what state career you’re looking for, we offer jobs that fit your life and your schedule—flexible jobs that provide the gold standard of benefits. Our employees can take advantage of various avenues to advance their careers and realize their dreams. Our top-tier benefits and great retirement packages can help you build a rewarding career and lasting future with the State of Illinois.
The Bureau of Environmental Programs is seeking a Chemist I to join our pesticide laboratory. The Chemist I performs chemical analysis on a variety of samples; interprets instrument data; interprets test results and assumes responsibility for accuracy of tests, reports, and findings. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong communication skills, attention to detail and the ability to adapt to evolving priorities in a collaborative, fast-paced laboratory environment.
- Prepares samples for chemical analysis in the pesticide laboratory.
- Interprets instrument data, calculates analytical results and prepares reports of analyses.
- Performs analysis of prepared samples by High Performance Liquid Chromatography with ultraviolet detection (HPLC/UV), Gas Chromatography with Electron-capture detection (GC/ECD), Gas Chromatography with Flame-ionization detection (GC/FID), Gas Chromatography with Mass Selective Detection (GC/MSD) and High Performance Liquid Chromatography with triple quadruple mass spectrometer (LC/MS/MS).
- Performs routine preventative maintenance on laboratory instruments and equipment.
- Prepares standard solutions and analytical reagent solutions and documents their preparation.
- Cleans and prepares glassware for analysis.
- Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.
- Requires completion of four years of college from a recognized university including at least 32 hours of chemistry.
- Qualifying state employees in the Upward Mobility Program shall have the stated requirements of this classification waived by successful completion of specific proficiency tests and training programs.
- Prefers at least 10 hours in laboratory coursework and successful completion of coursework in Analytical Chemistry or Instrumental Analysis.
- Prefers working knowledge of the principles, practices and techniques of chemical analysis as applied in analytical work.
- Prefers working knowledge with assuming responsibility for extreme accuracy in analysis and setting up and using sensitive laboratory equipment.
- Prefers working knowledge with direct, hands-on operating and troubleshooting Liquid Chromatography (LC) and Gas Chromatography (GC) coupled with Mass Spectrometry (MS/MS).
- Prefers working knowledge of pesticide residue extraction (e.g., Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, and Safe (QuEChERS) or Solid Phase Extraction) and analysis in complex matrices like vegetation, soil, or water.
- Prefers working knowledge with EPA or FDA pesticide residue methodologies and data validation guidelines.
- Prefers working knowledge of groundwater monitoring protocols and the ability to interpret label guarantee compliance data for pesticides.
- Prefers working knowledge to include the ability to interpret technical data, follow precise analytical protocols, and execute verbal and written instructions within a laboratory setting.
- Requires completion of a name-based background screening and self-disclosure of criminal history.
Work Hours: 8:00am - 4:30pm Monday - Friday
Headquarter Location: 801 E Sangamon Ave, Springfield, Illinois, 62702
Work County: Sangamon
Agency Contact: Bureau of Human Resources
Email: [email protected]
Phone #: 217-785-5099
Posting Group: Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics
This title is within the Upward Mobility Program (UMP). General Program information can be found by clicking on the Upward Mobility Program link or for specific title information at UMP Titles. To utilize upward mobility contractual rights for this position, employees must apply internally and must upload a copy of the UMP grade notice to their application documents prior to submission. UMP grades can be uploaded to the Additional Documents OR Grade Documentation section of the application.
The Illinois Department of Agriculture administers an annual budget of approximately $200 million and employs more than 400 people statewide, with several hundred more seasonal employees hired during the summer to support the Illinois State Fair and Du Quoin State Fair. Separate bureaus administer programs and services directed at conserving the State's land and water resources; protecting the health and welfare of livestock and companion animals; overseeing state and county fairs; regulating seed, feed, and fertilizer products; ensuring the financial stability of grain dealers and warehouses; promoting Illinois food and agricultural products; and operating the State's horse racing programs.
AGR values employees with different backgrounds, life experiences, and talents.
AGR offers a robust benefit package including;
- Monday-Friday work schedule
- Flexible work schedules in many program areas
- Health, life, vision, and dental insurance
- 12 Weeks paid maternity/paternity leave
- Pension Plan
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness
- Deferred Compensation, and other pre-tax benefit programs
- Employees earn twelve (12) paid sick days annually
- Ten to twenty-five (10-25) paid vacation days based on years of service
- Employees earn three (3) paid personal days pro-rated based on start date
- Thirteen - Fourteen (13-14) paid state holidays annually
For more information regarding State of Illinois Benefits follow this link: https://www2.illinois.gov/cms/benefits/Pages/default.aspx
If this opportunity appeals to you, please apply today!
This position DOES NOT contain “Specialized Skills” (as that term is used in CBAs).
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
If you are not already signed in, you will be prompted to do so.
State employees should sign in to the career portal for State of Illinois employees – a link is available at the top left of the Illinois.jobs2web.com homepage in the blue ribbon.
Non-State employees should log in on the using the “View Profile” link in the top right of the Illinois.jobs2web.com homepage in the blue ribbon. If you have never before signed in, you will be prompted to create an account.
If you have questions about how to apply, please see the following resources:
State employees: Log in to the career portal for State employees and review the Internal Candidate Application Job Aid
Non-State employees: on Illinois.jobs2web.com – click “Application Procedures” in the footer of every page of the website.
The main form of communication will be through email. Please check your “junk mail”, “spam”, or “other” folder for communication(s) regarding any submitted application(s). You may receive emails from the following addresses:
