About this role
If you are a current State of Maine employee, please submit your application through the internal application process using the Find Jobs report in PRISM. Seasonal employees who do not have PRISM access should apply through the State’s career page and indicate on the application that they have previously worked for the State.
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Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)
Chemist I
Opening Date: November 3, 2026
Closing Date: November 17, 2026
Job Class Code: 6401
Grade: 21 (04)
Salary: $24.76 - $34.65 per hour *
*This is inclusive of a 10.00% recruitment and retention stipend
Position Number: 02000-1954
Location: Augusta
Currently, this position is not eligible for visa sponsorship or STEM OPT extensions.
Core Responsibilities:
The Radiochemistry department in Maine’s Health and Environmental Testing Laboratory is looking for a motivated chemist with experience in sample preparation and analysis. We are seeking candidates committed to producing quality data, continuous process improvement, safe laboratory practices, and contributing to our laboratory emergency response team. Prior radiochemistry experience is preferred but not required.
You will:
• Prepare and analyze radiochemical samples
• Prepare and document standards and reagents
• Ensure quality control by following laboratory policies and standard operating procedures
• Prepare cost estimates and order laboratory supplies
• Participate in laboratory emergency response procedures and drills
• Assist in method development and validation
• Collaborate with internal and external groups, notably the Maine Radiation Control Program, to improve radiation safety
Minimum Qualifications:
A four (4) year combination of education, training, and/or experience in chemistry or directly related field.
Preferred candidates will also have:
• Knowledge of radiochemistry principles
• Experience maintaining, calibrating, and fixing radiochemistry instrumentation
• Proficiency working with data in spreadsheets and/or programming software
• Experience with technical writing and presentations
Thinking about applying?
Research shows that people from historically excluded communities tend to apply to jobs only when they check every box in the posting. If you’re currently reading this and hesitating to apply for that reason, we encourage you to go for it! Let us know how your experience and passion set you apart.
Agency information:
The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is dedicated to promoting health, safety, resilience, and opportunity for Maine people. The Department provides health and social services to approximately a third of the State's population, including children, families, older Mainers, and individuals with disabilities, mental illness, and substance use disorders. The Department also promotes public health, operates two state psychiatric hospitals, and provides oversight to health care providers.
The mission for the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC), within which this position is located, is to develop and deliver services to preserve, protect, and promote the health and well-being of the citizens of Maine.
Application Information:
For questions about these positions, please contact Tyler Huth at [email protected]
Please submit all documents or files in PDF or Word format.
To request a paper application, please contact [email protected]
Benefits of working for the State of Maine:
No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto—"Dirigo" or "I lead"—as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:
- Work-Life Fit – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave. When you or immediate members of your family are ill, utilize 12 days of sick leave per year.
- Health Insurance Coverage – The State of Maine pays 85%-95% of employee-only premiums ($12,213.60 - $13,650.48 annual value) , depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs (https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.maine.gov%2Fbhr%2Foeh%2Fbenefits%2Fsom-health-plan%2Fpremium-rates&data=04%7C01%7CMeghan.Jellison%40maine.gov%7C883b6efb0f594829332108d9bb182364%7C413fa8ab207d4b629bcdea1a8f2f864e%7C0%7C0%7C637746534616178864%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000&sdata=X4Bbmjj0Zm0NX9jGAp%2F77R8TX9NZMk9PDe%2FmWVYS2ws%3D&reserved=0) for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.
- Health Insurance Premium Credit – Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5% . Visit the Office of Employee Health and Wellness for more information about program requirements (https://www.maine.gov/bhr/oeh/benefits/health-premium-credit).
- Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($365.28 annual value).
- Retirement Plan – The State contributes the equivalent of 14.06% of the employee's pay towards the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS), on behalf of the employee.
- Gym Membership Reimbursement – Improve overall health with regular exercise and receive up to $40 per month to offset this expense.
- Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts – Set aside money pre-tax to help pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses and/or daycare expenses.
- Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness – The State of Maine is a qualified employer for this federal program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid office (https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service).
- Living Resources Program – Navigate challenging work and life situations with our employee assistance program.
- Parental leave is one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child—including non-birthing and adoptive parents—receive six weeks of fully paid parental leave . Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under the Family and Medical Leave Act (https://www.maine.gov/bhr/state-employees/workplace-posters).
- Voluntary Deferred Compensation – Save additional pre-tax funds for retirement in a MaineSaves 457(b) account (https://www.maine.gov/bhr/oeh/benefits/Saving_for_Retirement) through payroll deductions.
State employees are eligible for an extensive and highly competitive benefits package , covering many aspects of wellness. Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness .
Note: Benefits may vary somewhat according to specific collective bargaining agreements and are prorated for anything less than full-time.
There's a job and then there's purposeful, transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn, grow, and continuously refine your skills. Applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways, and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role.
As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics.
If you’re looking for a great next step, and want to feel good about what you do, we’d love to hear from you. Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.
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If you are unable to complete the online application, please contact the Human Resources representative listed on the job opening you are interested in applying for. They will work with you for an alternative method of submitting.