Chemist (Chemist 2)

Initial Posting Date:

05/06/2026

Application Deadline:

05/20/2026

Agency:

Department of Consumer & Business Services

Salary Range:

$5,193 - $7,968

Position Type:

Employee

Position Title:

Chemist (Chemist 2)

Job Description:

Our mission...

To equitably protect and empower consumers and workers while maintaining a predictable yet innovative regulatory environment for the businesses we regulate.

The Department of Consumer and Business Services (DCBS) is a progressive business regulatory state agency dedicated to the mission of protecting and serving Oregon's consumers and workers while supporting a positive business climate. The department administers state laws and rules governing workers' compensation, occupational safety and health, financial institutions, insurance companies and building codes. The department has consumer protection and education programs, offices, and ombuds to help consumers, injured workers, and businesses.

This position is with the Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division (Oregon OSHA). Oregon OSHA is responsible for assuring safe and healthful working conditions for Oregon workers through promulgation and enforcement of Occupational Safety and Health Regulations, and by providing education and consultation to employees and employers.

This position is represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU).

Recruitment Timeline:

* These dates are approximate and are subject to change. *

Recruitment closes: May 20, 2026

1st round interviews: week of June 1 or 8, 2026

2nd round interviews: week of June 15, 2026

Anticipated start date: July 2026

What’s in it for you:

• Rewarding work in a productive and creative environment

• Colleagues who are passionate about public service

• Work/life balance, 11 paid holidays a year, and a competitive benefits package

• Advancement and learning opportunities that will help grow your career with the State of Oregon

• Possible eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

Due to the nature of the duties performed by this position, telework is not available.

Here’s what you will do:

As a Chemist, you will carry out analyses of occupational exposure samples in support of the occupational safety and health specialists evaluating a broad range of workplaces to ensure employer compliance with the Oregon Safe Employment Act. You will perform a variety of standard and technically complex tests and procedures whose results involve interpretations or correlations with other information, including meeting established occupational exposure limits and also the requirements of the laboratory’s American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) accreditation.

Distinguishing features:

This is the second level of a three-level series. It is distinguished from the lower level by the degree of specialized knowledge required, by the performance of more complex tests and procedures, and by exercising independent scientific judgment in the interpretation of data. It is distinguished from the higher level because of less emphasis as an analytical specialist who designs, develops, and implements state of the art methods and procedures.

Here’s what you need to qualify:

Minimum Qualifications:

• One year of experience independently performing analytical chemistry procedures AND a bachelor's degree in Chemistry

Three additional years of pertinent experience may substitute for the bachelor's degree.

Requested Skills:

• AA experience

• Microscopy experience

• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel

• Excellent problem solving and communication skills

• Knowledge of Industrial Hygiene principles and practices

Application information:

• A resume and cover letter are required for this job posting. Please attach them in the “Resume / Cover Letter” section of the application.

• Please ensure that you clearly demonstrate in your application materials that you meet the qualifications and requested skills listed above and that you follow all instructions carefully. Only complete applications received by the posted application deadline date will be considered.

• You may be asked to submit a skills assessment, a writing sample, or a video interview as part of the application screening process.

Additional information:

• Per the Pay Equity Law passed in 2017, an employee pay assessment will be conducted to determine what pay step the successful candidate will be offered.  The assessment will be based on the relevant experience, education, training, and certifications documented in the application materials.  On average, candidates new to state service will most likely be offered compensation in the lower to mid-level of the salary range.

• The salary range listed is the non-PERS eligible rate. If you are already a participating PERS member or once you become PERS eligible after 6 months of employment, the salary range will increase by 6.95% and the required 6% employee retirement contribution will be deducted from your pay.

• This position is subject to a fingerprint background check for any convictions directly related to its duties and responsibilities. Only job-related convictions will be considered and will not automatically disqualify the candidate.

• The State of Oregon does not request or require your age, date of birth, attendance or graduation dates from an educational institution during the application process. This information may be required after the interview process, depending on the requirements of the position.

• Eligible veterans and Oregon National Guard servicemembers (current and former) who meet the qualifications of the position will be awarded candidate preference. For further information, please see the following website: Veterans, Disabled Veterans & State Servicemembers. NOTE: If claiming preference please be sure to check your Workday account for pending tasks in the “My Tasks” section at the top of the Candidate Home page.

• We hire preferred workers!  For more information, please visit our website: Preferred Worker Program.

• The Department of Consumer and Business Services (DCBS) does not offer VISA sponsorships. If your employment authorization and documentation is contingent on sponsorship now or in the future, you will not meet our agency employment eligibility standards. Within three days of hire, you will be required to complete the US Department of Homeland Security's I-9 form confirming authorization to work in the United States. DCBS will use E-Verify to confirm that you are authorized to work in the United States.

Helpful links and contact information:

Learn more about DCBS

DCBS Career Fairs and Workshops

Understanding the State Application Process

Help and Support webpage

For more information you may contact us by e-mail at DCBS.Recruiting@dcbs.oregon.gov.

DCBS is fully committed to attracting, retaining, developing, and promoting the most qualified candidates without regard to their race, gender, color, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, or veteran status.  For more information, please visit our diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging webpage.