Scientist II
Nebraska State
Office
Lincoln, United States
Full Time
The work we do matters!
Hiring Agency:
Agriculture - Agency 18
Location:
Hiring Rate:
Job Posting:
Applications No Longer Accepted On (If no date is displayed, job is posted as open until closed):
Job Description:
Lab work is performed under a quality management system with specific adherence to ISO 1 7025 to ensure legal defensibility of test results.
Work Schedule: Monday through Thursday 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM
Look at what we have to offer!
• 13 paid holidays
• Vacation and sick leave that begin accruing immediately
• Military leave
• 156% (that's not a typo!) state-matched retirement
• Tuition reimbursement
• Employee assistance program
• 79% employer paid health insurance plans
• Dental and vision insurance plans
• Employer-paid $20,000 life insurance policy
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF) through the Federal government
• Wide variety and availability of career advancement as the largest and most diverse employer in the State
• Opportunity to be part of meaningful work and make a difference through public service
• Training and Development based on your career aspirations
• Fun, inviting teammates
• A safe and secure environment
At the State, we stand by our core values of treating others with dignity and respect, acting ethically in all situations, and creating an environment where our customer is our top priority. Apply to join our team today!
Job duties
Work effectively as a teammate under limited supervision to complete assigned tasks in accordance with established lab workflow:
Weigh, record, and analyze feed samples for protein and fertilizer samples for nitrogen using the Nitrogen Combustion Analyzer
Weigh, record, and analyze feed and fertilizer samples for nutrients using the Inductively Couple Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy
Perform wet chemistry assays for fertilizer samples according to standard laboratory methods (for example, Kjeltec or acid digestion)
Perform salt determination on feed samples by potentiometer method
Operate, maintain, verify, and calibrate lab instruments for testing
Research, develop, and implement new test methods as needed
Perform quality control, method validation
Act as Sample Custodian to maintain chain of custody of regulatory samples
Sample preparation – sorting, splitting, and grinding samples for use in testing - When needed, perform troubleshooting on instruments, techniques, etc.
Write standard operating procedures for instrument operations, analytical methods, and reagent preparations
Submit requests to order lab supplies and follow in-house chemical inventory procedures
Maintain accurate records of all work performed and backup electronic data, as needed, for traceability
As Lead worker, train new colleagues to perform lab test methods or assigned tasks
Adhere to record-keeping, training, and other requirements of the NDA Laboratory Quality Management System
Provide backup assistance FFAL Drugs and Residue team to cover workload needs
Follow safety and emergency action procedures; suggest improvements to existing practices
Other duties as assigned within the scope of the classification.
Requirements / Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's degree with major in chemistry, biology or related field OR Post high school coursework/training in chemistry, biology or related field AND three years of experience in a scientific laboratory.
Other: Regular and Reliable attendance is required.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Knowledge of: the principles of biology, microbiology, chemistry and their laboratory applications; the principles, concepts, and techniques of applied laboratory testing; the hazards and safety precautions of laboratory testing activities.
Ability to: perform microbiological and chemical examinations; communicate orally and in writing to present technical and scientific findings, conclusions, and recommendations; interact with other laboratory staff to exchange information; understand and apply oral and written supervisory instructions, the protocol for equipment operation and test procedure, and safety rules; calculate solutions to arithmetical problems involving addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, percentages, decimals, and fractions; observe and identify characteristics or patterns in substances and materials examined; set personal work priorities and manage own work time.
Benefits
We offer a comprehensive package of pay, benefits, paid time off, retirement and professional development opportunities to help you get the most out of your career and life. Your paycheck is just part of your total compensation.
Check out all that the State of Nebraska has to offer! Benefit eligibility may vary by position, agency and employment status. For more information on benefits, please visit: https://statejobs.nebraska.gov/index.html#benefits
Equal Opportunity Statement
The State of Nebraska values our teammates as well as a supportive environment that strives to promote diversity, inclusion, and belonging. We recruit, hire, train, and promote in all job classifications and at all levels without regard to race, color, religion, sex. age, national origin, disability, marital status or genetics.
Current employees of the State of Nebraska should NOT apply on this external career. Instead go to Workday and access the Jobs Hub - Internal Apply app from your home landing page.
Scientist II
Office
Lincoln, United States
Full Time
August 20, 2025