Cannabis Lab Analysis Standards Program Lead Chemist Jobs

Description

Apply early! This recruitment will remain open until filled. First review of applications is scheduled the week of November 7th!

This project position is intended to last until June 2023. While this is a project position, the agency may seek permanent funding in the 2023 legislative session.

AGRICULTURE - A Cornerstone of Washington's Economy

The Washington State Department of Agriculture has been serving the state for more than 100 years. Through service, regulation, and advocacy, we keep agriculture viable and vital in Washington State, while protecting consumers, public health, and the environment. We work extensively with farmers and ranchers, but our responsibilities – from ensuring food safety to environmental protection – touch the lives of millions of people locally, nationally, and abroad.

The agency includes 780 employees approximately and grows close to 1,000 employees at the peak of seasonal work. To learn more and view additional openings, please visit our Employment Page.

We are hiring a
Cannabis Lab Analysis Standards Program Lead Chemist in our Hemp Program!

The Hemp Program supports domestic and international trade of hemp plant material and hemp derived products, by providing sampling, testing, inspection, and licensing services that verify the pre-harvest condition, and THC concentration of hemp grown in the State.

WSDA, Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB), and the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) have formed an interagency program to adopt and establish rule and statewide guidance for cannabis laboratory quality standards conducting analysis of recreational and medicinal cannabis with THC levels greater than 0.3 percent. WSDA has been designated as the lead agency by the Washington State Legislature in statute (RCW 15.150). The program must coordinate among all participating agencies on agency policies, actions, and regulatory activities that relate to cannabis testing laboratory quality standards.

The program also advises WSDA on implementation and maintenance of cannabis testing laboratory quality standards topics including, but not limited to, analytical methods; validation protocols; quality assurance and quality control practices; project planning and sampling guides; and other topics as necessary to fulfill the purposes of the program and the legislation.

The Cannabis Lab Analysis Standards Program (CLASP)
Lead Chemist is the subject matter lead for the chemical (pesticide, heavy metals and microbials) laboratory analysis for cannabis and assists in the development of cannabis laboratory analysis standards in conjunction with the CLASP interagency team members. The incumbent will directly report to the Cannabis Lab Analysis Standards Program (CLASP) Lead. This position serves as WSDA’s expert scientific and chemical specialist responsible for researching, developing, and establishing cannabis analysis standards for laboratory testing. Cannabis testing laboratory quality standards must include but are not limited to approved methods for testing cannabis for compliance with product standards established by rule by the LCB or the DOH; method validation protocols; and performance measures and criteria applied to testing of cannabis products. This position involves significant coordination and liaison with LCB, and DOH, and as well as other state agencies, federal agencies, and local governments. In addition, this position will coordinate with the Department of Ecology, which is the agency responsible for the accreditation of cannabis analysis labs to the standards established by the interagency team.
In addition, this position will assist in the coordination efforts to establish, maintain, and update cannabis testing laboratory quality standards by rule. WSDA rules establishing laboratory testing protocols will provide the baseline information that the ECY accreditation program needs to evaluate and accredit testing laboratories. Testing laboratories must adhere to laboratory quality standards adopted by WSDA.

Why join WSDA?
The Department of Agriculture offers:

• 12 Paid Holidays, Leave & Vacation
• A great total compensation and benefits package
• Meaningful work for the State of Washington
• Supported growth and development opportunities
• A healthy work/life balance, which may include flexible work schedules, teleworking, and an Infants in the Workplace Program

For more information about the Washington State Department of Agriculture, visit us at www.agr.wa.gov.

Duties

Include, but not limited to:

• 
  Researches, develops, establishes, and maintains approved cannabis laboratory quality standards, including approved methods for testing cannabis for compliance with product standards (pesticides, heavy metals, and microbials), method validation protocols, performance measures and criteria standards applied to the testing of cannabis products.
• Participates in the formulation and direction of state-wide policy and rules regarding cannabis testing standards, chemical research, and chemical investigative functions; evaluates needs and feasibility of initiating or expanding, reducing, or eliminating portions of the lab standards program; effectively recommends changes indicated.
• Uses sound and relevant science when making modifications and updates to the adopted laboratory quality standards and supporting documents.
• Assists in the creation of cannabis laboratory standards guidance or SOP documents and manuals to be used by laboratories and accreditation providers.
• Performs regular and frequent review of the evolving original chemical research related to cannabis; coordinates with CLASP team and gives technical assistance in areas of research planning and development of standards.
• Participates in interagency CLASP meetings.
• Assists in developing rule and participate in rulemaking efforts, provide recommendations for rule modifications and updates based on new research and best practices.

Qualifications

Who should apply?
Professionals with:
A Bachelor's degree with a major in chemistry OR a bachelor's degree with a minimum of 30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours of college level chemistry.
AND
Six (6) years of experience performing chemical analysis in an analytical laboratory including at least one (1) year of experience as a lead in a specialized field of chemistry or supervising professional chemists.
Note: A Master's degree will substitute for two years of the required experience, or a Ph.D. degree will substitute for three years of the required experience provided a bachelor's degree and the required college-level chemistry have been achieved.
In addition to the above qualifications, the following desired knowledge, skills, and abilities will make your application more competitive:

• 
  Master’s degree in chemistry or a directly related field and four or more years of experience conducting research and analyzing policies, laws, rules, or regulations or comparable combination of graduate education and experience.
• Two or more years of data analysis experience, including but not limited to: descriptive and inferential statistical analysis, modeling, data forensics, and forecasting
• Laboratory experience conducting chemical analysis for pesticides, heavy metals, and microbials, and/or establishing laboratory standards or accreditation standards.
• Experience or knowledge of the cannabis industry, in either the producer, processor and/or retail levels.

Supplemental Information

How to apply:
You must complete your careers.wa.gov profile and answer the supplemental questions. In addition to completing the online application, and supplemental questions applicants must attach the following documents to their profile to be considered for this position:

• 
  Current resume detailing experience and education
• A cover letter describing how you meet the specific qualifications for this position.
• Three professional references

By submitting these materials, you are indicating that all information is true and correct. The state may verify information. Any untruthful or misleading information is cause for removal from the applicant pool or dismissal if employed.
Applications with comments "see attachments" will be considered incomplete.
If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll-free at (855) 524-5627 or email [email protected].
Should you have any questions regarding this position or the online application, contact the Human Resource Office at [email protected].
Prior to a new appointment into the Department of Agriculture, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.
The initial screening will be solely based on the contents and completeness of your application and the materials submitted. All information may be verified, and documentation may be required. Applications received via e-mail will not be accepted in lieu of applying through the state's on-line recruitment system.
The Human Resources Division may use referrals from this recruitment to help fill future similar vacancies for up to six months.
COVID-19 VACCINATION:
Pursuant to Washington State Governor Inslee’s Proclamation on August 9, 2021, all employees who work for the Washington State Department of Agriculture must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by October 18, 2021. Proof of fully vaccinated status against COVID-19 must be shown to WSDA’s human resource office prior to employment.
Veteran's Preference: Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications and wish to claim Veteran's Preference MUST attach a copy of their DD214, or other verification of military service. Please blackout any personally identifiable data such as social security numbers. For additional information on Veteran's Preference and guidance on how to determine if you are eligible, click here.
Military Spouse Preference: To take advantage of military spouse preference, you will have an opportunity to identify your status in the questionnaire. We thank you and are grateful for your service!
The Department of Agriculture celebrates our differences, and we are committed to a workplace that supports equal opportunity employment and inclusion regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity diversity, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We will also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws.
Persons with a disability, who need assistance with their application or need this announcement in an alternative format, may call 664-1960 or toll free (877) 664-1960. TTY users should first call 711 to access the Washington Relay Service.

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