About Careertakes

👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Scientific & QA.

Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.

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What You’ll Do

This full-time Chemist Assistant role supports environmental and drinking water laboratory operations in the Organic and Environmental Metals (OEM) Section. You will help prepare and analyze samples that protect public health and the environment.

• Prepare, preserve, and process environmental and drinking water samples for laboratory analysis.
• Assist in analysis of water, soil, and wipe samples for lead, metals, metalloids, and organic contaminants.
• Perform laboratory testing following standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Evaluate and document sample integrity and suitability for requested testing.
• Review quality control (QC) data and accept or reject results per procedures.
• Help evaluate, maintain, troubleshoot, and assist with repair of laboratory instrumentation.
• Update and maintain SOPs for assigned analytical methods.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation of laboratory activities.
• Communicate technical information and testing results to laboratory personnel, government agencies, and customers as appropriate.
• Follow laboratory quality assurance and safety standards at all times.

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Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent, including completion of a laboratory science course; OR one (1) year of laboratory experience.
• Knowledge of basic laboratory testing methods, techniques, and materials.
• Basic understanding of chemistry and biology principles relevant to laboratory testing.
• Ability to operate standard laboratory equipment and instrumentation.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow established procedures.
• Ability to accurately observe and record test results and distinguish color variations.
• Proficiency with calculators and basic computer applications.

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Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Science, or another natural science discipline.
• Previous experience in environmental, chemical, public health, or analytical laboratory settings.
• Familiarity with laboratory quality control procedures and documentation.

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Desired Skills

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Commitment to accuracy, quality, and safety.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.

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Compensation & Location

• Pay: $25.00 per hour.
• Employment type: Full-time.
• Location: Augusta, ME (on-site laboratory work).

This position directly supports programs for safe drinking water, childhood lead poisoning prevention, and environmental water quality in Maine.

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Why This Role Matters

You will be part of a laboratory team whose work directly impacts public health and environmental protection. This is an excellent role for early-career candidates or those transitioning into environmental lab work who want hands-on experience with sample preparation, analytical testing, and instrument support.

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Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency

Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.

If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.