Working Title: Analytical Laboratory Chemist
Job Class: Laboratory Scientist 1
Agency: Minnesota Department of Agriculture
Job ID : 94232
Location : St. Paul
Telework Eligible : No
Full/Part Time : Full-Time
Regular/Temporary : Unlimited
Who May Apply : This vacancy is open to bidders and to all qualified job seekers.
Date Posted : 05/18/2026
Closing Date : 05/26/2026
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Minnesota Department of Agriculture
Division/Unit : Laboratory Services Division / Chemistry/Toxicology Unit
Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift
Days of Work : Monday - Friday
Travel Required : No
Salary Range: $25.67 - $37.26 / hourly; $53,598 - $77,798 / annually
Classified Status : Classified
Bargaining Unit/Union : 214 - Minnesota Association of Professional Employees (MAPE)
FLSA Status : Nonexempt
Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : Yes
The work you'll do is more than just a job.
At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.
This position will perform chemical analysis, make observations, and take measurements. This information will be used for surveillance, monitoring, mediation of disputes and for legal evidence in enforcing and regulating statues and regulations of the State of Minnesota.
Specifically, this position will perform analytical chemistry testing on cannabis and food samples utilizing methods and protocols established within the Laboratory Services Division. The position will follow a sample through the entire analytical process including method selection, sample preparation, analysis, data evaluation, reporting, and sample storage and disposal. The position will also assist on verifications tasks assigned by the unit supervisor to demonstrate a method and instrument meets established performance criteria for cannabis projects.
The position utilizes basic laboratory equipment such as analytical balances, oven, and pH meter and instrumentation including Gas Chromatography-Flame Ionization Detector (GC-FID), Microwave Metals digestions, High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), etc.
Minimum Qualifications
To facilitate proper years of service crediting, please ensure that your resume clearly describes your experience in the areas listed and indicates the beginning and ending month and year for each job held.
A bachelor's degree in chemistry or closely related field.
Or
One year of previous experience performing cannabis or inorganic chemical analysis.
Additional required experience:
Knowledge of the principles, procedures and techniques of analytical chemistry sufficient to carry out complex chemical analysis.
Experience using computer software including Microsoft Excel and Word, or similar programs, to navigate spreadsheets, perform basic statistical analysis and write and edit work technical documents.
The ability to understand and follow complex oral and written directions, formulas and charts.
The ability to effectively communicate technical information orally and in writing to a variety of audiences.
Strong time management and organizational skills to manage and prioritize a large volume of sample and complete tests by due dates.
The ability to celebrate diversity and a strong commitment to a respectful and inclusive work environment.
Preferred Qualifications
One or more years of experience performing cannabis or inorganic chemical analysis.
Experience performing cannabis tests (e.g. residual solvents water activity, cannabinoid profiling, gross foreign matter) or metals sample preparation and digestions.
Experience working in an accredited lab setting.
Experience using LIMS database.
Experience using Gas Chromatography-Flame Ionization Detector (GC-FID).
Experience using Microwave metal digestors.
Experience using High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).
Physical Requirements
Physical ability to stand for up to 6 hours per day, lift up to 20 lbs, and wear personal protective equipment (e.g. wrap-around eyewear, lab coat, and chemical resistant nitrile gloves.
This position exists in an analytical laboratory. As such, all potential safety hazards associated with this @type of environment are assumed to be present. Hazards such as chemical exposure, hot surfaces, compressed gases and mechanical hazards exist in this section. This position must be comfortable working around these hazards and have sufficient knowledge to recognize and prevent harm to themselves or others. This position must be able to function in this environment and must be comfortable wearing personal protective gear.
Additional Requirements
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture will not sponsor applicants for work visas, including STEM OPT extensions. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the US.
A job offer will be contingent upon successfully passing a background check. It is the policy of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, as part of its hiring procedures, to conduct background checks on the finalist(s) for positions within the agency. The background check may consist of the following components:
SEMA4 Records Check (applies to current and former state employees only)
Employment Reference Check
Conflict of Interest Review
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Minnesota State Colleges and Universities is an Equal Opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status.
Reasonable accommodations will be made to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us . Please indicate what assistance is needed.
