What are the responsibilities and job description for the CHEMIST I position at Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH)?
We continually strive for a workforce that reflects the growing diversity within the State of Illinois. A variety of employee backgrounds, perspectives, ideas and experiences are crucial to our ability to most effectively serve the public. Bilingual skills welcome
Reasonable Accommodation Statement
The State of Illinois is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to people with disabilities. Further, federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job, interview for a job, or for any other activity related to the hiring process. Examples of reasonable accommodation include, but are not limited to, making a change to the application process (if possible), providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment.
To be provided a Reasonable Accommodation during the hiring process, you will need to provide a certification of disability from a physician, psychiatrist, school official or an Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Counselor. Supporting documentation should be uploaded under My Documents → Additional Documents section for each application.
Any questions on Reasonable Accommodations can be directed to Central Management Services Disability Resource Center at CMS.DisabilityResCen@illinois.gov or call (217) 524-7514 for further information and to request or discuss an accommodation.
Sponsorship for Employment
The State of Illinois does not provide sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H-1B visa status), nor is the State able to provide extensions of optional practical training (OPT) under the STEM-designated degree program for F-1 students. To be considered for permanent employment with the State of Illinois, applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.
Disclosure of Salary Information
In compliance with the Illinois Equal Pay Act, 820 ILCS 112/1 et seq., the State does not seek, request, or require a job applicant’s wage or salary history. Employment decisions are not made based on an applicant’s wage or salary history. To that end, please do not include wage or salary information in your resume or other profile or application materials.
Date: Dec 10, 2025
Location:
Chicago, IL, US, 60612
Job Requisition ID: 52117
Job Requisition ID: 52117
Closing Date: 12/26/2025
Agency: Department of Public Health
Class Title: CHEMIST I - 06941
Office: Disease Control
Division: Laboratories
Posting ID: 85-26-0068 / 52117
Posted: 12/10/2025 - 12/26/2025
Skill Option: None
Bilingual Option: None
Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary $5,384 /month; Full Range $5,384-$7,631/month
Job Type: Salaried
Category: Full Time
County: Cook
Number of Vacancies: 1
Bargaining Unit Code: RC062 Technical Employees, AFSCME
Merit Comp Code
This position is a union position; therefore, provisions of the relevant collective bargaining agreement/labor contract apply to the filling of this position.
All applicants who want to be considered for this position MUST apply electronically through the illinois.jobs2web.com website. State of Illinois employees should click the link near the top left to apply through the SuccessFactors employee career portal.
Applications submitted via email or any paper manner (mail, fax, hand delivery) will not be considered.
Why Work for Illinois?
Working with the State of Illinois is a testament to the values of compassion, equity, and dedication that define our state. Whether you’re helping to improve schools, protect our natural resources, or support families in need, you’re part of something bigger—something that touches the lives of every person who calls Illinois home.
No matter what state career you’re looking for, we offer jobs that fit your life and your schedule—flexible jobs that provide the gold standard of benefits. Our employees can take advantage of various avenues to advance their careers and realize their dreams. Our top-tier benefits and great retirement packages can help you build a rewarding career and lasting future with the State of Illinois.
Position Overview
The Illinois Department of Public Health is seeking a highly motivated individual to perform the duties of Chemist 1. Under direct supervision, performs professional chemical, biological or toxicological analysis on a variety of samples. Duties include, but are not limited to, regularly interpreting test results and assuming responsibility for accuracy of tests, reports, findings to appropriate health agencies and law enforcement.
Benefits Statement
As a State of Illinois Employee, you will receive a robust benefit package that includes the following:
Essential Functions
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is tasked with the oversight of communities within Illinois to achieve and maintain optimal health and safety. With an annual budget of over $2 billion in state and federal funds, 6 regional offices, 3 laboratories and over 1,200 employees, IDPH is equipped to fulfill its mission of protecting the health and wellness of the people of Illinois through the prevention, health promotion, regulation and control of disease and injury.
Work Hours: Monday- Friday 8:00am to 4:30pm
Headquarter Location: 2121 W Taylor St, Chicago, Illinois, 60612
Work County: Cook
Agency Contact: DPH.HRRecruiter@Illinois.gov
Posting Group: Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics
This title is within the Upward Mobility Program (UMP). General Program information can be found by clicking on the Upward Mobility Program link or for specific title information at UMP Titles. To utilize upward mobility contractual rights for this position, employees must apply internally and must upload a copy of the UMP grade notice to their application documents prior to submission. UMP grades can be uploaded to the Additional Documents OR Grade Documentation section of the application.
This position DOES NOT contain “Specialized Skills” (as that term is used in CBAs).
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
Use the “Apply” button at the top right or bottom right of this posting to begin the application process.
If you are not already signed in, you will be prompted to do so.
State employees should sign in to the career portal for State of Illinois employees – a link is available at the top left of the Illinois.jobs2web.com homepage in the blue ribbon.
Non-State employees should log in on the using the “View Profile” link in the top right of the Illinois.jobs2web.com homepage in the blue ribbon. If you have never before signed in, you will be prompted to create an account.
If you have questions about how to apply, please see the following resources:
State employees: Log in to the career portal for State employees and review the Internal Candidate Application Job Aid
Non-State employees: on Illinois.jobs2web.com – click “Application Procedures” in the footer of every page of the website.
The Main Form Of Communication Will Be Through Email. Please Check Your “junk Mail”, “spam”, Or “other” Folder For Communication(s) Regarding Any Submitted Application(s). You May Receive Emails From The Following Addresses
donotreply@SIL-P1.ns2cloud.com
systems@SIL-P1.ns2cloud.com
Nearest Major Market: Chicago
Reasonable Accommodation Statement
The State of Illinois is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to people with disabilities. Further, federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job, interview for a job, or for any other activity related to the hiring process. Examples of reasonable accommodation include, but are not limited to, making a change to the application process (if possible), providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment.
To be provided a Reasonable Accommodation during the hiring process, you will need to provide a certification of disability from a physician, psychiatrist, school official or an Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Counselor. Supporting documentation should be uploaded under My Documents → Additional Documents section for each application.
Any questions on Reasonable Accommodations can be directed to Central Management Services Disability Resource Center at CMS.DisabilityResCen@illinois.gov or call (217) 524-7514 for further information and to request or discuss an accommodation.
Sponsorship for Employment
The State of Illinois does not provide sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H-1B visa status), nor is the State able to provide extensions of optional practical training (OPT) under the STEM-designated degree program for F-1 students. To be considered for permanent employment with the State of Illinois, applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.
Disclosure of Salary Information
In compliance with the Illinois Equal Pay Act, 820 ILCS 112/1 et seq., the State does not seek, request, or require a job applicant’s wage or salary history. Employment decisions are not made based on an applicant’s wage or salary history. To that end, please do not include wage or salary information in your resume or other profile or application materials.
Date: Dec 10, 2025
Location:
Chicago, IL, US, 60612
Job Requisition ID: 52117
Job Requisition ID: 52117
Closing Date: 12/26/2025
Agency: Department of Public Health
Class Title: CHEMIST I - 06941
Office: Disease Control
Division: Laboratories
Posting ID: 85-26-0068 / 52117
Posted: 12/10/2025 - 12/26/2025
Skill Option: None
Bilingual Option: None
Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary $5,384 /month; Full Range $5,384-$7,631/month
Job Type: Salaried
Category: Full Time
County: Cook
Number of Vacancies: 1
Bargaining Unit Code: RC062 Technical Employees, AFSCME
Merit Comp Code
This position is a union position; therefore, provisions of the relevant collective bargaining agreement/labor contract apply to the filling of this position.
All applicants who want to be considered for this position MUST apply electronically through the illinois.jobs2web.com website. State of Illinois employees should click the link near the top left to apply through the SuccessFactors employee career portal.
Applications submitted via email or any paper manner (mail, fax, hand delivery) will not be considered.
Why Work for Illinois?
Working with the State of Illinois is a testament to the values of compassion, equity, and dedication that define our state. Whether you’re helping to improve schools, protect our natural resources, or support families in need, you’re part of something bigger—something that touches the lives of every person who calls Illinois home.
No matter what state career you’re looking for, we offer jobs that fit your life and your schedule—flexible jobs that provide the gold standard of benefits. Our employees can take advantage of various avenues to advance their careers and realize their dreams. Our top-tier benefits and great retirement packages can help you build a rewarding career and lasting future with the State of Illinois.
Position Overview
The Illinois Department of Public Health is seeking a highly motivated individual to perform the duties of Chemist 1. Under direct supervision, performs professional chemical, biological or toxicological analysis on a variety of samples. Duties include, but are not limited to, regularly interpreting test results and assuming responsibility for accuracy of tests, reports, findings to appropriate health agencies and law enforcement.
Benefits Statement
As a State of Illinois Employee, you will receive a robust benefit package that includes the following:
- Flexible and hybrid work schedules are available in many program areas (when available and dependent upon position)
- Competitive Group Insurance benefits including health, life, dental and vision plans.
- Pension plan through the State Employees Retirement System
- Deferred Compensation Program – voluntary supplemental retirement plan
- Optional pre-tax programs -Medical Care Assistance Plan (MCAP) & Dependent Care Assistant Plan (DCAP)
- 10-25 days of paid vacation time annually (10 days for first year of state employment)
- 12 paid sick days annually which carryover year to year
- 3 paid personal business days per calendar year (pro-rated dependent on start date)
- 13-14 paid holidays per year
- 12 weeks of paid parental leave
- Employee Assistance Program and/or mental health resources
Essential Functions
- Performs specialized and standard analysis on a variety of samples submitted to the laboratory using analytical instrumentation as necessary.
- Prepares and standardizes reagents and solutions for use on laboratory procedures and quality control.
- Provides assistance to other units.
- Performs routine and preventive maintenance on laboratory equipment used; maintains a file on such maintenance.
- Records findings of procedures performed, reporting unequivocal results.
- Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.
- Requires completion of four (4) years of college, including 32 semester hours in chemistry from a recognized college or university.
- This class is included as an Upward Mobility Program credential title.
- Working knowledge of the principles, practices, and techniques of organic and inorganic as applied to analytical work.
- Working knowledge of chemistry result analysis and making recommendations based upon results obtained.
- One (1) year experience in reagent preparation and quality control checks of reagents.
- One (1) year experience in test analysis using analytical chemistry instrumentation and preventative maintenance procedures for instrumentation.
- One (1) year experience using computer equipment and software needed to perform daily testing and analysis of test results.
- Elementary knowledge of a laboratory information management system (LIMS).
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is tasked with the oversight of communities within Illinois to achieve and maintain optimal health and safety. With an annual budget of over $2 billion in state and federal funds, 6 regional offices, 3 laboratories and over 1,200 employees, IDPH is equipped to fulfill its mission of protecting the health and wellness of the people of Illinois through the prevention, health promotion, regulation and control of disease and injury.
Work Hours: Monday- Friday 8:00am to 4:30pm
Headquarter Location: 2121 W Taylor St, Chicago, Illinois, 60612
Work County: Cook
Agency Contact: DPH.HRRecruiter@Illinois.gov
Posting Group: Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics
This title is within the Upward Mobility Program (UMP). General Program information can be found by clicking on the Upward Mobility Program link or for specific title information at UMP Titles. To utilize upward mobility contractual rights for this position, employees must apply internally and must upload a copy of the UMP grade notice to their application documents prior to submission. UMP grades can be uploaded to the Additional Documents OR Grade Documentation section of the application.
This position DOES NOT contain “Specialized Skills” (as that term is used in CBAs).
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
Use the “Apply” button at the top right or bottom right of this posting to begin the application process.
If you are not already signed in, you will be prompted to do so.
State employees should sign in to the career portal for State of Illinois employees – a link is available at the top left of the Illinois.jobs2web.com homepage in the blue ribbon.
Non-State employees should log in on the using the “View Profile” link in the top right of the Illinois.jobs2web.com homepage in the blue ribbon. If you have never before signed in, you will be prompted to create an account.
If you have questions about how to apply, please see the following resources:
State employees: Log in to the career portal for State employees and review the Internal Candidate Application Job Aid
Non-State employees: on Illinois.jobs2web.com – click “Application Procedures” in the footer of every page of the website.
The Main Form Of Communication Will Be Through Email. Please Check Your “junk Mail”, “spam”, Or “other” Folder For Communication(s) Regarding Any Submitted Application(s). You May Receive Emails From The Following Addresses
donotreply@SIL-P1.ns2cloud.com
systems@SIL-P1.ns2cloud.com
Nearest Major Market: Chicago