POSITION TITLE: State chemist

Hiring Organization/Employer:  Maryland Department of Agriculture
Application Deadline: 9/30/26  
Education Required:  B.S.
Location:  Maryland 

Description:  

 The State Chemist Section position administers and manages the registration, inspection,
and laboratory groups. This role is responsible for implementing four statutes within the
Maryland Agricultural Article concerning the regulation and analysis of commodities such
as animal feed, fertilizers, pesticides, and liming materials.

 

 

Responsibilities:  

 • Technical Leadership: Provides scientific guidance to chemists, field inspectors,
and administrative staff while preparing comprehensive reports.
• Section Administration: Directs section activities, manages the equipment and
supplies purchasing program, and handles fiscal and budgetary management.
• Supervision: Manages direct reports and provides leadership to staff across the
section.
• Expert Representation: Acts as the department’s expert advisor on regulated
industries and chemistry, coordinating with other state and federal agencies. 

 

 

Preferred Qualifications:  

 • Professional Experience: At least five years of progressive experience in an
analytical or clinical laboratory setting, with three years specifically in a supervisory
role.
• Education: Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biochemistry, or closely
related physical science.
• Regulatory Knowledge: Proficiency in safety regulations (OSHA, CLIA) and the
registration processes for feed, fertilizer, compost, and pesticides.
• Technical Proficiency: Demonstrated expertise in advanced instrumentation,
including HPLC, ICP-MS, GCMS, LCMS, GCFID, and UV-VIS, as well as wet chemistry
methods and elemental analysis.

 

 

 

How to Apply:  

 Send a cover letter and Resume:
Nicole Sherry
Assistant Secretary, Plant Industries and Pest Management
Maryland Department of Agriculture
Nicole.Sherry@maryland.gov