We at the Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) take our responsibilities to you very seriously and are committed to protecting and promoting Georgia's agriculture through superior service and leadership. 

·         The mission of the GDA is to protect consumers, promote agriculture locally and globally, and assist our customers using education, technology, and a professional workforce.

·         The vision of the GDA is to continue to be a globally recognized leader in agricultural excellence through a commitment to safety, quality, growth, and innovation.

POSITION OVERVIEW:

This position is located within the Tifton State Fuel & Oil Laboratory of the Georgia Department of Agriculture Laboratory Division and serves as the State Oil Chemist for the State of Georgia.  

1.     The State Fuel & Oil Laboratory is responsible for testing samples of petroleum products such as gasoline, kerosene, diesel fuel, aviation fuels, motor oils, diesel exhaust fluids, renewable fuels, and other petroleum-related products sold in Georgia for purity, performance, octane rating, and other quality standards. 

2.     Kerosene and antifreeze are analyzed for product safety and performance requirements.

3.     This position will, under broad supervision, develop and enforce quality assurance guidelines for petroleum products, perform analyses as needed, interpret results, communicate effectively with staff and customers, and may develop fuel laboratory policy and procedures.

Supervises all workers in the State Fuel & Oil laboratory section.

JOB DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• • Develops and maintains expertise in petroleum standards and requirements, in particular ASTM standards and the State of Georgia fuel laws & regulations. 
  • Demonstrates comprehensive knowledge of established petroleum chemical, analytical, and performance standards and the laws and regulations governing such specifications. 
  • Supervises State Fuel & Oil Laboratory daily operations, including daily operations of the Mobile Fuel Laboratory.
  • Manages the day-to-day operation of the Fuel Laboratory, which includes but is not limited to sample receiving, sample testing, sample reporting, and sample storage
  • Ensure that all laboratory procedures, equipment, and analysis are suitable and appropriate for the established ASTM petroleum specifications and standards
  • Manages laboratory data and reporting systems, including the laboratory LIMS system.
  • Ensures all analyses and reporting are conducted within established timelines.
  • Manages the staff of the Fuel Laboratory
  • Responsible for monitoring and maintaining the quality assurance of fuel testing
  • Responsible for establishing fuel laboratory policies and procedures
  • Serves as the liaison between the state fuel laboratory and state regulatory partners 
  • Responsible for ensuring all fuel laboratory staff follow all laboratory safety procedures
  • Responsible for ensuring that all test data is recorded accurately
  • Ensure that all laboratory equipment is properly maintained and operated 
  • Oversee the monitoring of laboratory systems for compliance with testing requirements
  • Responsible for preparing reports, summaries, and charts that interpret test results
  • Responsible for identifying staff training needs and providing training opportunities 
  • Responsible for keeping the Laboratory Division Director and Deputy Laboratory Division Director up to date on the fuel laboratory
  • Serves as the liaison between the Georgia Department of Agriculture and ASTM
  • Serves as the liaison between the Georgia Department of Agriculture Laboratory Division and NCWM

Other duties as assigned

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• • Standing/walking for long periods
  • Lift 25 pounds of fuel samples and sample containers
  • Potential exposure to petroleum vapors
  • Exposure to different temperatures
  • Occasional long travel days

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Preference will be given to applicants who, in addition to meeting the minimum qualifications, possess knowledge, skills, and abilities in the following areas:

• • Master’s degree in a related field from an accredited college or university (preferably in petroleum engineering, chemical engineering, or chemistry)
  • Five years of laboratory experience with two years in a supervisory capacity 
  • Knowledge of ASTM petroleum standards and NCWM regulations.
  • Considerable knowledge of Quality Assurance, safety, and hygiene policies and practices in a laboratory environment.
  • Considerable knowledge and experience of Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS)
  • Extensive experience in Gas and Ion Chromatography or similar physical or analytical testing using ASTM or similar test methods.
  • Regulatory or regulatory compliance experience.

NOTE: The Georgia Department of Agriculture conducts background checks on all final candidates.  The hiring of applicants is contingent upon satisfactory employment verification results, background, criminal records investigations, and motor vehicle reports.

HOW TO APPLY:  Resumes may be submitted by adding to your profile in Team Georgia Careers.

·         Via Team Georgia Careers http://team.georgia.gov/careers/

The GDA is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. All qualified applicants will be considered, but may not necessarily receive an interview. Due to this office's large volume of submissions, information concerning application and/or interview status cannot be provided.  Selected applicants will be contacted for the next steps in the interview process.  Applicants who are not selected will not receive a notification.

If you need accommodation, please contact the Human Resources Office at (404) 656-3615.

** The position will be closed once a suitable candidate is identified. *