Chemist

DSHS is committed to hiring skilled and dedicated individuals who share a passion for public health to pursue our vision of A Healthy Texas. If you are looking to make an impact and tackle new challenges, we encourage you to consider a career with us.

Employee Benefits:

DSHS offers insurance coverage and other benefits available through the State of Texas Group Benefits Plan administered by the Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS). To learn more about all the benefits available to you as a DSHS employee and other DSHS opportunities for early career pathways, visit the DSHS Careers Page.

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Functional Title: Chemist 
Job Title: Chemist I 
Agency: Dept of State Health Services 
Department: Environmental Sciences 
Posting Number: 13061 
Closing Date: 07/23/2026 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Life, Physical, and Social Science 
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-17 
Salary Range: $4,316.62 - $4,510.00 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift:  
Telework:  
Travel: Up to 5% 
Regular/Temporary: Regular 
Full Time/Part Time: Full time 
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt 
Facility Location:  
Job Location City: AUSTIN 
Job Location Address: 1100 W 49TH ST (DBGL) 
Other Locations:  
MOS Codes: 8831,43EX,43TX,4B0X1,4T0X1,61CX,9S100 
 
 
 

Brief Job Description:

Performs routine chemical testing and related duties in the Environmental Sciences Inorganic Chemistry Group under the moderate guidance of a Chemist IV Team Lead and with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgement. Rotates as needed to perform testing procedures with the Potable Water Analysis, Food and Wastewater, and Metals Analysis Teams. Performs chemical analyses of drinking water, food products, and other environmental samples according to standard operating procedures (SOPs). Operates flow injection and inductively coupled plasma instruments and other analysis related equipment. Performs pre-analysis and sample preparation procedures. Prepares standard and reagent solutions. Performs routine maintenance, routine troubleshooting procedures, and cleaning procedures including washing reusable glassware. Maintains complete, accurate, and timely documentation as required. Peforms analyst initial data review and quality control evaluation and compiles data report package. Follows safety guidelines, properly disposes of wastes, and performs other duties as assigned. Follows all HHS and DSHS Policies and Procedures. Based on your work area, consistently comply with DSHS Laboratory, local, state and federal guidelines to ensure a safe functioning laboratory.   

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

Attend work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and perform other duties as assigned:

EJF 1. Performs routine analyses of drinking water, environmental, and food samples with strict adherence to the required method SOP, quality control, and recordkeeping procedures. Cooperates and communicates effectively with coworkers and Team Lead concerning the workload and assigned testing. Evaluates sample suitability including preservation and holding time requirements so that improperly preserved samples are identified and holding times are not exceeded. Completes all calculations, documentation, and initial data review. Records observations, data, calculations, and results concurrent with performance of each task. Performs data entry accurately. Analyzes proficiency samples like routine samples. Assists the Team Lead in investigating causes for analytical problems, implementing solutions, and documenting corrections. Prepares and labels all reagents used in analysis procedures in an accurate and timely manner. Requests supplies and chemicals as necessary so that sample analyses are not delayed. Performs and documents Demonstration of Capability and applicable Method Detection Limit studies at least annually for each method assigned. (50%)

EJF 2. Operates analytical instruments used to perform assigned analysis procedures as directed in written SOPs. Confirms acceptable instrument performance before analyzing samples. Monitors instrument performance and quality control/sample results during the analysis run and takes appropriate actions as needed. Performs and documents instrument preventive maintenance and ensures that all instrument maintenance, changes, and repairs including actions performed by service technicians are documented. Understands operation and analysis software used by each instrument. Understands instrument theory and mechanics sufficiently to recognize operational problems and to work with Team Lead or senior chemist to resolve problems. (30%)

EFJ 3. Performs sample receiving, preservation, and pre-analysis testing procedures as required by applicable SOPs, quality control and recordkeeping procedures. Maintains clean, organized work area as part of good contamination control practices. Maintains complete, legible, and organized records including observations of any non-routine characteristics or occurrences during the preparation or analysis process. Corrects written records with a single line through the error, dates, and initials the correction. Informs Team Lead or designated substitute in a timely manner when problems occur and takes appropriate actions after consultation with the Team Lead. (10%)

EFJ 4. Performs other duties as assigned. Other duties as assigned includes but is not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. May include training for and performing, as needed, additional methods or tasks not specifically listed above. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location. (10%)     

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of analytical chemistry principles and techniques

Knowledge of laboratory quality assurance principles and practices

Knowledge of Environmental Protection Agency analysis procedures

Knowledge of The NELAC Institute TNI Standard and ISO requirements

Knowledge of United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) analysis procedures

Knowledge of American Association of Analytical Chemists (AOAC) analysis procedures

Knowledge of laboratory instrumentation used for environmental analysis

Knowledge of food analysis procedures

Skill in solving instrumental and analytical problems

Skill in the interpretation of analytical data

Skill in the use of Microsoft Office products

Skill in safe use of laboratory chemicals and equipment

Ability to build effective working relationships

Ability to communicate effectively

Ability to accurately follow detailed instructions

Ability to pay attention to detail

Ability to make well-reasoned and timely decisions

Ability to organize tasks to achieve timely completions

Ability to learn and apply new analysis techniques

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

 N/A

Initial Screening Criteria:

Have earned a bachelor's degree in chemistry, environmental sciences, biological sciences or physical sciences from an accredited college or university.

College level chemistry courses.

Knowledge or experience with EPA or other analysis methodologies.

Knowledge or experience with laboratory quality assurance procedures.

Additional Information:

Applicant is required to list chemistry courses on application showing the course name and number of semester hours (a copy of transcript, faxed list, or using one of the employment history boxes is acceptable).

Applicants with diplomas awarded in countries other than the U.S must contact Quality Control Office (512-458-7318) for an approved list of credentialing agencies.  Providing verification of educational requirements is a condition of employment.

Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans:

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified for this position. For more information see the Texas State Auditor’s Military Crosswalk at https://hr.sao.texas.gov/CompensationSystem/JobDescriptions/.

ADA Accommodations:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), DSHS will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring process for individuals with a qualifying disability. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the interview process, please notify the person who contacts you to schedule the interview. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747 or via email at HHSServiceCenter.Applications@ngahrhosting.com.

Salary Information, Pre-employment Checks, and Work Eligibility:

• The salary offered will follow DSHS starting salary guidelines. Any employment offer is contingent upon available budgeted funds.
• Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.
• DSHS uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.  Download the I-9 form