Chemist III

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Employee Benefits:

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Functional Title: Chemist III 
Job Title: Chemist III 
Agency: Dept of State Health Services 
Department: Environmental Sciences 
Posting Number: 16561 
Closing Date: 05/18/2026 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Life, Physical, and Social Science 
Salary Range: $5,434.39 - $6,249.55 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-21 
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift:  
Telework: Not Eligible for 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:

Works in the Organic Chemistry Branch performing analysis on environmental samples. Works with the team leaders on projects with considerable latitude for independent judgment to complete assigned tasks. Performs the preparation, extraction, and complex analysis of samples for gas chromatography (GC), gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS), high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), or liquid chromatography/tandem mass Spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) using approved methods for the sample matrix. Performs highly complex maintenance and troubleshooting of equipment. Assists with method development and validation projects. Serves as lead worker to track samples, review data, and report results. Meets all HHSC performance criteria and follows all HHSC and DSHS policies and procedures.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

EJF 1.  Chemistry/QC: Prepares and/or analyzes samples for organic compounds by GC, GC/MS, HPLC, or LCMS.  Checks samples for proper preservative and container. Prepares reagents and standards.   Monitors expiration dates. Performs sample preparation techniques including liquid/liquid and solid phase extraction, uses sonicators and shakers, performs chemical reactions including derivatizations in accordance with standard operating procedures (SOPs) and Quality Manual requirements.  Prepares and/or analyzes quality control samples according to SOPs.  Calibrates instruments and verifies standards using reference materials.  Develops data acquisition parameters for identification of target compounds. Identifies target compounds and interprets highly complex chromatograms and/or spectra.  Determines the appropriate procedures for quantitation.  Monitors quality control parameters as required by the methods.   Prepares dilutions to meet the analytical range of the calibration curve.  Performs first level review of data per SOP requirements. Notifies team leader immediately of any issues. (25%)

EJF 2. Lead Worker / Secondary Data Review: Serves as lead worker when needed to track samples, assign work, review data, and report results in the absence of or under the direction of the team leader. Coordinates assignments and provides the necessary resources for staff as needed.  Performs second level data review and approval before expiration of holding times or assigned deadlines.  (20%)

EJF 3. Maintains and Troubleshoots Equipment and Supplies: Operates and performs highly complex maintenance and verification of equipment as specified in SOPs and equipment manuals.  Troubleshoots highly complex problems using policies and procedures, equipment manuals, knowledge, experience and available service contracts.  Maintains reagents and supplies by following laboratory procedures for inventory control.  Presents written requests for supplies and standards to team leader in advance of need. Informs the Team Leader of any equipment or inventory problems. Follows SOPs to receive supplies and verify that the supplies meet required specifications. Maintains complete, timely and accurate records of maintenance and inventory. (20%)

EJF 4.  Quality Assurance / Document Control / Records Management: Reads and follows all policies, procedures and guidelines of the Quality Manual, USEPA Drinking Water Certification Manual, The NELAC Institute (TNI), reference methods, and administrative, analytical and quality assurance Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Participates in training. Performs Initial Demonstration of Capability before working independently on samples.  Maintains proficiency for assigned methods by performing Continuing Demonstrations of Capability, Method Detection Limit studies and by analyzing Proficiency Testing samples.  Responds to any internal or external audit findings as responsible or assigned. Provides analytical and quality assurance support within the team as needed. Maintains complete, timely and accurate records of all procedures performed.  (10%)

EJF 5.  Sample Management & Productivity: Accurately tracks samples.  Prepares and/or analyzes samples to meet EPA holding time. Works to meet and exceed the on-time delivery goals by test and client at a productive rate. The productive rate is determined by historical productivity and work time unit evaluation.  Extraction and/or analysis must be performed using acceptable QA/QC and SOP practices.  (10%)

EJF 6.  Health and Safety / Housekeeping: Based on work area, consistently complies with DSHS Laboratory, local, state and federal guidelines to ensure a safely functioning laboratory. Minimizes exposure of all personnel to chemical hazards by proper use of personal protective equipment, management practices, use of fume hoods and follows proper safety practices in the laboratory. Reads and follows the Chemical Hygiene Plan and SOPs.  Properly labels all chemicals.  Follows safety data sheet (SDS) recommendations.  Wears safety glasses and lab coats at all times when in designated areas. Properly identifies, labels, records and disposes of wastes and samples.  Keeps work areas clean and organized to reduce contamination. Maintains glassware by performing the cleaning procedures in SOPs. Attends all required safety training.  Communicates with others immediately when safety problems arise. (5%)

EJF 7.  Administrative: Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy. Notifies Group Manager of all absences.  Enters leave into CAPPS.  Performs required training.  Performs other duties as directed by the team Leaders or management.  Offers suggestions and new ideas for improving performance and operations. Trains others.  (5%)

EJF 8. COOP: Other duties as assigned include, but are 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. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern, assignment and/or location. (5%)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) methods for testing environmental samples and skill in performance of the methods. Knowledge of EPA and The NELAC Institute (TNI) quality systems.  Knowledge of data acquisition systems and skill in their use for preparing calibration curves for quantitation of samples, evaluation of QC parameters and producing reports.  Knowledge of laboratory quality control and quality assurance systems.  Knowledge of ethics and ability to demonstrate accountability. Skill in operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of gas chromatographs (GC), mass spectrometers (MS), or high-performance liquid chromatographs (HPLC) for the analysis of various sample matrices.  Skill in the interpretation of highly complex chromatograms and mass spectra and in the evaluation of quality control data to produce valid results. Ability to instruct chemists in the operation and maintenance of analytical instrumentation and the processing and interpretation of generated data. Skill in the organization of workload to meet the required holding times and due dates for analysis of samples.  Ability to set up and use software to evaluate recovery data and to apply statistical means to set quality control limits.  Ability to read and follow procedures, interpret necessary tasks and to document procedures accurately.  Ability to coordinate sample load and implement quality control procedures.  Ability to work closely with all personnel to complete assigned tasks.  Ability to manually manipulate samples and quality controls in preparation for analysis. Ability to manually perform required maintenance tasks ensuring the performance of assigned equipment. Ability to track and handle necessary supplies.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

N/A

Initial Screening Criteria:

Have earned a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree in chemistry, environmental sciences, physical sciences or biological sciences from an accredited institution with a strong concentration in chemistry. Experience working in a production laboratory environment.  Experience performing gas or liquid chromatography. Experience in data processing and reporting of routine analytical data preferred. Experience in performing EPA organic analytical methods preferred. Experience in performing EPA organic drinking water methods preferred.

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).

If hired an official transcript must be provided. Applicants with diplomas awarded in countries other than the U.S. must have their transcripts evaluated using an approved credentialing agency

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