Chemist II

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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 II 
Job Title: Chemist II 
Agency: Dept of State Health Services 
Department: Environmental Sciences 
Posting Number: 9036 
Closing Date: 12/07/2025 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Life, Physical, and Social Science 
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-19 
Salary Range: $4,815.12 - $5,392.93 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
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: Austin 
MOS Codes: 8831,43EX,43TX,4B0X1,4T0X1,61CX,9S100 
 
 
 

Brief Job Description:

Work hours/days and laboratory assignments may vary.  Works in the Organic Chemistry Branch performing analysis on environmental samples. Works with the Team Leaders on projects with moderate latitude for independent judgment to complete assigned tasks. Performs the preparation, extraction, and moderately complex analysis of samples for gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS), or ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) using approved methods for the sample matrix. Performs all quality control (QC) measures required by the method and the standard operating procedure (SOP) and documents procedures accurately. Consults with team leader or manager on complex chromatograms and spectral interpretation to determine the appropriate procedure for quantitation.  Performs routine maintenance on equipment and required cleaning procedures for glassware. Based on your work area, consistently comply with DSHS Laboratory, local, state and federal guidelines to ensure a safe functioning laboratory. Maintains supplies, follows inventory procedures, properly disposes of wastes, and other duties as assigned. Manages sample load and tracks samples to meet required holding times. Understands and applies the jobs principles, basic functions, and/or necessary technical skills. Assists with method development and validation projects. Meets all HHSC Performance Criteria. Follows all HHSC and DSHS Policies and Procedures.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs)

Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.

• EJF 1.  Chemistry/QC:  Prepare and/or analyze samples for organic compounds by GC/MS, or UHPLC.  Checks samples for proper preservative and container.  Prepares reagents and standards.   Monitors expirations dates. Performs sample preparation techniques including liquid/liquid, solid phase extraction, sonication, shakers, chemical reactions and derivatization to meet Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Quality Manual requirements.  Prepares and/or analyzes quality control samples according to the SOP.  Calibrates instruments and verifies standards with reference material.  Develops data acquisition parameters for identification of target compounds. Identifies target compounds and interprets routine chromatograms.  Consults with Team Leader on complex chromatograms and/or spectral interpretation to determine the appropriate procedure for quantitation.  Monitors Quality Control Parameters as required by the method.  Notifies team lead immediately of any issues.  Prepares dilutions to meet the analytical range of the calibration curve.  Performs first level review of data per SOP requirements.  Submits data for second level review and approval before expiration of holding times or assigned deadline.  (45%)
• EJF 2. Sample Management & Productivity:  Accurately track samples.  Prepares and/or analyzes samples to meet EPA holding time (no exceptions).  Work to meet and exceed the on-time delivery goals by test and client and at a productive rate. The productive rate is determined by historical productivity and work time unit evaluation.  Extraction and/or analysis must be performed with acceptable QA/QC and SOP practices.  (10%)
• EJF 3.  Quality Assurance / Document Control / Records Management:  Read and follow 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). Participate in training. Performs Initial Demonstration of Capability before working independently on samples.  Maintain proficiency for assigned methods by performing Continuing Demonstration of Capability, Method Detection Limit and Proficiency Testing samples.  Responds to any internal or external audit findings as responsible or assigned. Maintains complete, timely and accurate records of all procedures performed.  (15%)
• EJF 4.  Equipment (including glassware) and Supplies:  Operates and performs routine maintenance and verification of equipment as specified in SOPs and equipment manuals.  Maintains glassware by performing the cleaning procedures in the SOPs.  Troubleshoots routine problems using policies and procedures, equipment manuals, knowledge and experience.  Maintains reagents and supplies by following laboratory procedures for inventory control.  Presents written requests for supplies and standards to team leader 120 days in advance of need. Informs the Team Leader of any equipment or inventory problems. Submits weekly request for available LabSupply items.  Follow SOPs to receive supplies and verify that the supplies meet procedure specifications. Maintains complete, timely and accurate records of maintenance and inventory.  (15%)
• EJF 5.  Health and Safety / Housekeeping:  Based on your work area, consistently comply with DSHS Laboratory, local, state and federal guidelines to ensure a safe functioning laboratory. Minimize exposure of all personal to chemical hazards by proper use of personal protective equipment, management practices, use of fume hoods and proper safety practices in the laboratory. Read and follow the Chemical Hygiene Plan and SOPs.  Properly label all chemicals.  Follow safety data sheet (SDS) recommendations.  Wears safety glasses and lab coats at all times in designated areas. Properly identifies, labels, records and disposes of wastes and samples.  Keeps work area clean and organized to reduce contamination.  Attend all required safety training.  Communicate with others immediately any safety problems that arise. (5%)
• EJF 6.  Administrative:  Notifies Manager of all absences.  Enters leave into CAPPS.  Performs required training.  Performs other duties as directed by the Team Leader or Manager.  Extracts and/or analyzes quality control samples for method development and validation projects.  Offers suggestions and new ideas for improving performance and operations. May train others.  (5%)
• EJF 7. 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: Knowledge of the principles of chromatography and application to high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Knowledge of analytical chemistry techniques and application of good laboratory practices. Knowledge of statistical analysis of data and application to quality control.
• Skill in: Skill in the operation of HPLC or GC/MS instrument and data acquisition system to perform accurate analysis. Skill in the maintenance of HPLC or GC/MS instrumentation, associated autosamplers and computer system.
• Ability to: Ability to follow standard operating procedures (SOP) to analyze samples, identify compounds, quantitate and accurately document results. Ability to work individually and cooperatively in teams to complete assigned tasks. Ability to manually manipulate samples and quality controls to prepare samples and quality control samples for analysis. Ability to manually perform the maintenance tasks required ensuring the performance of assigned equipment and handling necessary supplies.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

N/A

Initial Screening Criteria:

• Bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree in chemistry, environmental sciences, physical sciences or biological sciences from an accredited institution with at least 16 hour of chemistry required.
• Experience in performing instrumental analysis required, prefer high performance liquid chromatography or gas chromatography mass spectrometry in a production laboratory environment.

Additional Information:

Applicants with diplomas awarded in countries other than the U.S. must have their transcripts evaluated using an approved credentialing agency.  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