Chemist I

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS • Austin, TX

2d • Onsite

About The Position

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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Works in the Organic Chemistry Branch primarily performing environmental extraction and basic analyses. Performs the preparation, extraction, and basic analysis of routine samples for gas chromatography (GC), gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS), or high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) using approved methods for the sample matrix. Performs routine maintenance on equipment, maintains supplies and performs cleaning procedures for laboratory glassware. Works closely with Group Manager and Team Leaders on projects with minimal latitude for independent judgment.

Requirements

• Must have earned a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree in chemistry, environmental sciences, physical sciences or biological sciences from an accredited institution.
• Experience working in a laboratory environment is required.
• Basic knowledge in the principles of chromatography and extraction procedures employed by analytical laboratories for organic contaminants.
• Basic knowledge of environmental methods for the analysis of organic compounds.
• Knowledge of quality control and application to analytical data.
• Skill in the operation of general laboratory equipment and the associated maintenance.
• Knowledge and skill with computers to manage sample tracking and evaluate data.
• Ability to safely handle specialized glassware and solvents used in the extraction procedures.
• Ability to follow detailed instructions and accurately document procedures.
• Ability to work individually and cooperatively in teams to complete assigned tasks.
• Ability to manually shake separatory funnels, lift, and manipulate samples and quality control samples in the preparation for analysis.
• Ability to manually perform the maintenance tasks required ensuring the performance of assigned equipment and handling necessary supplies.
• Ability to operate chromatographic instruments at a basic level.

Nice To Haves

• Experience performing organic extraction or analytical chemistry methods is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Chemistry/Quality Control (QC): Prepare and/or analyze water and quality control samples for organic compounds to be analyzed by GC, GC/MS, or HPLC following Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) methodology. Check samples for proper preservation and containers. Prepare reagents and assist with preparing standards. Monitor expiration dates. Perform sample preparation techniques including liquid/liquid extraction and solid phase extraction, chemical reactions and derivatization following standard operating procedures (SOPs) and quality manual requirements. Calibrate instruments and equipment and verify standards with reference material as needed. Interpret routine chromatograms. Assist in monitoring quality control parameters. Assist with diluting extracts to meet the analytical range of calibration curves. Perform first-level review of data. Submit data for second-level review and approval before holding times expire or by assigned deadlines.
• Sample Management & Productivity: Accurately track samples. Prepare and/or analyze samples to meet EPA holding times (no exceptions). Work to meet and exceed on-time delivery goals by test and client at a productive rate. Perform extraction and/or analysis following SOPs and acceptable quality assurance practices.
• Quality Assurance (QA)/ Document Control / Records Management: Read and follow all policies, procedures, and guidelines of the Laboratory Quality Manual, USEPA Drinking Water Certification Manual, TNI, EPA reference methods, and agency administrative, analytical, and QA SOPs. Participate in training. Develop and Maintain proficiency for assigned methods by performing successful demonstration of capability and method detection limit studies and preparing and/or analyzing proficiency testing samples. Respond to internal or external audit findings as responsible or assigned. Maintain complete, timely, and accurate records of all procedures performed.
• Equipment and Supplies: Operate and perform routine maintenance and verification of equipment. Maintain glassware by performing cleaning procedures. Assist with troubleshooting routine problems using available resources, knowledge, and experience. Maintain reagents and supplies by following laboratory inventory procedures. Inform management of equipment or inventory problems and request supplies with adequate lead times for procurement. Receive supplies and verify that they meet method specifications. Maintain complete, timely, and accurate records of maintenance and inventory.
• Health and Safety / Housekeeping: Consistently comply with DSHS Laboratory, local, state, and federal guidelines to ensure a safe laboratory environment. Minimize exposure to chemical hazards through proper use of PPE, safe management practices, fume hoods, and proper safety procedures. Properly label all chemicals. Follow SDS recommendations. Wear safety glasses and laboratory coats in required areas. Properly identify, label, record, and dispose of waste and samples. Keep work areas clean and organized to reduce contamination. Attend all required safety training. Communicate safety concerns immediately.
• Administrative: Attend work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy. Notify supervisor of all absences. Enter leave into CAPPS. Complete required training. Perform other duties assigned by the Team Leader or Branch Manager. Offer suggestions and ideas for improving performance and operations.
• COOP: Perform other duties as assigned, including supporting the agency’s disaster response, recovery efforts, or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Participation may require alternate shift patterns or locations.

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).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level