Chemist III

Job Title & Details Chemist III Agency: Dept. of State Health Services, Department: Environmental Sciences, Location: Austin Closing Date: 05/18/2026 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). For more details visit the DSHS Careers Page. Brief Job Description Works in the Organic Chemistry Branch performing analysis on environmental samples. Works with the team leaders on projects, exercising considerable independent judgment to complete assigned tasks. Performs preparation, extraction, and complex analysis of samples for gas chromatography (GC), GC‑MS, HPLC, or LC‑MS/MS using approved methods. Maintains and troubleshoots equipment, assists with method development and validation, and serves as lead worker for sample tracking, data review, and reporting. 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 per SOPs, and verifies standards with reference materials. Calibrates instruments, develops data acquisition parameters, identifies target compounds, performs first‑level data review, and notifies team leader 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 or under the direction of the team leader. Coordinates assignments, performs second‑level data review and approval before holding‑time expiration or deadlines. (20%) EJF 3. Maintain & Troubleshoot Equipment and Supplies: Operates equipment, performs complex maintenance and verification per SOPs, troubleshoots problems, maintains reagents and supplies, requests and records inventory needs, and keeps accurate maintenance records. (20%) EJF 4. Quality Assurance / Document Control / Records Management: Follows all policies, procedures and guidelines of the Quality Manual and related manuals; participates in training; performs Capability Demonstrations; maintains proficiency; responds to audit findings; provides QA support; and records all procedures. (10%) EJF 5. Sample Management & Productivity: Tracks samples accurately; prepares/analyses to meet EPA holding times; meets on‑time delivery goals; adopts acceptable QA/QC practices; and adheres to productivity metrics. (10%) EJF 6. Health & Safety / Housekeeping: Complies with laboratory safety guidelines; uses personal protective equipment; follows the Chemical Hygiene Plan; labels and disposes of wastes; keeps work areas clean; performs cleaning per SOPs; attends safety training; and addresses safety concerns promptly. (5%) EJF 7. Administrative: Attends work per schedule; reports absences; enters leave; performs required training; performs other duties as directed; offers suggestions; and trains others. (5%) EJF 8. COOP: Participates in disaster response or continuity operations as assigned, which may require alternate shifts or locations. (5%) Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) Knowledge of EPA methods for testing environmental samples, EPA and NELAC quality systems, data acquisition systems, laboratory QA/QC systems, ethical conduct, instrumentation operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting for GC, GC/MS, HPLC. Skill in interpreting chromatograms and mass spectra, evaluating QC data, assembling calibration curves, applying statistical controls, and document procedures. Ability to instruct chemists, organize workload, set up software, manage supplies, and coordinate sample processing. Initial Screening Criteria Must 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 in a production laboratory, performing gas or liquid chromatography, data processing and reporting, EPA organic analytical methods (including drinking water methods) is preferred. Additional Information Applicants must list chemistry courses in the application, showing course name and semester hours. An official transcript is required upon hire. Applicants with non‑U.S. diplomas must have transcripts evaluated by an approved credentialing agency. Military, Veterans, and ADA Accommodations Military occupation(s) related to the criteria are encouraged to apply. All active‑duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified. For crosswalk information visit In compliance with ADA, DSHS will provide reasonable accommodations during the hiring process. If accommodations are needed for the interview process, please notify the hiring contact. Contact the HHS Employee Service Center at View phone number on click.appcast.io or email View email address on click.appcast.io for assistance completing the online application. Salary, Pre‑employment Checks, and Work Eligibility The salary offered follows DSHS starting salary guidelines and is contingent on available budgeted funds. Applicants selected may be required to pass background and due diligence checks. DSHS uses E‑Verify. Bring I‑9 documentation on the first day of work; download the I‑9 form. #J-18808-Ljbffr