QC Chemist- IMMEDIATE NEED

DSHS is committed to hiring skilled and dedicated individuals who share a passion for public health to pursue our vision of A Healthy Texas. 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.

Functional Title: Chemist III Job Title: Chemist III Agency: Dept of State Health Services Department: Environmental Sciences Posting Number: 20678 Closing Date: 09/10/2026 Posting Audience: Internal and External Occupational Category: Life, Physical, and Social Science Salary Range: $4,523.16- $6,249.55 Pay Frequency: TEXAS-B-21 Shift: Day Additional Shift: Days (First) 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

Works in the GC analysis Group 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 moderately complex analysis of 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 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. Follows all HHSC and DSHS Policies and Procedures.

Chemistry/QC: Prepare and/or analyze samples for organic compounds by GC, GC/MS, or HPLC. Performs sample preparation techniques including liquid/liquid and solid phase extraction, use of sonicators and shakers, performance of 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. Monitors quality control parameters as required by the methods. Performs first level review of data per SOP requirements. Notifies team lead immediately of any issues. (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. Maintain and Troubleshoot 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. Informs the Team Leader of any equipment or inventory problems. Maintains complete, timely and accurate records of maintenance and inventory. (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. Maintain proficiency for assigned methods by performing Continuing Demonstrations of Capability, Method Detection Limit studies and by analyzing Proficiency Testing samples. Provides analytical and quality assurance support within the team as needed. 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. (Health and Safety / Housekeeping: Based on your work area, consistently comply with DSHS Laboratory, local, state and federal guidelines to ensure a safely 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. Attend all required safety training. Communicate with others immediately when safety problems arise. (Administrative: Notifies Group Manager of all absences. Performs required training. Extracts and/or analyzes quality control samples for method development and validation projects. Offers suggestions and new ideas for improving performance and operations. 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. (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. Skill in operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of gas chromatographs, mass spectrometers 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. Skill in the organization of work load 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 manually manipulate samples and quality controls in preparation for analysis. Ability to manually perform required maintenance tasks ensuring the performance of assigned equipment. Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor's degree or higher in chemistry, environmental sciences, biological sciences, or physical sciences.

At least 2 years experience working in a high throughput laboratory.

Experience working in an environmental laboratory preferred.

Experience working with Gas Chromatography preferred.

Experience working in an EPA accredited laboratory preferred.

Experience in laboratory quality assurance systems preferred.

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).

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. 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 you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at [click to reveal phone number]View phone number on us.fitly.work or via email at [click to reveal email address] View email address on us.fitly.work.