Chemist III

FALL CREEK FARM & NURSERY; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Dept of State Health Services in Austin seeks a Chemist III to perform gas chromatography, GC/MS, and HPLC analyses on environmental samples. The role includes method development, data review, and equipment maintenance in a team setting.

The ideal candidate has 2+ years in a high throughput lab and familiarity with SOPs, QA/QC, and EPA methods. HTS lab experience is preferred. Not eligible for telework; on-site in Austin.

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry, environmental sciences, biological sciences, or physical sciences.
• Experience in a high throughput laboratory is preferred.
• Experience with Gas Chromatography and EPA methods is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform organic analyses by GC, GC/MS, or HPLC with approved SOPs.
• Lead worker duties: sample tracking, data review, and reporting results.
• Maintain and troubleshoot complex laboratory equipment and instruments.

Skills

Gas chromatography

GC/MS

HPLC

QA/QC

Education

Bachelor’s degree in chemistry or related sciences

Tools

GC equipment

Analytical instrumentation

Job description

Posting ID20678-Posted -Dept of State Health Services-Environmental Sciences-Life, Physical, and Social Science-Not Eligible for Telework- Additional Shifts available (1) -b. $3000 - $4999 per month

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 .

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: Monthly Salary Group: 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: None MOS Codes: 8831,43EX,43TX,4B0X1,4T0X1,61CX,9S100

Brief Job Description:

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.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

EJF 1. Chemistry/QC: Prepare and/or analyze samples for organic compounds by GC, GC/MS, or HPLC. Checks samples for proper preservative and container. Prepares reagents and standards. Monitors expirations dates. 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. 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 lead 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 the staff as needed. Performs second level review and approval before expiration of holding times or assigned deadlines. (20%)

EJF 3. 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. 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. (20%)

EJF 4. 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 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 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 using acceptable QA/QC and SOP practices. (10%)

EJF 6. 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. Properly identifies, labels, records and disposes of wastes and samples. Keeps work area clean and organized to reduce contamination. Maintains glassware by performing the cleaning procedures in the SOPs. Attend all required safety training. Communicate with others immediately when safety problems arise. (5%)

EJF 7. Administrative: Notifies Group Manager of all absences. Enters leave into CAPPS. Performs required training. Performs other duties as directed by the Team Leader or Group Manager. Extracts and/or analyzes quality control samples for method development and validation projects. 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. 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 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:

None

Initial Screening Criteria:

• 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.

Additional Information:

• 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 [e-mail] .

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