TCEQ - Chemist II

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) and 457 plans

Health, Vision, Dental

Paid holidays

Professional development

Longevity pay

Wellness program

Onsite nurse Practitioner

Work-life balance

Job summary

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) is seeking an experienced chemist for the Air Monitoring Division to support core laboratory operations. You'll manage intake, preparation, tracking, and shipment of samples, and use LIMS to generate inventory reports for accurate recordkeeping.

You will perform routine chemical analyses using GC/MS and HPLC/UPLC, ensure SOP compliance, maintain QC records, and support accreditation audits.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in natural or physical science with 24 semester hours in chemistry incl analytical/instrumental chemistry.
• One year of full-time Chemist experience may substitute for each year (30 s.h.) of education.

Responsibilities

• Support core laboratory operations: manage intake, preparation, tracking, and shipment of samples; generate inventory reports via LIMS.
• Perform routine chemical, instrumental, and microscopic analyses on environmental samples per SOPs to ensure data compliance.
• Maintain calibration and QC records; assist in audits and keep notebooks updated.

Skills

Chemical analysis

Chromatography

Air matrix samples

Education

Bachelor of science in natural or physical science

24 s.h. chemistry incl analytical/instrumental

Tools

GC/MS

HPLC/UPLC

Job description

Job Description

Are you an experienced Chemist, ready for a unique opportunity to grow with an environmental state agency? Join TCEQ! We bring passion and drive to carry out our mission of protecting our state's public health and natural resources.

YOUR FUTURE TEAM

As part of TCEQ's Office of Air, you would contribute to protecting and restoring Texas' air quality. See details about what we do.

This position is a member of our Air Monitoring Division.

Here’s What You’ll Be Doing

• Support core laboratory operations by managing the intake, preparation, tracking, and shipment of samples and specialized sampling media. Maintain operational readiness by cleaning sample canisters, preparing support materials, and generating accurate inventory reports using the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
• Conduct routine chemical, instrumental, and/or microscopic analysis on environmental and quality control (QC) samples. Execute testing in strict accordance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure data compliance with state and federally mandated monitoring programs.
• Assist with technical laboratory procedures and performs routine, preventive maintenance on analytical instrumentation to maximize uptime and support continuous operational throughput.
• Maintain legally defensible QC records and analytical data packages. Documents any operational or technical deviations using standardized exception reports, logs activities accurately in laboratory notebooks, and participates in internal audits to support the laboratory’s accreditation status.

Key Qualifications

• Experience performing chemical analysis using laboratory instrumentation.
• Experience working with chromatography such as GC/MS or HPLC/UPLC instruments.
• Experience with air matrix samples including extraction, dilutions, and standard preparation using gas standard cylinders.

Required Education & Experience

A bachelor's degree in a natural or physical science from an accredited college or university which included 24 semester hours in chemistry that included 3 semester hours in analytical chemistry or instrumental analysis.

One year of full-time experience in the field of Chemist activities may be substituted for each year (30 semester hours) of the required education.

Employees in this classification series may research, work on, or have access to critical infrastructure, including but not limited to a communication infrastructure system, cybersecurity system, electric grid, hazardous waste treatment system, or water treatment facility. See Tex. Business & Commerce Code Section 117.001(2). Accordingly, the ability to maintain the security or integrity of the infrastructure is a requirement to be hired for and to continue to be employed with TCEQ.

TRANSCRIPT/ COLLEGE HOURS Or COURSE WORK

See instructions on how to attach documents. A copy of your official college transcript or evaluation of foreign credentials in CAPPS is required if needed to meet the qualifications listed above.

Work Schedule

Standard business hours are M-F, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Individual and work group schedule determined by the TCEQ Air Monitoring Division.

Benefits

• Optional 401(k) and 457 plans
• Insurance: Health, Vision, Dental, and optional FSA
• Paid day(s) off from work on national holidays and holidays that the state observes
• Professional development opportunities
• Longevity pay based on your number of years working for the state
• Wellness Program and Activities
• Onsite Nurse Practitioner in HQ
• Work-Life Balance

CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT

TCEQ will conduct a criminal history records search, driving history (if required for the job) on candidates offered employment.

In compliance with ADA, if you need accommodation during the employment process, please contact HRSS for assistance at [phone].

MILITARY OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTY (MOS) CODES

Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) codes can be found at: https://hr.sao.texas.gov/CompensationSystem/JobDescriptions/. Please click the hyperlink under `Occupational Category' for the respective Class Title.

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality is an Equal Opportunity Employer.