Chemist I

Work hours/days and laboratory assignments may vary. This position may be required to work on Saturday. Works in the Organic Chemistry Group primarily performing environmental analyses. Works closely with Team Leaders on projects with minimal latitude for independent judgment. 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 all quality control (QC) measures required by the method and the standard operating procedure (SOP) and documents procedures accurately. Performs routine maintenance on equipment and required cleaning procedures for glassware. Based on your work area, consistently comply with DSHS Laboratory, local, state and federal guidelines to ensure a safe functioning laboratory. Maintains supplies, follows inventory procedures, properly disposes of wastes, and other duties as assigned. Manages sample load and tracks samples to meet required holding times. Understands and applies the jobs principles, basic functions, and/or necessary technical skills. Assists with method development and validation projects. Meets all HHSC Performance Criteria. Follows all HHSC and DSHS Policies and Procedures.

Essential Job Functions:
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 assists with preparing standards. Monitors expirations dates. Performs sample preparation techniques including liquid/liquid, solid phase extraction, sonication, shakers, chemical reactions and derivatization to meet Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Quality Manual requirements. Prepares and/or analyzes quality control samples according to the SOP. Calibrates instruments and verifies standards with reference material. Identifies target compounds and interprets routine chromatograms. Monitors Quality Control Parameters as required by the method. Notifies team lead immediately of any issues. Assists with making dilutions of extracts to meet the analytical range of the calibration curve. Performs first level review of data per SOP requirements. Submits data for second level review and approval before expiration of holding times or assigned deadline. (60%)
EJF 2. 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 with acceptable QA/QC and SOP practices. (5%)
EJF 3. 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 Demonstration of Capability, Method Detection Limit and Proficiency Testing samples. Responds to any internal or external audit findings as responsible or assigned. Maintains complete, timely and accurate records of all procedures performed. (10%)
EJF 4. Equipment (including glassware) and Supplies: Operates and performs routine maintenance and verification of equipment as specified in SOPs and equipment manuals. Maintains glassware by performing the cleaning procedures in the SOPs. Assists with troubleshooting routine problems using policies and procedures, equipment manuals, knowledge and experience. 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. (10%)
EJF 5. Health and Safety / Housekeeping: Based on your work area, consistently comply with DSHS Laboratory, local, state and federal guidelines to ensure a safe 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. Attend all required safety training. Communicate with others immediately any safety problems that arise. (5%)
EJF 6. 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. Assists with extraction and/or analysis of quality control samples for method development and validation projects. Offers suggestions and new ideas for improving performance and operations. (5%)
EJF 7. COOP: Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agencys 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 Abilities:
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.

Registration or Licensure Requirements:

Initial Selection Criteria:
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelors degree or higher in chemistry, environmental sciences, biological sciences, or physical sciences with a concentration in chemistry. Recent experience in performing analytical methods or experience working in a production laboratory environment, prefer recent experience performing organic extractions.

Additional Information:
Any employment offer is contingent upon available budgeted funds. The offered salary will be determined in accordance with budgetary limits, follow HHS salary administration policy and guidelines and based on the candidates qualifications.
? Note: Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include: 92L, 71B, 72D, 8831, 4B0X, 61CX. For more information see the Texas State Auditors Military Crosswalk at http://www.hr.sao.state.tx.us/Compensation/JobDescriptions.aspx.
? Applicant is required to list chemistry courses on application showing the course name and number of semester hours (one of the employment history boxes may be used to record the information; or fax list, or photocopy of college transcripts to AccessHR at 1-866-245-3646. Please note Requisition number on all faxed information. Applicants with diplomas awarded in countries other than the U.S. must contact Laboratory Personnel Services (512-458-7318) for an approved list of credentialing agencies. Providing verification of educational requirements is a condition of employment.

MOS Code:
92L, 71B, 72D, 8831, 4B0X, 61CX

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In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.