Chemist III

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS • Austin, TX

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Works in the Organic Chemistry Branch 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 complex analysis of samples for gas chromatography (GC), gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS), high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), or liquid chromatography/tandem mass Spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) 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 and follows all HHSC and DSHS policies and procedures.

Requirements

• 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.
• Knowledge of ethics and ability to demonstrate accountability.
• Skill in operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of gas chromatographs (GC), mass spectrometers (MS), 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.
• Ability to instruct chemists in the operation and maintenance of analytical instrumentation and the processing and interpretation of generated data.
• Skill in the organization of workload 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 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.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in data processing and reporting of routine analytical data preferred.
• Experience in performing EPA organic analytical methods preferred.
• Experience in performing EPA organic drinking water methods preferred.

Responsibilities

• 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 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 leader immediately of any issues.
• 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 staff as needed.
• Performs second level data review and approval before expiration of holding times or assigned deadlines.
• 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 in advance of need.
• Informs the Team Leader of any equipment or inventory problems.
• Follows SOPs to receive supplies and verify that the supplies meet required specifications.
• Maintains complete, timely and accurate records of maintenance and inventory.
• Reads and follows 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).
• Participates in training.
• Performs Initial Demonstration of Capability before working independently on samples.
• Maintains 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.
• Accurately tracks samples.
• Prepares and/or analyzes samples to meet EPA holding time.
• Works to meet and exceed the on-time delivery goals by test and client at a productive rate.
• Extraction and/or analysis must be performed using acceptable QA/QC and SOP practices.
• Based on work area, consistently complies with DSHS Laboratory, local, state and federal guidelines to ensure a safely functioning laboratory.
• Minimizes exposure of all personnel to chemical hazards by proper use of personal protective equipment, management practices, use of fume hoods and follows proper safety practices in the laboratory.
• Reads and follows the Chemical Hygiene Plan and SOPs.
• Properly labels all chemicals.
• Follows safety data sheet (SDS) recommendations.
• Wears safety glasses and lab coats at all times when in designated areas.
• Properly identifies, labels, records and disposes of wastes and samples.
• Keeps work areas clean and organized to reduce contamination.
• Maintains glassware by performing the cleaning procedures in SOPs.
• Attends all required safety training.
• Communicates with others immediately when safety problems arise.
• Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy.
• Notifies Group Manager of all absences.
• Enters leave into CAPPS.
• Performs required training.
• Performs other duties as directed by the team Leaders or management.
• Offers suggestions and new ideas for improving performance and operations.
• Trains others.
• 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.

Benefits

• insurance coverage and other benefits available through the State of Texas Group Benefits Plan administered by the Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level