Chemist III

About the role

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.

Responsibilities

• 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.
  • Maintains 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.
  • Determines the appropriate procedures for quantitation.
  • Maintains quality control parameters as required by the methods.
  • Prepares dilutions to meet the analytical range of the calibration curve.
  • Notifies team lead 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 the staff as needed.
  • Performs second level review and approval before expiration of holding times or assigned deadlines.
• 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.
• 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.
  • Perform 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.
• 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.
• 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.
  • Attends all required safety training.
  • Communicate with others immediately when safety problems arise.
• 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.
• 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.

Qualifications

• 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 .