TCEQ - Chemist II

About the role

Join the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) as part of the Office of Water, contributing to the protection of Texas' public health and natural resources. This position is within the Water Quality Planning Division, based at the Sugar Land Laboratory.

Responsibilities

• Conduct moderately complex chemical and biological analyses of environmental samples in accordance with laboratory methods, standard operating procedures, and quality systems.
• Prepare and analyze samples using volumetric, gravimetric, and/or colorimetric procedures such as Chemical Oxygen Demand, Chlorophyll-a, Biochemical Oxygen Demand, Phenolics, Alkalinity, ion chromatography, and microbiological testing.
• Enter and process analytical data and prepare reports using the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), ensuring compliance with client specifications and turnaround times.
• Generate legally defensible quality assurance/quality control data and records to support work.
• Review and/or update Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for laboratory analyses, products, and services.
• Maintain agency data in a legally defensible format, ensuring compliance with agency and regulatory requirements, quality assurance objectives, and TNI standards.
• Assist other chemists with analytical procedures, instrument operation and troubleshooting, and/or LIMS processes.
• Participate in training and acquire skills related to moderately complex analytical procedures, techniques, equipment operation, troubleshooting, and interpersonal skills.

Requirements

• Experience using the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
• Experience using and handling laboratory equipment.
• Awarded bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, with a major in Chemistry.

Qualifications

A bachelor's degree in a natural or physical science from an accredited college or university, including 24 semester hours in chemistry (with 3 semester hours in analytical chemistry or instrumental analysis). One year of full-time experience in Chemist activities may substitute for each year (30 semester hours) of the required education.

Note: Employees in this role may work on or have access to critical infrastructure, including communication systems, cybersecurity, electric grid, hazardous waste treatment, or water treatment facilities. Maintaining the security and integrity of such infrastructure is a condition of employment.

A copy of your official college transcript or evaluation of foreign credentials may be required to verify qualifications.

Schedule

Standard business hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Individual and work group schedules are determined by the Office of Water.

Benefits

• Optional 401(k) and 457 retirement plans.
• Insurance: Health, Vision, Dental, and optional FSA.
• Paid time off for national and state holidays.
• Professional development opportunities.
• Longevity pay based on years of state service.
• Wellness Program and Activities.
• Onsite Nurse Practitioner at headquarters.
• Work-life balance initiatives.