TCEQ - Chemist II

About the role

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.

As part of TCEQ's Office of Air, you would contribute to protecting and restoring Texas' air quality. This position is a member of our Air Monitoring Division.

Responsibilities

• 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.

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.
• 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.
• Ability to maintain the security or integrity of critical infrastructure (e.g., communication, cybersecurity, electric grid, hazardous waste treatment, water treatment facilities) as required by Tex. Business & Commerce Code Section 117.001(2).

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

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.