Chemist

Position: Chemist I
DSHS is committed to hiring skilled and dedicated individuals who share a passion for public health to pursue our vision of A Healthy Texas. If you are looking to make an impact and tackle new challenges, we encourage you to consider a career with us.

Employee Benefits:

DSHS offers insurance coverage and other benefits available through the State of Texas Group Benefits Plan administered by the Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS). To learn more about all the benefits available to you as a DSHS employee and other DSHS opportunities for early career pathways, visit the DSHS Careers Page.

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Functional

Title:

Chemist I

Job Title:

Chemist I

Agency:
Dept of State Health Services

Department:
Environmental Sciences

Posting Number: 17279

Closing Date: 07/21/2026

Posting Audience:
Internal and External

Occupational Category:
Life, Physical, and Social Science

Salary Range: $4,316.62 - $4,316.62

Pay Frequency:
Monthly

Salary Group: TEXAS-B-17

Shift: Day

Additional

Shift:

Telework:

Travel:
Up to 5%

Regular/Temporary:
Regular

Full Time/Part Time:
Full time

FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt:
Nonexempt

Facility

Location:

Job Location City: AUSTIN

Job Location Address: 1100 W 49TH ST (DBGL)

Other Locations:

MOS Codes: 8831,43EX,43TX,4B0X1,4T0X1,61CX,9S100

Brief

Job Description:

Performs routine chemical testing and related duties in the Environmental Sciences Inorganic Chemistry Group under the moderate guidance of a Chemist IV Team Lead and with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgement. Rotates as needed to perform testing procedures with the Potable Water Analysis, Food and Wastewater, and Metals Analysis Teams. Performs chemical analyses of drinking water, food products, and other environmental samples according to standard operating procedures (SOPs).

Operates flow injection and inductively coupled plasma instruments and other analysis related equipment. Performs pre-analysis and sample preparation procedures. Prepares standard and reagent solutions. Performs routine maintenance, routine troubleshooting procedures, and cleaning procedures including washing reusable glassware. Maintains complete, accurate, and timely documentation as required. Peforms analyst initial data review and quality control evaluation and compiles data report package. Follows safety guidelines, properly disposes of wastes, and performs other duties as assigned.

Follows all HHS and DSHS Policies and Procedures. Based on your work area, consistently comply with DSHS Laboratory, local, state and federal guidelines to ensure a safe functioning laboratory.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS (EJF):

Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.

EJF 1. Performs routine analyses of drinking water, environmental, and food samples with strict adherence to the required method SOP, quality control, and recordkeeping procedures. Cooperates and communicates effectively with coworkers and Team Lead concerning the workload and assigned testing. Evaluates sample suitability including preservation and holding time requirements so that improperly preserved samples are identified and holding times are not exceeded.

Completes all calculations, documentation, and initial data review. Records observations, data, calculations, and results concurrent with performance of each task. Performs data entry accurately. Analyzes proficiency samples like routine samples. Assists the Team Lead in investigating causes for analytical problems, implementing solutions, and documenting corrections. Prepares and labels all reagents used in analysis procedures in an accurate and timely manner.

Requests supplies and chemicals as necessary so that sample analyses are not delayed. (50%)

EJF 2. Operates analytical instruments used to perform assigned analysis procedures as directed in written SOPs. Confirms acceptable instrument performance before analyzing samples. Monitors instrument performance and quality control/sample results during the analysis run and takes appropriate actions as needed. Performs and documents instrument preventive maintenance and ensures that all instrument maintenance, changes, and repairs including actions performed by service technicians are documented.

Understands operation and analysis software used by each instrument. Understands instrument theory and mechanics sufficiently to recognize operational problems and to work with Team Lead or senior chemist to resolve problems. (20%)

EJF 3. 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…