Chemist II

Job Description:
Works under general guidance from a Radiochemistry Team Leader and has moderate latitude in the use of initiative and independent judgment. Completes the preparation and analysis of drinking water and other samples for specific radionuclides according to standard operating procedures (SOPs). Completes the preparation and analysis of food samples under the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) Laboratory Flexible Funding Model (LFFM) cooperative agreement. Operates laboratory equipment and counting instruments required for the analysis procedures, performing all necessary calibrations, instrument verifications, and routine maintenance. Completes quality control procedures required by the SOPs and records and evaluates quality control parameters. Ensures that samples are properly identified, preserved and stored. Performs routine monitoring of work areas to identify radiological contamination. Serves as a member of the radiological emergency response team. Meets all HHSC Performance Criteria. Follows all HHSC 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.
In addition to rewarding, meaningful work, DSHS offers a variety of benefits, which can be found athttps://ers.texas.gov/Benefits-at-a-Glance, and generous leave based on years of service. A list of State of Texas holidays is available at: http://www.hr.sao.texas.gov/Holidays.

Essential Job Functions:
Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned. EJF 1. Performs the assigned analysis of drinking water and environmental samples for radioactive isotopes. Prepares sample batches for sequential radium (ra-228 and ra-226) analysis, gross alpha and gross beta analysis, tritium analysis, uranium analysis, and strontium analysis as detailed in the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Cooperates and communicates effectively with coworkers concerning the workload and assignments. Completes all subsequent calculations and initial data review. Performs data entry. Assists the team leader in investigating causes for analytical problems, implementing solutions, and documenting corrective actions. 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. (40%)
EJF 2. Operates the analytical instruments used in the assigned analysis procedures according to written SOPs and manages the counting instruments to maximize use of available counting time. Performs instrument calibration verifications and preventative maintenance as specified in the SOP to assure acceptable instrument performance. Evaluates and verifies instrument performance daily before use, reports instrument problems to the team leader, and assists with troubleshooting efforts. (20%)
EJF 3. Completes and documents all required quality control (QC) steps as defined in the SOPs and Quality Manual for assigned test procedures. Includes the designated QC samples with each batch of samples processed. Evaluates analytical QC data after analysis to determine data acceptability and notify the team leader of any questionable data. Completes all calculations and data review and submits to team leader for review. (20%)
EJF 4. Conducts initial processing and preservation of incoming samples. Verifies incoming sample identity, demographic data, requested testing, and preservation status. Performs routine housekeeping and decontamination protocols. Performs routine cleaning and decontamination of beakers, pipets, centrifuges, hoods and other equipment as required. Performs routine surveys of laboratory work surfaces to monitor radiological contamination levels and submits results to team leader. Coordinates with the gamma spectroscopist or team lead to prepare soil, vegetation, tissue and food samples for gamma analysis as assigned. Performs dry weight determinations, ashing, grinding and other sample preparation procedures as assigned. Assists with the training of other staff members with strict adherence to SOPs. Assists team leader in determining causes for analytical problems, implementing solutions, and documenting corrective actions. (10%)
EJF 5. Functions as a member of the radiological emergency response team. Assists in the preparation of the mobile lab for travel and onsite operations within two hours of notification. Participates as assigned in training and graded emergency response exercises. Provides observations and suggestions that may improve emergency response procedures. Safe operation of either a state-owned vehicle or personal vehicle is required to conduct state business, and an acceptable driving record must be maintained in accordance with DSHS Policy OS-3901, Fleet Operations and Management & Procedures and standards developed by the Texas Department of Public Safety. (5%)
EJF 6. Performs other duties as assigned, which include but are not limited to actively participating and/observing in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. May include training for and performing, as needed, additional methods or tasks not specifically listed above. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location. (5%)

Knowledge Skills Abilities:
Knowledge of analytical chemistry principles and techniques.

Knowledge of laboratory quality principles and practices.
Knowledge of Environmental Protection Agency analysis procedures.
Knowledge of the use and operation of radiation counting instruments.
Knowledge of radiochemistry and radioactive isotopes.
Knowledge of emergency response procedures.
Skill in operating general laboratory equipment and associated maintenance.
Skill in identifying and resolving instrumental and analytical problems.
Skill in using Microsoft Office Products, other software, and Laboratory Information Management Systems.
Skill in safe handling of laboratory chemicals and concentrated acids
Ability to accurately follow detailed written and verbal instructions.
Ability to build effective working relationships and work closely with team members.
Ability to perform precise laboratory measurements.
Ability to concurrently perform multiple tasks.

Registration or Licensure Requirements:
Must possess a valid Class C Texas driver’s license, or equivalent license from another state.

Initial Selection Criteria:
Must have earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry, environmental sciences, biological sciences, or physical sciences from an accredited college or university with a strong concentration in chemistry. Recent (within the last 2 years) laboratory experience performing drinking water or environmental analyses or recent (within the last 2 years) experience working in a high-volume testing laboratory environment.
Experience with EPA methods, or radiochemical methods is preferred but not required.
Experience with laboratory quality assurance procedures.

Additional Information:
Any employment offer is contingent upon available budgeted funds. The salary offered will be determined in accordance with budgetary limits, follow HHS salary administration policy and guidelines and based on the candidate’s qualifications. -Applicant is required to list chemistry courses on application showing the course name and number of semester hours (one of the “employment history boxes may be used to record the information); or fax list, or photocopy of college transcripts to AccessHR at 1-866-245-3646. Please note Requisition number on all faxed information. Applicants with diplomas awarded in countries other than the U.S. must contact Laboratory Personnel Services (512-458-7318) for an approved list of credentialing agencies. Providing verification of educational requirements is a condition of employment.