Chemist III - Austin, United States - Texas Department of Aging & Disability Services

Description

Job Description:

Chemist III

Works in the Inorganic Chemistry Group under limited technical guidance of Chemist IV Team Leads with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgement.

Rotates as needed to perform testing procedures with the Metals Analysis Team, Potable Water Analysis Team and the Food and Wastewater Analysis Team.

Performs analysis procedures to measure trace metals and inorganic ions in drinking water, environmental, and food samples using flow injection analysis, ion chromatography, atomic absorption, optical ICP atomic emission, and ICP-MS instrument systems and other analysis equipment and techniques as required for testing procedures.

Assists with training of other staff members.

Works with the Team Lead to identify and correct problems with instruments and analysis methods and to perform testing required for the development and validation of new methods.

May serve as Lead Worker to coordinate testing, review analysis data, and report analysis results in the absence of the Team Lead.

Follows safety guidelines, follows inventory procedures, properly disposes of wastes, and performs other duties as required. Performs highly complex maintenance and troubleshooting of equipment. Assists with method development and validation projects. Serves as Lead Worker to track samples, review data, and report results. 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.

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 routine and non-routine analyses of drinking water, environmental, and food samples with strict adherence to the required method SOP, quality control, and recordkeeping procedures.

Performs sample receiving, preservation, and pre-analysis testing procedures as required by applicable SOPs. 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 to resolve problems. 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 at the time they are made. Performs data entry accurately. 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. Performs and documents Demonstration of Capability and applicable Method Detection Limit studies at least annually for each method assigned. (35%)

EJF 2.

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 so that test completion and reporting of results meet target turnaround time (TAT).

Performs second level review and approval before expiration of holding times or assigned deadlines. (20%)

EJF 3.

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 90 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. (20%)

EJF 4.

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).

Maintains clean, organized work area as part of good contamination control practices. Maintains complete, legible, and organized records including observations of any non-routine characteristics or occurrences during the preparation process. Corrects written records with a single line through the error, dates, and initials the correction.

Informs Team Lead or designated substitute in a timely manner when problems occur and takes appropriate actions after consultation with the Team Lead.

(10%)

EJF 5. Assists the Team Lead with personnel technical training. Maintains a working knowledge of team procedures for analysis, instrument operation and maintenance, sample handling, quality control and documentation.

Monitors consistency of SOPs with actual practice and clarity of written SOPs as a part of training duties, reports discrepancies to the Team Lead, recommends changes, and assists with preparation and revision of SOPs.

Documents employee in-house training.

Provides Team Lead or designated substitute feedback on progress of training, reports in a timely manner when problems occur, and takes appropriate and prompt actions in consultation with the Team Lead.

Assists with development of training materials as assigned. (10%)

EFJ 6. Performs other duties as assigned.

Other duties as assigned includes but is 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.

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 assurance/quality control principles and practices
Knowledge of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) analysis procedures
Knowledge of The NELAC Institute TNI Standard and ISO requirements
Knowledge of United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) analysis procedures
Knowledge of American Association of Analytical Chemists (AOAC) analysis procedures
Knowledge of laboratory instrumentation used for environmental analysis
Knowledge of food analysis procedures
Skill in solving instrumental and analytical problems
Skill in operating AA, FIA, IC, ICP and ICPMS instruments
Skill in the interpretation of analytical data
Skill in the use of Microsoft Office products
Skill in safe use of laboratory chemicals and equipment
Ability to build effective working relationships
Ability to communicate effectively
Ability to accurately follow detailed instructions
Ability to pay attention to detail
Ability to make well-reasoned and timely decisions
Ability to organize tasks to achieve timely completions
Ability to learn and apply new analysis techniques
Ability to guide and teach other employees