Chemist II

Job/Position DescriptionWorks 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 at https://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/HolidaysEssential Job FunctionsAttends 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 notifies 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 da https://jobshrportal.hhsc.state.tx.us/ENG/CareerPortal/job_profile.cfm?szOrderID=618294 Copy the URL in the preceding sentence to an Internet Explorer browser to apply to the job directly through the Texas Health and Human Services Career Portal.