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Form of workThe Chemist II will perform the analysis of toxic Semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs), and Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in ambient air, water and soil by methods that utilize Gas chromatography - Triple Quadrupole Mass Spectrometry (GC/MSMS) and Liquid chromatography - Triple Quadrupole Mass Spectrometry (LC/MSMS).
Duties and Responsibilities:
Uses standard EPA/ASTM/ISO methodologies and laboratory Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), quality system procedures (QSPs), forms with instructions and other documents to prepare (extraction, cleanup, concentration) and analyze environmental samples
Assist in method development of SVOCs on the GC/MSMS
Calculates, records, and interprets analytical results while adhering to approved Standard Operating Procedures.
Enter analytical results into LIMS.
Follows quality control protocols in the Laboratory Quality Management System to ensure defensibility of analytical results.
Perform operation, maintenance and troubleshooting of analytical instrumentation associated with sample analysis.
Performs and serves as backup analyst for other methodology as assigned.
Prepares media and reagents, and performs special analyses for emergency, special project, and source sampling.
Performs quality assurance activities such as data review, peer review, data validation, and quality control tracking for analyses as assigned.
Annually, reviewing and revising as necessary the laboratory Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) as assigned.
Completes all necessary administrative tasks and documentation as required and requested.
Performs other job duties as requested.
Other Tasks:
Performs other lab duties such as sample management, hazardous waste management.
Updates chemical inventory for the organic section of PCS Lab.
Ordering of solvents, standards and other consumables associated with SVOC and PFAS analysis.
Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer
https://hrrm.harriscountytx.gov/Pages/EqualEmploymentOpportunityPlan.aspx
If you need special services or accommodations, please call (713) 274-5445 or email ADACoordinator@bmd.hctx.net.
This position is subject to a criminal history check. Only relevant convictions will be considered and, even when considered, may not automatically disqualify the candidate.
Transcript Required
Education:
A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in chemistry, biology, environmental sciences, or related field.
Experience:
Worked in a NELAP or equivalent accredited lab for at least (3) three years.
At least (3) three years experience performing SVOC analysis using GC/MS or GC/MS/MS,
At least (2) two years' experience in maintenance, troubleshooting and repairs of GC/MS instruments.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Moderate to advanced knowledge of databases and SQL queries.
Ability to manage multiple projects and work independently.
Understanding of lab equipment and ability to consult with laboratory chemists, managers, and support staff to evaluate and modify LIMS system functional specifications;
Must be highly detailed and organized with excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities as well as displaying excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills such as active listening, working together as a team.
Familiar with chromatographic techniques and principles and method development techniques
Familiar with the requirements of the analysis SVOCs and/or PFAS in the environment
Ability to identify unknowns in a sample using mass spectra and NIST library
Good statistical analysis skills
Familiar with NELAP, state, and/or international (ISO) certification requirements.
Must possess working knowledge of computer applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and be able to operate LIMS and sample tracker programs
The ability to complete testing documentation and attention to detail
NOTE: Qualifying education, experience, knowledge, and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume" will not be accepted for qualifications.
Position Type and Typical Hours of Work:
Full time, Monday - Friday, typically 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
After hours and/or weekend work on occasion
On call during emergency events, natural disasters, etc.
Work Environment:
Professional office environment with frequent interaction with laboratory staff and movement from office to the laboratory on a frequent basis.
Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
Mostly sedentary but will require frequent visits to the laboratory-some bending, stooping, kneeling, and crouching may be required.
Laboratory safety concerns require vision and hearing abilities sufficient to acknowledge and respond to sirens, alarms, smoke, visible evidence of a chemical release, etc.
The employee must lift and/or move up to 40 pounds.
Employment may be contingent on passing a drug screen and meeting other standards.
Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.
