Team Leader (AUSTIN, TX)

 

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: Team Leader 
Job Title: Chemist IV 
Agency: Dept of State Health Services 
Department: Environmental Sciences 
Posting Number: 16550 
Closing Date: 05/31/2026 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Life, Physical, and Social Science 
Salary Range: $6,168.54 - $7,093.82 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-23 
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift:  
Telework: Not Eligible for 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:

 

Works in the Organic Chemistry Group as the Team Leader of the GC Analysis Team which includes responsibility for the quality and quantity of sample analysis, reviewing analytical data and reporting results and coordination of analytical and sample prep personnel. Works under minimal supervision of the Group Manager with considerable latitude for independent judgment to effectively lead team operations. Provides training in the preparation, extraction, and moderately complex analysis of samples for gas chromatography (GC), gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS), or high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) using approved methods for the sample matrix. Ensures quality control (QC) measures required by the method and the standard operating procedure (SOP) are performed and documented accurately. Consults with team members on complex chromatograms and spectral interpretation to determine the appropriate procedure for quantitation.  Provides training on highly complex maintenance on equipment and required cleaning procedures for glassware. Based on your work area, consistently comply with DSHS Laboratory, local, state and federal guidelines to ensure a safe functioning laboratory.  Maintains supplies, follows inventory procedures, properly disposes of wastes, and other duties as assigned. Manages sample load and tracks samples to meet required holding times. Understands and applies the job’s principles, basic functions, and/or necessary technical skills. Performs method development and validation projects. Serves as Team Lead to track samples, review data, and report results. Provides feedback to the Group Manager on team member performance.  Meets all HHSC Performance Criteria. Follows all HHSC and DSHS Policies and Procedures.

 

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

 

EJF 1. Team Lead / Secondary Data Review:  Plan the work activities of the team to provide quality services utilizing effective skills/tools (e.g., communication, project management, workload tracking/monitoring, staff development, etc.) on a daily basis.  Use organizational and planning skills to provide the necessary resources for the team. Initiates proactive approach to identifying needs and solving problems. Develops plans while considering all relevant factors, including work group, clients & program goals. Performs second level review and approval of results before expiration of holding times or assigned deadline. Informs group manager of deviations, concerns and issues when they are observed.  Brings critical issues to the group manager’s attention immediately.  Assists the Group Manager in interview and coaching sessions, serving as a witness while maintaining confidentiality.  Participates in identifying training needs.  Provides confidential verbal and documented feedback to the group manager of all team members’ performance and development. Consults with customers about data requests and reports data in a timely manner.   (35%)

EJF 2.  Chemistry/QC:  Oversees preparation and analysis of samples for organic compounds by GC, GC/MS, &/or HPLC.  Trains team to check samples for proper preservative and container, prepare reagents and standards, monitor expiration dates. Trains team to perform sample preparation techniques including liquid/liquid, solid phase extraction, sonication, shakers, chemical reactions and derivatization to meet Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Quality Manual requirements.  Oversees preparation and/or analysis of quality control samples according to the SOP, including instrument calibrations and verification of standards with reference material and preparation of dilutions to meet the analytical range of the calibration curve.  Develops data acquisition parameters for identification of target compounds. Trains team to identify target compounds and interpret highly complex chromatograms and/or spectra.  Determines appropriate procedure for quantitation.  Monitors Quality Control Parameters as required by the method.  Responds immediately to QC failures and effectively troubleshoots issues as they occur.  Notifies group manager immediately of any critical issues.  Acts as the backup for any of the analytical methods performed by the team when needed.  Maintains skill in the operation any of the instrumentation used by the team.   (30%)

EJF 3. Sample Management & Productivity:  Coordinates sample tracking.  Schedules preparation and analysis of samples to meet EPA holding time (no exceptions).  Works with team to meet or exceed the on-time delivery goals by test and client and at a productive rate. The productive rate is determined by historical productivity and work time unit evaluation.  Extraction and/or analysis must be performed with acceptable QA/QC and SOP practices.  (5%)

EJF 4.  Quality Assurance / Document Control / Records Management:  Ensures team reads and follows 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 teams SOPs.  Requests approval of group manager/technical manager in advance for SOP deviations.  Responds immediately to QA/QC problems and effectively troubleshoots issues as they occur.  Inform group manager/technical manager of issues which would cause a test to shut down or which would limit capacity.  Ensures team participates in training. Ensures team members perform Initial Demonstration of Capability before working independently on samples.  Ensures team members maintain proficiency for assigned methods by performing Continuing Demonstration of Capability, Method Detection Limit and Proficiency Testing samples.  Responds to any internal or external audit findings as responsible or assigned. Provides analytical and quality assurance support to the team. Implements new analytical methods or techniques to meet the changes in regulations and customer needs.  Maintains complete, timely and accurate records of all procedures performed.  (10%)

EJF 5.  Equipment (including glassware) and Supplies:  Oversees operation, maintenance and verification of equipment as specified in SOPs and equipment manuals.  Responds immediately to equipment and instrument problems and effectively troubleshoots issues as they occur.  Provides training on troubleshooting of highly complex problems using policies and procedures, equipment manuals, knowledge and experience.  Oversees maintenance of reagents and supplies by following laboratory procedures for inventory control.  Enters requisitions for supplies and standards in advance of need. Responsible for writing specifications for supplies and recommending equipment purchases for the team.   Informs the Group Manager of any critical equipment or inventory problems. Coordinates supply receipt and verifies that the supplies meet procedure specifications. Maintains complete, timely and accurate records of maintenance and inventory.  (5%)

EJF 6.  Health and Safety / Housekeeping:  Based on your work area, consistently comply with DSHS Laboratory, local, state and federal guidelines to ensure a safe functioning laboratory.  Minimize exposure of all personal to chemical hazards by proper use of personal protective equipment, management practices, use of fume hoods and proper safety practices in the laboratory. Read and follow the Chemical Hygiene Plan and SOPs.  Properly label all chemicals.  Follow safety data sheet (SDS) recommendations.  Wears safety glasses and lab coats at all times in designated areas. Properly identifies, labels, records and disposes of wastes and samples.  Keeps work area clean and organized to reduce contamination.  Attend all required safety training.  Communicate with others immediately any safety problems that arise. (5%)

EJF 7.  Administrative: Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.  Notifies Group Manager of all absences.  Enters leave into CAPPS.  Performs required training.  Performs other duties as directed by the Group Manager.  Schedules extraction and analysis of quality control samples for method development and validation projects.  Offers suggestions and new ideas for improving performance and operations. Trains others.  (5%)

EJF 8. COOP:  Other duties as assigned include but are 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. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location. (5%)

 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

 List the knowledge, skills, and abilities critical to performance in this position:

Knowledge of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) methods for testing environmental samples and skill in performance of the methods.  Knowledge of EPA and The NELAC Institute (TNI) quality systems.  Knowledge of the principles and design of gas chromatography systems.   Knowledge of data acquisition systems and skill in their use for preparing calibration curves for quantitation of samples, evaluation of QC parameters and producing reports. Knowledge of lab quality control and quality assurance systems. Skill in operation and maintenance of computer controlled gas chromatographs for the analysis of various sample matrices.  Skill in the interpretation of complex chromatograms and evaluation of quality control data to produce valid results.   Skill in the organization of the work load to meet the required holding times for analysis of samples.  Ability to set up computer spreadsheets to evaluate the recovery data and apply statistical means to set quality control limits.    Ability to oversee analyses and implement quality control procedures.   Ability to design and evaluate performance of analytical test systems.  Ability to work closely with all personnel to complete assigned tasks.

 

 

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

None

 

Initial Screening Criteria:

 

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor’s degree or higher in chemistry, environmental sciences, biological sciences, or physical sciences.
• At least 2 years experience working in a high throughput laboratory.
• Experience working in an environmental laboratory preferred.
• Experience working with Gas Chromatography preferred.
• Experience working in an EPA laboratory preferred.
• Experience in laboratory quality assurance systems preferred.

 

 

 

Additional Information:

 

• Additional Information:

Applicant is required to list chemistry courses on application showing the course name and number of semester hours (a copy of transcript, faxed list, or using one of the employment history boxes is acceptable).

Applicants with diplomas awarded in countries other than the U.S must contact Quality Control Office (512-458-7318) for an approved list of credentialing agencies.  Providing verification of educational requirements is a condition of employment.

 

Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans:

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified for this position. For more information see the Texas State Auditor’s Military Crosswalk at https://hr.sao.texas.gov/CompensationSystem/JobDescriptions/.

 

ADA Accommodations:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), DSHS will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring process for individuals with a qualifying disability. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the interview process, please notify the person who contacts you to schedule the interview. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747 or via email at HHSServiceCenter.Applications@ngahrhosting.com.

 

Salary Information, Pre-employment Checks, and Work Eligibility:

• The salary offered will follow DSHS starting salary guidelines. Any employment offer is contingent upon available budgeted funds.
• Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.
• DSHS uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.  Download the I-9 form