Chemist I or II- Materials and Tests Division

Position Information

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is seeking a motivated Chemist I or Chemist II to join the Materials and Tests Division (MTD). This position offers the opportunity to apply scientific and analytical skills to advance innovative technologies and contribute to the safe and reliable transportation system serving millions of Texans.

Benefits and Perks

At TxDOT, we value work-life balance and are committed to providing our employees with a comprehensive range of benefits and programs, including:

• Retirement Plans
• Alternative and/or Flexible Work Schedules
• Paid Leave and Holidays
• Health Premiums paid at 100% for Full-Time Employees
• On-the-Job Training
• Tuition Assistance Program
• Holistic Wellness Program with Leave Incentives
• Career Development and Advancement Opportunities
• Family-Friendly Policies and Programs

In 2024, TxDOT was recognized as a Best Place for Working Parents, and many of our offices statewide are also designated as Texas Mother-Friendly Worksites. These recognitions reflect our dedication to supporting families and promoting a healthy work-life balance.

For a complete list of our total compensation package please visit our website at: Total Compensation Package

To view benefits available to all State of Texas employees visit: Benefits at a Glance | ERS (texas.gov)

Position Description

Chemist I

Performs routine chemical analysis of materials in a chemical laboratory and provides technical expertise to departmental staff. Work requires contact with private entities. Employees at this level perform work independently on assignments; however, all unusual issues are referred to the supervisor.

Chemist II

Performs routine, non-routine, chemical analysis of materials in a chemical laboratory and provides technical expertise to department staff. Work requires contact with private entities. Issues are rarely referred to the supervisor but are handled at the occurrence.

Essential Duties:

Chemist I:

• Assists in developing material specifications.
• Develops and updates analysis procedures.
• Evaluates new and failing materials and assists district laboratory, project sponsors and material suppliers in solving material problems.
• Maintains laboratory equipment and supplies.
• Performs chemical analysis of materials.
• Prepares samples for analysis
• Stays abreast of new analytical methods and materials and laboratory analysis requirements.
• Performs other job responsibilities as assigned.

Chemist II:

• Develops and reviews material specifications.
• Monitors material test results for problem trends.
• Performs and monitors chemical analysis of materials.
• Plans and schedules laboratory analyses.
• Trains other chemists and technical employees.
• Develops and updates analysis procedures.
• Evaluates new or failing materials and assists district laboratory, project sponsors and material suppliers in solving material problems.

Chemist I:

Minimum Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry. Relevant work experience may be substituted for degree on a year per year basis. Substitutions for Minimum Qualifications

Experience: No experience required. (Experience can be satisfied by full time or prorated part time equivalent). Related graduate level education may be substituted for experience on a year per year basis.

Chemist II:

Education: Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry. Relevant work experience may be substituted for degree on a year per year basis. Substitutions for Minimum Qualifications

Experience: 3 years of experience in Chemical analysis (Experience can be satisfied by full time or prorated part time equivalent) Related graduate level education may be substituted for experience on a year per year basis.

Licenses and Certifications: Valid driver's license. This position requires driving a state vehicle.

Competencies:

Chemist I:

Some knowledge of:

• Applicable inspection methods, procedures and techniques
• Materials design, specifications and applications
• Materials used in highway/bridge construction and maintenance
• The use and care of laboratory equipment
• Qualitative/quantitative chemical laboratory tests

Proficient skill in:

• Research and analysis methodologies
• Performing calculations using algebra, trigonometry, and geometry
• Using, maintaining and repairing of tools and equipment of the trade
• Analyzing and organizing business and technical data
• Communicating technical information effectively
• Maintaining a safe working environment

Other Attributes:

• Exercises logic and reasoning to define problems, establish facts and draw valid conclusions; makes decisions that support business objectives and goals.

Chemist II:

Considerable knowledge of:

• Applicable inspection methods, procedures and techniques
• Materials design, specifications and applications
• Materials used in highway/bridge construction and maintenance
• the use and care of laboratory equipment
• Qualitative/quantitative chemical laboratory tests

Proficient skill in:

• Writing, reviewing and revising documents to include engineering notes, specifications, standards and procedures
• Research and analysis methodologies
• Performing calculations using algebra, trigonometry and geometry
• Using maintaining and repairing of tools and equipment of the trade
• Analyzing and organizing business and technical data
• Communicating technical information effectively
• Maintaining a safe working environment

Other Attributes:

• Exercises logic and reasoning to define problems, establish facts and draw valid conclusions; makes decisions that support business objectives and goals

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

• Subject to atmospheric conditions-fumes, odors, dusts, mists, gases, poor ventilation
• Subject to hazards-moving vehicles/mechanical parts, high places/heat, or chemicals
• Required to wear protective gear-respirator, hard hat, or other device
• Light work: Lift up 20 lbs at a time and frequently lift or carry objects up to 10 lbs
• Reaching-extending had(s) and arm(s) in any direction
• Standing-prolonged periods of time
• Lifting-raising objects from lower to higher position/horizontally to a different position
• Talking-expressing or exchanging ideas by spoken words
• Hearing-perceive sound at normal speaking levels; receive information by oral communication
• Close Visual Acuity- work includes data/figures; view a computer screen; extensive reading
• Close Visual Acuity- using measurement devices; and/or assembly or fabrication parts

Conditions of Employment:

Please click this link to read the standard conditions of employment for all positions: Standard Conditions of Employment (TxDOT)

• Must pass a drug test prior to employment for safety impact positions. This is a Safety Impact position and will be subject to random drug testing.
  • Please note that the Department of Transportation's Drug and Alcohol Testing Regulation - 49 CFR Part 40, at 40.151(e) - does not authorize "medical marijuana" under a state law to be a valid medical explanation for a positive drug test result for an employee in this position.