Chemist in Midland, Texas at Texas Pacific Land Corporation

Key Responsibilities

Analytical Testing & Laboratory Work

• Conduct routine and specialized testing on:
• Treated water, feed water, brine, and RO concentrate
• Soil, sediment, sludge, precipitates, and scale
• Perform wet-chemistry and instrumental analyses using:
• pH/ORP meters
• Conductivity/TDS meters
• Ion-selective electrodes
• Turbidimeters
• Hardness, alkalinity, chloride, and other titration methods
• TOC analyzer
• Bench-top IC or ICP (if installed)
• Conduct sample preparation, preservation, and chain-of-custody management for metals, VOCs, and WET testing through accredited external laboratories.
• Validate and troubleshoot analytical methods and instruments.

Compliance Support

• Execute field sampling and internal laboratory testing required for TPDES permit compliance.
• Coordinate sample collection schedules for NPDES testing.
• Maintain accurate, organized internal data logs and documentation to support the QA/QC Manager in regulatory review.
• Ensure sampling and testing adhere to TCEQ and method-specific guidelines (TNI/NELAC experience a plus).

Research & Process Optimization

• Run bench-scale tests to evaluate:
• Scaling and fouling tendencies
• Corrosion indicators
• Oxidant effectiveness
• Desalination performance
• GAC polishing and RO performance impacts
• Provide analytical insights to improve treatment efficiency, freeze desalination performance, and downstream polishing efficiency.
• Develop internal testing protocols and assist in method selection for the expanding on-site lab.

Leadership & Lab Management

• Supervise chemistry technicians and sample technicians, ensuring proper method execution, safety, and data integrity.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and audit-ready laboratory environment.
• Support training on sampling procedures, proper testing practices, and data organization.
• Assist the QA/QC Manager in equipment selection and laboratory build-out.

Data Analysis & Reporting Support

• Produce data visualizations, trend analysis, and technical summaries for internal stakeholders.
• Interpret analytical data to identify anomalies, process issues, or compliance risks.
• Manage and update LIMS data entries and electronic data tracking systems.

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Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Environmental Science, or closely related field.
• 2+ years of experience in oil & gas, environmental laboratories, or water treatment.
• Experience with produced water or oilfield analytical work is highly preferred.
• Strong working knowledge of wet chemistry methods, water quality analysis, and environmental sampling.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint; experience producing clear data visualizations.
• Ability to work independently in a remote laboratory setting.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in accredited analytical laboratories (TNI/NELAC).

Background in soil chemistry or environmental soil science.

Previous experience with LIMS software.

Familiarity with TCEQ and NPDES/TPDES monitoring requirements.

Experience supervising or training laboratory staff.

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Physical & Environmental Expectations

Ability to work full-time on-site in Orla, TX in a remote industrial environment.

Able to perform field sampling, collect soil/water samples, climb stairs, lift up to ~40 lbs, and work near process equipment.

Willingness to work some Fridays and support occasional after-hours needs.