Lab Technician

About the role

Position Purpose: Provide a brief description as to the primary purpose of this job (no more than three to five sentences). Performs a variety of chemical, biological, and physical tests required for sample analysis, quality control, research, or development. Compiles data for reports. Responsible for performing routine tasks and analyses on samples in accordance with company and regulatory requirements. May perform specialized analysis under the direction of trained lab personnel to support applied quality assurance and control procedures. Maintains the laboratory as directed for compliance with company hygiene plans. Assists in special studies in the laboratory and possibly in the field. Primary Duties/Responsibilities: Contribute to overall lab safety, reporting all safety issues promptly to lab leadership and site safety department. Initiate and conduct all sample login procedures, both manual and electronic for samples delivered to the laboratory. Ensure proper labeling, paperwork, and setup for laboratory samples, including subsampling and compositing. Evaluate samples, subsamples, and composites for compliance in accordance with established guidelines and training. Perform wet chemistry techniques, which may include waste screening, pH, compatibility, titrations, density analysis, distillations, etc. Basic to intermediate instrument use may be required (e.g., IC, BTU, some GC, etc). Analyze sample results by qualitative and quantitative methods following proper analytical methods required for compliance in accordance with established guidelines and training. Perform testing and analysis of regular quality control samples, ensuring results are acceptable. Record and compute results from test data and maintain quality control records and charts, as assigned. Promptly report issues with samples, quality, or instrumentation to supervisor or appropriate staff member. Ensure proper written and electronic documentation of all assigned test results, quality control results, and instrument maintenance. Perform periodic review of assigned analytical logs and data to ensure regulatory compliance for completeness and accuracy. Ensure timely reporting of all analytical, quality, or other test results to appropriate personnel and departments. Sets up equipment and instrumentation required for tests, research, or process control. Cleans and makes minor repairs on laboratory apparatus and equipment and ensures a high standard of housekeeping, quality control and safety. Prepare reagents, chemical solutions, standards, and other lab solutions as directed by supervisor per guidance and training. Follow procedures for proper chemical handling and waste disposal. Assist in maintaining inventory of lab supplies, chemicals, and consumables for assigned areas. May also label lab waste containers and properly dispose of lab waste per established guidelines. May assist in other areas or with special projects directed. Perform other duties as assigned. Education/Experience/Background: High School diploma or General Educational Development (GED) equivalent required, including a year of high school level Chemistry with laboratory experience equivalent. Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or related STEM field preferred. Zero to two years experience in a related position in a similar environment with ability to use laboratory apparatus and equipment to perform accurate, repeatable work and to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions. Knowledge/Skills/Abilities: Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference and fundamentals of plane and solid geometry and trigonometry. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios and proportions to practical situations. Ability to interpret a variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables. Exposure to computerized lab equipment and related systems preferred. Ability to write reports, business correspondence and procedures manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers and the general public. Ability to adhere to Company policies and procedures and to quickly develop proficiency in the care and use of all site specific, facility required PPE (Personal Protection Equipment), including respirators, gas detectors, confined space equipment, etc.) Must demonstrate ability to work in a team environment and willingness to assume additional or new responsibilities readily. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills Required Certification/Licenses/Training: Must possess a valid driver's license and a safe driving record if performing field work. Employee Orientation, Departmental Operating Procedures, Safety, OSHA and Quality Training. Learns to perform more complex tests and analysis. Applicable technical training as required. Stays up to date on new technol