Entry-Level Laboratory Technician

About the Role

The Laboratory Technician for Organic Extractions is responsible for performing a range of laboratory tasks including preparation, analysis, and testing of soil and water samples following standard operating procedures (SOPs) and laboratory methods. The role involves a 50% focus on soil samples and 50% on water samples.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform routine operation, maintenance, calibration, and trouble-shooting of laboratory equipment.
• Prepare samples, dilutions, and splits for analysis according to the SOP.
• Prepare and properly label reagents and standards.
• Complete general laboratory paperwork in logbooks, maintenance books, standard books, bench sheets, etc.
• Properly dispose of samples according to the SOP.
• Clean and maintain laboratory equipment in good working order.
• Communicate workload status and data quality issues to your supervisor.
• Assist your supervisor with root cause investigations and implementing corrective actions.
• Perform other duties as determined by the department Team Lead.

General Extractions Duties

• Prepare, digest, and analyze soil and water samples, ensuring consistency with Sterling Labs’ SOPs.
• Use laboratory scales and manual pipettes for sample weighing and liquid transfer.
• Read meniscus lines on glassware and perform accurate spiking of samples using wire trawls.
• Utilize various equipment such as turbovaps, burners, and nitrogen evaporation to concentrate and extract samples from soil and water.

Soil Extraction Duties (50%)

• Utilize sonicators for soil extractions for SVOC and TPH.
• Utilize lab microwaves for extracting herbicides, pesticides, and PCBs.

Water Extraction Duties (50%)

• Operate separatory funnel shakers for water sample extraction for further SVOC, TPH, PCBs, Pesticides, and Herbicides analysis.
• Operate centrifuges for emulsion separation.

Equipment and Instruments Used

• Lab Scales
• Fume hoods
• Centrifuge
• Funnel shakers
• Wire trawl
• Turbovaps
• Burners
• Nitrogen evaporation
• Pipettes

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, chemistry, or biology.
• Ability to learn laboratory information systems (LIMS), databases, and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and form conclusions.
• Highly organized, with an ability to follow specific rules and patterns for analysis and equipment setup.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of standing while preparing and extracting soil and water samples.
• Frequent use of hands and fingers to handle pipettes, glassware, balances, wire trawls, and other laboratory instruments with precision.
• Ability to lift, carry, and move solvent containers, sample batches, and laboratory equipment weighing up to 30 pounds using proper and safe lifting techniques.
• Occasional bending, reaching, and stooping.
• Ability to visually read meniscus lines, monitor sample color changes, and inspect instrument displays accurately; specific vision abilities required include close vision, color vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Ability to work safely around organic solvents, compressed gases, acids, and other hazardous laboratory chemicals while wearing required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as gloves, lab coats, and safety glasses.
• Ability to maintain sustained attention and precision during repetitive or detailed analytical and extraction procedures.
• Ability to communicate clearly and professionally with supervisors and coworkers regarding workload, safety, and data accuracy.