CHEMIST - BELLINGHAM, WA

Location: Bellingham, Washington, US | Permanent position

About the role

As an Oil and Petroleum Chemist, you will perform laboratory tests to determine chemical and physical characteristics or composition of solid, liquid, or gaseous materials for quality control, process control, or product development. You will also participate in specialized laboratory functions as assigned.

Responsibilities

• Ensure the laboratory has adequate resources to perform all required work.
• Enter sample information and testing requirements into the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
• Operate laboratory equipment and instruments such as microscopes, centrifuges, agitators, viscometers, balance scales, spectrophotometers, gas chromatographs, and colorimeters.
• Test petroleum products and component materials for qualities such as purity, composition, stability, viscosity, density, acidity, flash point, and other physical properties.
• Test materials for the presence and content of elements or substances including hydrocarbons, metals, sulfur, ash, or impurities.
• Test samples of manufactured products to verify conformity to product specifications and regulatory compliance.
• Record test results on standardized forms, write test reports describing procedures used, and prepare graphs, charts, and Certificates of Analysis.
• Clean and sterilize laboratory equipment; verify and calibrate laboratory instruments.
• Prepare chemical solutions according to standard formulas.
• Add chemicals or raw materials to process solutions or product batches to correct or establish formulations required to meet specifications.
• Assist in quality assurance practices, statistical quality control (SQC) analysis, and interpretation.
• Encourage laboratory performance through communication with lab staff and management to promote empowerment and accountability.
• Understand customer requirements and organize lab procedures, schedules, and staffing to meet and exceed those requirements.
• Support ISO certification(s) and assist in the corrective/preventive actions process.
• Work a rotating schedule including weekends, holidays, and be available for on-call duties.
• Utilize respiratory equipment when handling samples, if required.
• Transport samples to and from client facilities promptly and safely for analysis or retention.
• Assist in sample retention and disposal procedures.
• Prepare samples for domestic and international Dangerous Goods and non-hazardous shipments once IATA trained and certified.
• Represent the company professionally in appearance and conduct; maintain ethical behavior and open communication with the Laboratory Manager.
• Adhere to the company’s Health, Safety, and Environmental Policies and Procedures, Business Management System, and Compliance and Ethics Policies.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in a related science field.
• One to three years of related experience and/or training or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to obtain a TWIC Card.

Skills

• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations.
• Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals; effectively present information and respond to questions from managers, customers, and the public.
• Proficiency in basic arithmetic (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division) and ability to compute rates, ratios, and percentages; interpret graphical data.
• Ability to apply common-sense understanding to complex situations and follow instructions in written, oral, or diagrammatic form.
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.

Physical Demands

• Regularly required to sit, use hands to handle objects/tools, and communicate verbally.
• Frequently required to stand, walk, and smell; occasionally required to reach with hands and arms.
• Occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds (with assistance).
• Requires close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

• Regularly works near explosive materials and is exposed to wet/humid conditions, fumes, airborne particles, toxic/caustic chemicals, extreme temperatures, and possibly enclosed spaces.
• Moderate noise level in the workplace.

Pay

$25.00 - $27.00 per hour, depending on experience.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage (eligible on the first day of employment).
• Company-matched retirement plan.
• Generous paid time off and company holidays.
• Life insurance and AD&D coverage.
• Short-term and long-term disability (STD and LTD).
• Optional life and pet insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and Total Wellbeing Lifestyle Programs.