Chemist - Bellingham, WA

Pay: $25.00–$27.00 per hour, depending on experience.

About the role

Oil and Petroleum Chemist performing laboratory tests to determine chemical and physical characteristics or composition of solid, liquid, or gaseous materials for quality control, process control, or product development. Chemists 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 purity, composition, stability, viscosity, density, acidity, flash point, and other physical properties.
• Test materials for presence and content of elements or substances such as 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 and write test reports describing procedures; 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 formulation.
• Assist in quality assurance practices, SQC analysis and interpretation, and other protocols.
• Promote laboratory performance through communication with lab staff and management to encourage empowerment and accountability.
• Understand customer requirements and organize lab procedures, schedules, and staffing to meet or exceed them.
• Support ISO certification(s) and assist in corrective/preventive actions.
• Work a rotating schedule including weekends, holidays, and on-call availability.
• Use respiratory equipment when handling samples as required.
• Transport samples to and from client facilities safely and promptly.
• 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.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations.
• Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals; effectively present information and respond to questions.
• Proficiency in basic arithmetic, including computation of rate, ratio, and percent; ability to interpret graphical data.
• Ability to apply common-sense understanding to complex situations and follow written, oral, or diagrammatic instructions.
• 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, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• Occasionally required to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds with assistance.
• Specific vision abilities required include close, distance, color, peripheral, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

• Regular exposure to explosive materials, wet/humid conditions, fumes, airborne particles, toxic/caustic chemicals, extreme temperatures, and enclosed spaces.
• Moderate noise level in the workplace.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage (eligible on 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.

Supervision

This position reports to the Laboratory Manager, with additional supervision provided by the Laboratory Supervisor and Assistant Laboratory Manager.