Entry-Level Laboratory Technician - Organic Extractions (Mon - Fri 4:00 PM - 1:00 AM)

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.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine operation, maintenance, calibration, and trouble-shoot 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 to your supervisor about the status of your workload as well as any data quality issues.
• Aid your supervisor with root cause investigations to determine the source of issues (Corrective Actions Reports) and implement corrective actions needed to resolve those issues.
• Assist with 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, nitrogen evaporation to concentrate and extract samples from soil and water.
• Sonicator for soil extractions for SVOC and TPH.
• Lab microwave for extracting herbicides, pesticides, and PCBs.
• Separatory funnel shakers for water sample extraction for further SVOC, TPH, PCBs, Pesticides and Herbicides analysis.
• Centrifuges for emulsion separation.

Requirements

• 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.
• Must be able 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 to access instruments, perform maintenance, or retrieve supplies.
• Must be able 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.
• Must be able 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.
• Must be able to maintain sustained attention and precision during repetitive or detailed analytical and extraction procedures.
• Must be able to communicate clearly and professionally with supervisors and coworkers regarding workload, safety, and data accuracy.