Lab Tech

About the role

VLS Environmental Solutions, LLC, provides sustainability solutions through three divisions: Waste Services, Railcar Services, and Marine Services. The Laboratory Technician position supports facility operations by performing analytical testing on materials and waste streams.

Responsibilities

• Perform laboratory analyses on processed materials, treatment batches, and outbound waste streams to verify material characteristics and customer specifications.
• Conduct analytical testing to support production and outbound shipments, including pH bench-scale treatment evaluations, total halogens, flash point, PCB analysis, metals analysis, B&S&W analysis, solvent scan, BTU analysis.
• Provide analytical data used to verify outbound blend quality, treatment effectiveness, and compliance with customer and regulatory specifications.
• Prepare representative samples and perform routine laboratory testing in accordance with established procedures and quality standards.
• Accurately record, review, and maintain laboratory results within company databases and laboratory information systems.
• Perform routine calibration, verification, maintenance, and troubleshooting of laboratory equipment, including pH meters, balances, flash point testers, gas chromatographs (GC), GC/MS, ICP instruments, calorimeters, microcoulometers, and other analytical equipment.
• Perform laboratory quality control activities, including calibration checks, standards, blanks, duplicates, and proficiency testing to ensure analytical accuracy and data integrity.
• Communicate laboratory results and testing trends to Operations, QA/QC, and Site Leadership to support production decisions and process optimization.
• Assist Operations with evaluating treatment performance and blend adjustments through laboratory analysis.
• Generate laboratory reports and provide analytical results as requested.
• Maintain laboratory inventory, testing supplies, and chemical stock while ensuring proper storage and housekeeping.
• Maintain laboratory records in accordance with company procedures, regulatory requirements, and record retention policies.
• Ensure laboratory equipment remains in proper working condition by identifying maintenance needs and coordinating repairs when necessary.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe laboratory environment.
• Comply with all company safety policies and applicable EPA, OSHA, DOT, RCRA, and environmental regulations.
• Properly use required personal protective equipment (PPE) and safely handle laboratory chemicals and hazardous materials.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives to enhance laboratory efficiency, testing accuracy, and operational performance.

Qualifications & Requirements

• High school diploma or GED required; Associate's degree or Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Environmental Science, Biology, or a related scientific discipline preferred.
• One (1) to three (3) years of laboratory, environmental, industrial, chemical processing, or waste management experience preferred.
• Experience performing laboratory analysis on industrial, environmental, or waste materials preferred.
• Working knowledge of analytical laboratory techniques, laboratory instrumentation, and quality control procedures.
• Experience operating and calibrating laboratory equipment such as pH meters, balances, flash point testers, GC, GC/MS, ICP, calorimeters, microcoulometers, and related analytical instruments preferred.
• Ability to accurately prepare samples, document laboratory results, and maintain testing records.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Ability to read, understand, and follow laboratory methods, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and testing protocols.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications and computerized laboratory data management systems.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to effectively communicate technical information to Operations, QA/QC, and Site Leadership.
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE), including respirators when required, and safely work around hazardous materials.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout the workday.
• Ability to use hands and fingers for laboratory testing, sample preparation, and equipment operation.
• Ability to bend, reach, stoop, and occasionally climb while performing laboratory duties.
• Frequent lifting up to 10 pounds and occasional lifting up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to work in laboratory and industrial environments with exposure to chemicals, noise, dust, and varying temperatures.
• Ability to safely wear all required personal protective equipment (PPE) and comply with facility safety requirements.