Laboratory Technician 1

About the role

The Laboratory Technician I is responsible for performing routine sample preparation, analytical testing, data documentation, and laboratory support functions in accordance with established standard operating procedures (SOPs), quality assurance requirements, and safety protocols. This position primarily supports inorganic environmental testing and provides accurate and timely analytical results for soil, water, wastewater, sludge, and other environmental matrices.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Receive, log, label, and organize environmental samples for processing and analysis.
• Perform routine inorganic sample preparation procedures, including digestion, extraction, filtration, drying, homogenization, weighing, and preservation.
• Prepare samples for analysis using EPA, ASTM, Standard Methods, and laboratory SOPs.
• Conduct routine inorganic analyses under supervision.
• Prepare reagents, standards, calibration solutions, and quality control samples.
• Operate and maintain laboratory instrumentation and equipment according to established procedures.
• Perform daily instrument checks, calibrations, and routine maintenance activities.
• Accurately document analytical activities, observations, and results in laboratory information management systems (LIMS), bench sheets, and logbooks.
• Review quality control data to ensure compliance with laboratory acceptance criteria.
• Maintain sample custody and chain-of-custody documentation throughout the analytical process.
• Dispose of laboratory waste in accordance with environmental, health, and safety regulations.
• Maintain laboratory cleanliness, organization, and inventory of supplies and consumables.
• Assist senior analysts and laboratory management with method implementation, troubleshooting, and process improvements.
• Meet productivity, quality, and turnaround time expectations while maintaining data integrity.

Quality and Compliance Responsibilities

• Follow all laboratory SOPs, QA/QC requirements, and accreditation standards.
• Adhere to EPA, state regulatory, and client-specific analytical requirements.
• Participate in proficiency testing, corrective actions, and internal quality initiatives as assigned.
• Maintain complete and accurate records to support defensible analytical results.
• Ensure compliance with laboratory safety policies and chemical hygiene plans.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in Chemistry, Environmental Science, Biology, or related scientific field preferred; equivalent laboratory experience may be considered.
• Basic understanding of chemistry laboratory techniques and scientific principles.
• Ability to follow written procedures and work instructions accurately.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Proficiency with basic computer applications and data entry.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced laboratory environment.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 40 pounds.
• Ability to perform repetitive motions including pipetting, weighing, and sample handling.
• Ability to work safely with acids, bases, and other laboratory chemicals.
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) including safety glasses, gloves, and laboratory coats.

Preferred Skills

• Previous environmental laboratory experience.
• Familiarity with inorganic analytical methods and environmental regulations.
• Experience using LIMS software.
• Knowledge of ISO 17025 quality requirements and laboratory accreditation programs.

Career Progression

This position serves as an entry-level laboratory role designed to develop technical competency in environmental inorganic testing and provide advancement opportunities to Laboratory Technician II, Analyst, or specialized technical positions.