Laboratory Technician I/II

Location: Houston, TX • 6-month contract-to-hire • $18–$22/hour

About the role

Our client is seeking Laboratory Technicians to join their environmental testing laboratory in Houston, TX. This is a 6-month contract-to-hire opportunity with the potential for permanent employment based on performance and business needs. It's an excellent opportunity for recent graduates or early-career scientists looking to gain hands-on laboratory experience in a production-driven analytical environment. The laboratory specializes in testing water, soil, and downstream petroleum-based products, supporting environmental and industrial clients. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, dependable, and comfortable working both independently and as part of a collaborative laboratory team.

Responsibilities

• Receive, organize, prepare, and process environmental samples according to established laboratory procedures.
• Perform laboratory testing and analysis of water, soil, and downstream petroleum-based product samples.
• Maintain sample traceability and ensure accurate documentation throughout the testing process.
• Record laboratory activities and test results using LIMS and other laboratory documentation systems.
• Operate and assist with analytical instrumentation, including ICP, ICP-MS, GC, GC-MS, HPLC, IC, Mercury Analyzer, and related software when applicable.
• Maintain clean, organized laboratory workstations while following laboratory SOPs, quality standards, and safety procedures.
• Assist with inventory management and communicate supply needs to laboratory leadership.
• Identify and report sample discrepancies, equipment issues, or testing irregularities.
• Work independently to complete assigned testing while meeting turnaround time expectations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Science, or another related scientific discipline preferred.
• Open to new graduates or candidates with 0–2 years of laboratory experience.
• Basic understanding of analytical laboratory techniques and scientific documentation.
• Experience operating analytical instrumentation such as ICP, ICP-MS, GC, GC-MS, HPLC, or IC is a plus, but not required.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to follow SOPs and maintain accurate records.
• Comfortable working with a variety of sample matrices including soil, water, chemicals, and petroleum-based materials.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and remain on your feet for extended periods.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively.

Ideal Candidate

• Eager to learn and develop within an analytical laboratory environment.
• Self-motivated and capable of managing assigned workload independently.
• Adaptable, dependable, and committed to producing high-quality laboratory results.
• Strong cultural fit who enjoys working within a diverse and collaborative team environment.

Work Environment

This is a fast-paced, production laboratory supporting environmental analytical testing. The team is highly diverse, with employees from a variety of backgrounds, including a large Spanish-speaking workforce and H-1B professionals. The company values collaboration, inclusivity, and continuous learning. The laboratory is currently located in an older facility in Houston, with plans to relocate to a newer, upgraded location within the next 12–18 months, providing employees with an improved work environment.

Schedule

• 1st Shift: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (1 opening)
• 2nd Shift: Monday–Friday, 1:00 PM – 10:00 PM (flexibility to work 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM if needed; 1 opening)

Pay

$18–$22/hour