Sample Custodian

About the role

The Sample Custodian provides clerical and administrative laboratory support for the environmental organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, and biology departments at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 10 Laboratory. The role handles sensitive equipment and supports preparation for short‑term storage of upcoming sample analyses. Experience with storage and retrieval of samples in laboratory settings is required.

Essential Requirements

• Ability to obtain a government security clearance.
• Working knowledge and ability to review, interpret, and apply technical manuals, technical instructions, and standard operating procedures in all aspects of quality assurance.
• Good organization and time‑management skills.
• Ability to practice and promote required safety standards.
• Knowledge and ability to collect data, process forms, and compose reports.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to interact effectively with a variety of personnel.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Ability to work both independently and in a team environment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Perform all aspects of shipping, receiving, storing, distributing, and logging samples.
• Open coolers, inspect shipment contents, and verify documentation accuracy.
• Distribute sample containers to appropriate storage locations.
• Enter sample information into the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
• Organize spent samples for disposal.
• Strictly adhere to standard operating procedures, health and safety policies, and quality control requirements.
• Use required personal protective equipment, including eye safety glasses, gloves, and other safety gear.

Education / Experience

• Associate’s degree in Physical Sciences or Business with a minimum of three (3) years in an environmental laboratory, or a high school diploma with a minimum of six (6) years of experience in an environmental laboratory.

Physical Demands

• Work primarily in an office or field environment; regularly required to sit, speak, and hear; frequently required to walk.
• Use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms.
• Occasionally required to stand, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds; may be required to carry up to 40 pounds of training equipment.
• Ability to withstand inclement weather, including extreme heat and cold.
• Capable of walking long distances over broken ground and standing for extended periods to support training on range operations.
• Capable of climbing up/down on a variety of military and armored vehicle platforms.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.

Pay

The estimated pay range for this role is $25 to $32 per hour, with the final offer contingent on location, skillset, and experience.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage (eligible on the first day of hire for full‑time employees)
• Company Life Insurance
• Short‑Term and Long‑Term Disability Insurance
• 401(k) with immediate vesting
• Professional Development Assistance
• Legal Aid Assistance Program
• Family Planning / Fertility Assistance
• Personal Time Off
• Observance of Federal Holidays (11 holidays)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Training and Development Opportunities