Soil Analyst

About the role

The Soil Testing Laboratory annually receives over 50,000 samples and provides educational services to farmers, agribusiness personnel, and homeowners regarding the efficient, economical, and environmental use of fertilizer and soil resources.

Responsibilities

• Sample preparation by unpacking, setting up, drying, grinding, and sieving samples.
• Perform chemical extraction of soil samples for nutrient analysis.
• Operate ICPAES instrument for elemental analysis on soil sample extracts.
• Maintain analytical quality of ICP data, upload data files.
• Assist ICP Spectroscopist with research solution samples as directed by the Lab Manager.
• Follow University funds handling protocol and lab procedures to receive payments for lab work, write receipts; log and tally checks and cash for daily direct bank deposit, verifying total amount.
• Independently organize and carry out the invoicing to external clients. Itemize dollar amounts to be billed to companies for soil tests performed on credit.
• Process corrections using A/R adjustment forms; process Interdepartmental Service Requests.
• Perform repetitive tasks in a timely manner with accuracy.

Requirements

• Demonstrated knowledge and work experience with general laboratory equipment, computers, reagents, procedures, and analytical techniques.
• Ability to perform rapid, accurate, reproducible work with occasional interruptions while following complex instructions.
• Experience providing excellent customer service.
• Data entry experience entering information quickly and accurately.
• Experience in independently performing basic troubleshooting steps to identify and solve fundamental issues.
• Ability to repeatedly lift & carry up to 30 lbs over short distances & above head level, climb stairs several times per day, work in environments using appropriate protective gear for high levels of soil dust and noise, strong acids & odors, and adjacent to radio frequency electrical generators.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent training and experience.

Skills

• Knowledge of soil pH.
• Experience with atomic spectroscopy (especially ICP-AES).
• Data entry skills.
• Experience with MS Windows, Word, and Excel.

Pay

$40,000 - $55,000 annually.

Schedule

M-F, 7:30-4:00 with 1/2 hour for lunch.

Benefits

Department is unable to support work visas.

Additional Information

• Must be able to repeatedly lift & carry up to 30 lbs. over short distances & above head level, and to climb a flight of stairs several times per day, and to work in environments of high soil dust, high noise, with strong acids & odors, and adjacent to radio frequency electrical generators.
• The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research institutes. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually. Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance. These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development. Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law. If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Courtney McCombs at cdundas@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.