Soil Analyst

About the role

The Soil Testing Laboratory annually receives over 50,000 samples. The laboratory's test results are used to educate farmers, agribusiness personnel, and homeowners about 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.
• Monitor 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 general laboratory equipment, computers, reagents, procedures, and analytical techniques.
• Ability to perform rapid, accurate, reproducible work with occasional interruptions while following complex instructions.
• Customer service skills.
• Data entry experience.
• Basic troubleshooting skills.
• Physical ability to lift & carry up to 30 lbs over short distances & above head level, climb stairs several times per day, work in environments of high soil dust, high noise, with strong acids & odors, and adjacent to radio frequency electrical generators.

Benefits

• Department is unable to support work visas.

Pay

$40,000 - $55,000 annually.

Schedule

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

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.