Laboratory Technician

Full-time Description

TRI Environmental-California (Precision Geosynthetic Laboratories, a division of Texas Research International) is an independent, third-party laboratory providing specialized testing, research, and certification services across five continents. With over 88 years of collective experience, the company serves the geosynthetic, geotechnical, plastic pipe, protective glove, and technical textile industries.

• Sample Receipt:
  Assist in the logging, labeling, and organization of incoming samples.
• Sample Preparation:
  Prepare incoming soil and geosynthetic material specimens for conformance or direct shear testing, including manual specimen cutting specimens and manual soil compaction.
• Test Execution:
  Set up and conduct physical and mechanical tests according to exact technical procedures, adjusting parameters like normal stress, shearing rates, and environmental conditions.
• Material Analysis:
  Perform routine quality control tests on incoming material samples, comparing live data against industry norms and standards to assist in interpreting results.

• Machinery Calibration:
  Set up, verify, and assist in calibrating universal testing and direct shear testing machines as well as other instrumentation, and control equipment.
• Routine Maintenance:
  Clean, service, and maintain laboratory equipment to ensure high reliability and minimal operational downtime.
• Troubleshooting:
  Rapidly identify, diagnose, and resolve basic equipment malfunctions or software discrepancies that arise during testing.

• Data Recording:
  Maintain accurate and organized test records, lab reports, and data entries. Monitor and accurately log shear force, vertical displacement, and horizontal displacement at specified intervals throughout the testing process.
• Documentation & Reporting:
  Compile clear, concise records of test methods, observations, and final data outputs in Microsoft Excel.
• Quality & Safety Compliance:
  Maintain a highly organized workspace and strictly adhere to all company QA policies, safety guidelines, and standard operating procedures.
• Team
  
  Collaboration:
  
  Assist the Laboratory or R&D Supervisor and project manager with shifting testing requirements, elevate data discrepancies immediately, and provide administrative support for lab supply procurement.

$22-$26 per hour (DOE)

No phone calls please

• Minimum Education:
  
  High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent secondary education.
• Professional
  
  Experience:
  
  Minimum of 1 year of work-related experience in a laboratory, construction materials testing (CMT), geotechnical engineering, or a similar mechanical field.
• Industry Advantage:
  Prior experience with environmental projects or physical/mechanical testing of Geosynthetic materials and in-plant sampling as well as familiarity with ASTM, ISO , and other relevant industry standards.is a strong plus.

• Mechanical Aptitude:
  Strong ability to confidently use hand tools, troubleshoot machinery, and understand basic machine mechanics.
• Software & Computation:
  Proficiency with standard computer applications, specifically Microsoft Excel, and the ability to perform basic mathematical calculations.
• Technical Reading:
  Ability to read, comprehend, and strictly follow packaged instructions, safety guidelines, and complex technical testing specifications.
• Communication & Focus:
  High level of commitment to quality control and attention to detail for exact measurements and record-keeping, alongside effective verbal and written communication skills for team collaboration and reporting.

• Heavy Lifting:
  Ability to…