Soil Analyst

Job Description

Performs daily analytical and clerical tasks of the Soil Testing Laboratory that annually receives over 50,000 samples. The laboratory's test results are used to help educate farmers, agribusiness personnel and homeowners about the efficient, economical and environmental use of our fertilizer and soil resources. Responsible for sample preparation by unpacking, setting up, drying, grinding and sieving samples. Perform chemical extraction of soil samples for nutrient analysis.

Operate ICP-AES 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. Department is unable to support work visas.

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent training and experience.
• 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 and carry up to 30 lbs over short distances and 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.

• Bachelor’s degree in the sciences.
• Experience with soil pH, atomic spectroscopy (especially ICP-AES).
• Experience with data entry, funds handling and with MS Windows, Word, and Excel.

4

Non-Exempt:
Eligible for overtime

Regular

40,

40

07/03/2026

Must be able to repeatedly lift & carry up to 30 lbs over short distances and 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. Work schedule M-F, 7:30-4:00 with 1/2 hour for lunch.

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

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.