Lab Technician

Lab Technician

The Lab Technician conducts residue sampling, testing, reporting, and routine maintenance activities required to operate a fungicide residue program at an onsite customer laboratory. This role maintains the laboratory and its equipment, supports quality control and quality assurance efforts, and ensures safe, accurate, and timely analysis of fruit and liquid samples.

Responsibilities

• Collect fruit and liquid residue samples from the packing house accurately and on the established schedule.
• Perform fruit and solution residue analyses accurately and on time, strictly following established laboratory procedures.
• Prepare and route analytical results and related reports in accordance with documented procedures.
• Wash, clean, and prepare glassware and laboratory equipment for subsequent sampling periods.
• Discuss any proposed changes to procedures or sampling schedules with management before implementation.
• Enter analysis results and any other requested data into an electronic notebook on a daily basis.
• Perform standard curve preparation and accuracy checks for residue procedures according to schedule.
• Conduct routine maintenance on the gas chromatograph and other laboratory equipment following procedures and maintenance schedules.
• Promptly communicate any problems with equipment, analytical methods, or operations to management and assist in implementing solutions.
• Monitor and respond to lines of communication such as phone, email, and posted messages frequently, returning messages promptly.
• Stock reagents and standards and carefully maintain their integrity and proper storage conditions.
• Monitor laboratory supply levels regularly and communicate the need for additional supplies in a timely manner.
• Maintain a clean, orderly, and well-organized laboratory environment.
• Ensure laboratory equipment remains in proper working condition and promptly report any issues.
• Wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) for sampling and other duties outside the lab.
• Dispose of all waste materials in accordance with instructions and established safety procedures.
• Secure the lab site and equipment as requested to prevent theft or unauthorized access.
• Follow all safety guidelines and policies while working with chemicals and laboratory equipment.
• Adhere to written procedures and policies and maintain high standards of quality control and quality assurance in all laboratory work.

Essential Skills

• Basic laboratory skills, including accurate pipetting, measuring techniques, and reagent preparation.
• Comfort working with chemicals in a laboratory environment.
• Experience in a chemistry laboratory through coursework or prior employment is preferred.
• Experience with analytical chemistry techniques.
• Experience using a gas chromatograph for analysis is preferred.
• Basic understanding of gas chromatograph (GC) use and maintenance is highly valued.
• Ability to perform labeling and sampling accurately and consistently.
• Quality control and quality assurance awareness and application in daily work.
• Strong data entry skills and attention to detail when recording results.
• Proficiency with computers, including email, Microsoft Word, and Microsoft Excel.
• Ability to multi-task effectively in a busy laboratory setting.
• High attention to detail and accuracy in all tasks.
• Conscientious and self-motivated, with the ability to work without direct supervision.
• Comfort working alone for extended periods.
• Reliability and consistent attendance, with reliable transportation to the job site.
• Safety-conscious mindset and adherence to safety protocols.
• Ability to read, understand, and follow written procedures and policies.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Associate or Bachelor's degree in a scientific field is preferred.
• Reasonable progress toward an Associate or Bachelor's degree in a scientific field is required.
• Background in chemistry or biology through education or work experience.
• Strong organizational skills to maintain laboratory cleanliness and supply levels.
• Effective communication skills for timely reporting of issues and sharing of results.
• Ability to adapt to changes in procedures and schedules while maintaining accuracy and compliance.

Work Environment

This position is based in a portable laboratory located onsite at a production facility operating 24/7. Candidates must be open to working shifts that may vary to support continuous operations. The role involves moving throughout the facility to different sampling areas; technicians may use adult tricycles to travel between locations. The environment includes both laboratory and production areas, requiring strict adherence to safety protocols.

When working outside the lab in the facility, technicians must wear hard hats, high-visibility vests, and steel toe slip-on footwear as part of the required attire. The lab is equipped with standard analytical instruments, including a gas chromatograph, and requires careful handling of chemicals and samples. The setting emphasizes safety, cleanliness, and organization, with a focus on…