Lab Tech I

Texas International Refining Company (TIRCO) is seeking a dependable, safety-focused Laboratory Technician to support refinery operations through accurate and timely laboratory testing.

The Laboratory Technician performs routine and specialized analyses of crude oil, blendstocks, intermediate process streams, finished products, wastewater, utility systems, and terminal/tank farm samples. This position is responsible for following established laboratory procedures and applicable ASTM methods while maintaining a strong focus on safety, quality, sample integrity, and analytical accuracy.

The Laboratory Technician works closely with refinery Operations and other departments to provide reliable analytical information used to support product quality and refinery operations.

Key Responsibilities

Laboratory Qualification

• Successfully complete training and qualification for all laboratory test methods utilized by TIRCO.
• Demonstrate competency equivalent to a fully qualified Laboratory Technician.
• Maintain qualification through periodic evaluations and proficiency testing.
• Stay current on ASTM methods, laboratory procedures, quality systems, and testing requirements.
• Participate in laboratory cross-training and continuous improvement initiatives.

Laboratory Testing

Perform laboratory analyses on:

• Crude oil
• Blendstocks
• Intermediate process streams
• Finished petroleum products
• Wastewater samples
• Utility system samples
• Terminal and tank farm samples

Additional responsibilities include:

• Execute testing in accordance with established laboratory procedures and applicable ASTM methods.
• Ensure testing is performed accurately and within required turnaround times.
• Accurately document and report analytical results.
• Promptly communicate abnormal or off-specification results to appropriate personnel.

Sample Collection & Handling

• Collect field and laboratory samples from refinery process units, tanks, trucks, pipelines, marine transfers, terminal operations, and utility systems.
• Maintain sample integrity and follow chain-of-custody requirements.
• Ensure proper labeling, handling, storage, and disposal of samples.
• Follow established procedures for safe sample collection and transportation.

Laboratory Equipment Support

• Operate, calibrate, verify, and maintain laboratory instruments and equipment.
• Assist with troubleshooting analytical equipment issues and failures.
• Perform routine equipment checks and required verifications.
• Maintain laboratory standards, chemicals, reagents, supplies, and consumable inventories.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized laboratory work environment.

Product Quality & Refinery Support

• Support refinery and tank farm operations through timely and accurate analytical testing.
• Assist in identifying and communicating off-specification conditions.
• Support product quality and quality assurance activities.
• Assist with investigations involving product quality or process performance concerns.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records and protect the integrity of analytical data.
• Communicate effectively with Operations and other departments regarding laboratory results and testing needs.

Safety & Environmental Responsibilities

• Comply with all refinery and laboratory safety requirements.
• Follow safe work practices when handling laboratory chemicals, petroleum products, samples, and analytical equipment.
• Properly use required personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Support environmental testing and monitoring activities as assigned.
• Report safety concerns, spills, abnormal conditions, and other potential hazards promptly.
• Maintain good laboratory housekeeping and safe chemical-handling practices.

Qualifications

Required

• High school diploma or GED.
• Ability and willingness to successfully complete TIRCO laboratory training and qualification requirements.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to analytical accuracy.
• Ability to follow laboratory procedures, ASTM test methods, safety requirements, and quality standards.
• Ability to read and interpret technical procedures, policies, and work-related documentation.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and complete testing within required turnaround times.
• Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Ability to work safely in laboratory and refinery environments.
• Ability to obtain and maintain required site credentials, including a TWIC

Preferred

• Previous laboratory experience in a refinery, petroleum, petrochemical, chemical, terminal, or industrial environment.
• Experience performing ASTM test methods.
• Experience testing crude oil, petroleum products, fuels, wastewater, or related samples.
• Experience operating, calibrating, verifying, or troubleshooting laboratory instrumentation and analytical equipment.
• Previous experience supporting refinery or terminal operations.

Physical & Work Requirements

• Ability to work in both indoor laboratory and outdoor refinery environments.
• Ability to safely climb and descend stairs and navigate industrial operating areas.
• Ability to wear required PPE.
• Ability to collect and transport samples throughout the facility.
• Ability to work around petroleum products, laboratory chemicals, process equipment, and industrial operations.
• Ability to perform the physical requirements associated with routine laboratory and field sampling activities.
• Ability to work the schedule necessary to support refinery laboratory and operational needs.

What We're Looking For

The ideal candidate is safety-conscious, dependable, detail-oriented, and committed to producing accurate laboratory results. The successful candidate will understand the importance of timely testing to refinery operations and product quality and will demonstrate strong laboratory discipline, careful documentation, and effective communication.

TIRCO is looking for someone who can develop into a fully qualified Laboratory Technician, work effectively with refinery Operations, maintain high standards for analytical accuracy, and contribute to a safe and reliable refinery operation.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Texas International Refining Company (TIRCO) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to protected status under applicable law.