Lab Technician

Description

SUMMARY

Performs laboratory tests to determine chemical and physical characteristics or composition of materials for such purposes as quality control, process control, or product development.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned.

•  Conducts chemical and physical tests on materials for such qualities as chemical composition, purity, color, stability, density, and particle size
•  Sets up, adjusts, and operates laboratory equipment and instruments such as ICP-OES, analytical balances, scales, AA spectrophotometer, colorimeter, surface area analyzer, and other equipment.
•  Identifies raw material conditions by collecting material samples, visually inspecting, and preparing composite samples of raw materials for analysis. 
•  Collects and tests samples of manufactured products to verify conformity to specifications.
•  Records test results on worksheets and accurately enters results into a database. 
•  Accurately and clearly communicate results in appropriate formats to target audiences, both technical and non-technical
•  Interface with other company departments and individual plant personnel as needed to complete work in a safe and timely manner
•  Cleans calibrates and completes preventative maintenance on laboratory equipment.
•  Prepare and standardize chemical solutions according to standard formulas.
•  Prepare, package, and ship samples to customers according to all company policies and transport regulations.
•  Maintain clean and safe work areas at all times
•  Special reports and analysis as assigned by Quality Control Supervisor.

SAFETY POLICIES AND PRACTICES

The employees performing this job must know of and follow the company's safety policies and procedures.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

Associate's degree or equivalent from two-year college or technical school; or one-year related experience or successful completion of on-the-job training recorded on the annual evaluation. 

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.

COMPUTER APPLICATION SKILLS

Windows, Microsoft Excel, and Outlook, ability to learn various instrument-specific software and databases 

REASONING ABILITY

Ability to solve practical problems and deal with various concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to walk; sit; and stand while conducting laboratory and physical tests; use hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, telephone, and also to weigh, manipulate, and titrate samples of products; hear and convey instructions, by phone or in person, to and from production and laboratory personnel. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms to sample materials; climb in or balance on containers of materials; and stoop or crouch to access chemical reagents and other laboratory equipment. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to chemical fumes and airborne particles of copper or zinc dust. The employee is occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions and works in high precarious places to sample materials; and toxic or caustic chemicals. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate