Entry-Level Laboratory Technician, Wet Chem - Solids, BTU & Flash Point (M-F 10:00 AM - 6:30 PM)

Sterling Labs•Des Plaines, IL

8d•Onsite

About The Position

The Environmental Laboratory Technician - Wet Chem (Solids, BTU & Flash Point) prepares and analyzes water, wastewater, soil, and waste samples in accordance with laboratory standard operating procedures (SOPs), delivering accurate and timely results to clients. The role performs gravimetric solids (TSS/VSS), colorimetric ammonia and nitrite, fraction of organic carbon, heat of combustion (BTU), and closed-cup flash point analyses. It also manages sample workloads, calibrates instruments, and maintains equipment to support high-quality data and compliance with safety and environmental regulations. The position is located in Des Plaines, Illinois. Primary analyses include oxygen bomb calorimetry for BTU, TSS, VSS, ammonia, nitrite, fraction of organic carbon in soils and sediments, and Pensky-Martens closed-cup flash point. Secondary tasks include pH testing and sample disposal or neutralization. The technician uses laboratory instruments and LIMS, documents and reviews data, maintains supplies and equipment, and communicates workload or data concerns to the manager. The role requires prolonged standing; frequent precise handling of laboratory tools; lifting, carrying, and moving items up to 25 pounds; and occasional bending, reaching, and stooping. Work involves visual inspection and safe handling of chemicals, flammable samples, open flames, pressurized oxygen, and hot surfaces while using required personal protective equipment.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry or a related field is preferred; the posting does not state it as a required qualification.
Coursework or laboratory experience in chemistry is beneficial.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word and Excel).
Effective verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to stay organized, self-motivated, and multitask in a dynamic environment.
Ability to lift, carry, and move reagent containers, sample batches, and laboratory equipment weighing up to 25 pounds using safe lifting techniques.
Ability to perform prolonged standing, frequent precise handling of laboratory tools, and occasional bending, reaching, and stooping.
Ability to visually inspect samples, color changes, and instrument readings, including close vision, color vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
Ability to maintain concentration and attention to detail during repetitive analytical and data-entry tasks.
Ability to communicate clearly and professionally with coworkers and supervisors about workload, data quality, and safety compliance.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with Element™ LIMS or similar systems.
Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry or a related field.
Coursework or laboratory experience in chemistry.

Responsibilities

Prepare, analyze, and document samples to meet client deadlines, using calibrated equipment and following SOPs.
Perform bomb preparation and BTU (heat of combustion) analysis by oxygen bomb calorimetry (ASTM D240).
Analyze total suspended solids (TSS) by SM 2540 D and volatile suspended solids (VSS) by SM 2540 E.
Analyze ammonia by SM 4500-NH3 and nitrite by Hach Method 8507 (diazotization).
Analyze fraction of organic carbon in soils and sediments.
Perform closed-cup flash point analysis using the Pensky-Martens method (EPA 1010 and ASTM D93).
Perform secondary pH testing and sample disposal or neutralization.
Maintain and calibrate laboratory instruments daily.
Create and label reagents and standards.
Enter results into Sterling Labs’ LIMS and review data for quality and accuracy.
Report findings in Element for client access and decision-making.
Track inventory and order supplies.
Dispose of samples safely according to SOPs.
Clean and maintain equipment.
Communicate workload and data issues to the manager.
Support root cause investigations and corrective actions.
Assist with other tasks as assigned.
Follow safety procedures while working with chemicals, flammable samples, open flames, pressurized oxygen, and hot surfaces, and wear required PPE.