Field and Lab Technician
About The Position
The Field and Lab Technician assists with research projects involving field equipment deployment, water and soil sample collection, equipment retrieval, routine maintenance, laboratory sample preparation and storage, wet chemistry, analytical equipment use, and data management. The position supports smooth operation of field operations and the chemistry laboratory, including following Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Quality Assurance Plan (QAP) requirements, preparing standards and reagents, maintaining and troubleshooting instrumentation, and training and overseeing graduate students and undergraduate student workers. The role also supports student research projects and other duties as assigned.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree.
- At least 1 year of research experience.
- Valid driver's license.
- Ability to lift more than 25 pounds and carry field equipment into and out of potentially rough terrain.
- Experience with laboratory tools and equipment used for preparation and analysis of water samples, particularly nutrient analysis, and with field sampling equipment.
- Knowledge of office equipment and software, including spreadsheet, word processing, and integrated database software.
- Must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and maintain work authorization throughout the employment term; the employer does not offer H-1B or other work authorization visa sponsorship.
Nice To Haves
- Bachelor's degree in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, or a related field.
- Two years of prior field research experience including wetland monitoring, water quality sampling, soil sampling, and remote sensing.
- Training in calibration and maintenance of laboratory and field equipment, including Exosondes, AA300/400, and ISCO autosamplers.
- Familiarity with EPA water and soil testing SOPs.
- Experience with acid digestion protocols for TP and TN assays.
- Experience completing tasks on boats and working in wetlands or wading in water with equipment.
- Experience analyzing water samples for nutrient chemistry and maintaining laboratory instrumentation.
Responsibilities
- Maintain sample integrity through sample collection, receiving, login, chain of custody, and preparation.
- Perform specified laboratory analyses in accordance with SOP and QAP requirements.
- Ensure laboratory instrumentation and equipment function properly; maintain and troubleshoot equipment as needed.
- Maintain laboratory database systems with other lab members and prepare for upcoming sampling on a weekly basis.
- Assist with special projects and incorporate updates to laboratory procedures or equipment as needed.
- Train and oversee graduate students and undergraduate student workers in the chemistry laboratory.
- Deploy field sensors by wading, hiking into remote areas, or using a boat.
- Collect and record water and/or soil samples.
- Analyze samples using field-deployable equipment, including sondes and fluoroprobes.
- Maintain field sensors and laboratory equipment; keep work areas organized and clean and follow laboratory safety rules.
- Train and supervise students in laboratory and field settings and assist with student research projects.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
