GC-ECD/FID Analyst

ALS Global•Kelso, WA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The GC-ECD / GC-FID Analyst is a highly skilled analytical professional responsible for performing gas chromatography analyses using Electron Capture Detection (ECD) and Flame Ionization Detection (FID) in a high-throughput environmental production laboratory. This role requires strong hands-on experience operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting GC-ECD and GC-FID instrumentation across multiple EPA and client-specific methods, including but not limited to EPA Methods 8081, 8082, and 8015. The Analyst is expected to maintain productivity under demanding turnaround times, ensure strict regulatory compliance, independently resolve routine technical issues, and contribute to consistent, high-quality analytical output. This position plays a critical role in delivering defensible data in support of regulatory compliance, site remediation, and environmental monitoring programs.

Requirements

Strong working knowledge of GC-ECD and GC-FID theory, operation, and routine troubleshooting
Working familiarity with EPA 8081, 8082, 8015, or equivalent GC-based environmental methods
Ability to follow detailed SOPs and regulatory requirements in a production laboratory setting
Strong attention to detail and commitment to data quality and defensibility
Ability to manage multiple analytical sequences and priorities concurrently
Effective written and verbal communication skills
Proficiency with MassHunter chromatography data systems, laboratory information systems (LIMS), and electronic recordkeeping
Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry or a related scientific discipline
Minimum of two (2) to four (4) years of hands-on experience operating GC-ECD and/or GC-FID instrumentation in an environmental laboratory
Demonstrated experience performing at least one EPA GC-ECD or GC-FID method in a regulated laboratory environment
Ability to sit or stand for extended periods during an 8-hour workday
Manual dexterity required for sample preparation and instrument maintenance
Ability to read and interpret chromatograms, QC reports, and analytical documentation
Ability to communicate clearly with peers, supervisors, and support teams
Must be a Citizen or Permanent Resident of the country you are applying for, or either hold or be able to obtain, a valid working visa.

Nice To Haves

Experience performing multiple GC-ECD and GC-FID methods, including pesticides, PCBs, and petroleum hydrocarbons
Experience in a high-throughput environmental production laboratory
Familiarity with DoD, state, or other highly regulated compliance programs
Experience supporting audits, corrective actions, or data package preparation
Exposure to method development, optimization, or verification activities

Responsibilities

Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot GC-ECD and GC-FID systems in a regulated production environment
Perform routine instrument maintenance, including inlet maintenance, detector maintenance (ECD cell care, FID jet and collector cleaning), column installation, leak checks, and performance verification
Identify and resolve routine instrument performance issues related to sensitivity, baseline stability, retention time shifts, and peak shape
Support advanced troubleshooting activities in collaboration with senior analysts, technical specialists, and vendors
Maintain complete and accurate instrument logs, maintenance records, and run documentation in accordance with quality system requirements
Perform analyses using EPA 8081 (Organochlorine Pesticides), EPA 8082 (PCBs), EPA 8015 (TPH, GRO, DRO), and related GC-ECD/GC-FID methods
Prepare, sequence, and analyze calibration standards, QC samples, and analytical batches in accordance with method and regulatory requirements
Maintain consistent analytical throughput while meeting strict client turnaround times
Evaluate chromatographic data for integration accuracy, baseline performance, and reporting limits
Perform routine data review and reprocessing as required, documenting technical rationale for adjustments
Ensure full compliance with EPA, state, client, and accreditation requirements (NELAC/TNI, DoD, etc.)
Monitor method-specific QC parameters, including continuing calibrations, blanks, LCS, MS/MSD, surrogate recoveries, and retention time windows
Identify QA/QC exceedances and notify Laboratory Operations or QA for corrective action initiation
Support internal audits, external assessments, and client data reviews as assigned
Adhere strictly to SOPs, safety procedures, and data integrity requirements
Support method optimization efforts, including column selection, temperature programs, injection parameters, and detector conditions
Assist with validation studies, and implementation of client-specific requirements under direction of senior staff
Contribute to SOP updates and method performance documentation
Participate in continuous improvement initiatives related to efficiency, quality, and instrument uptime
Communicate sample status, sequencing priorities, and potential turnaround risks to Laboratory Operations and Project Management
Document and communicate technical issues and resolutions clearly and concisely
Work collaboratively in a fast-paced, safety-focused, and quality-driven laboratory environment