Lab Analyst - Nights

Gopher Resource•Eagan, MN

About The Position

The Lab Analyst collects and analyzes samples and production data to monitor production processes and ensure safety, quality, environmental, and production standards are met. The role conducts timely analyses of materials, products, slag, and wastewater to monitor product and process quality, ensure waste is classified and treated appropriately for safe disposal or discharge, and identify when process adjustments are needed. The analyst advises and supports Shift Supervisors by troubleshooting laboratory instrumentation, communicating finished-product analysis results, and helping resolve production-process or environmental concerns. The position works 4 p.m. to 4 a.m. on a rotating 2/2/3/2 schedule. The stated starting base pay is $32.31 per hour, with a $1.00-per-hour night-shift differential and potential short-term incentive compensation.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED from an accredited school.
At least 2 years of previous work experience in a laboratory or similar production operation.
Ability to read and write, with an average math skill set.
Strong interpersonal skills, including verbal and non-verbal communication and team cooperation.
Self-motivation, initiative, and the ability to work well under pressure with a sense of urgency.
Willingness and ability, with or without reasonable accommodation, to wear respiratory protection directly against the skin and other personal protective equipment, including a hard hat, safety glasses, gloves, boots, and hearing protection, in a hot work environment.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or a related field from an accredited college or university.
Previous experience in a manufacturing environment.
Previous experience with metals sample preparation.
Previous experience with ICP-OES and SS-OES analysis and maintenance.

Responsibilities

Monitor systems to identify developing problems and resolve them as quickly as possible.
Test and analyze samples for sulfur content.
Collect, prepare, and analyze smelting-process samples.
Collect, crush, prepare, and analyze slag samples for TCLP analysis.
Conduct total-composition laboratory analyses on materials and chemicals, including slag, carbon, sulfur analyzer (DOCs), desulf filtercake furnace-feed samples (ICP-OES), and gravimetric moisture analysis of reverb furnace-feed samples.
Calibrate and perform control checks on refining analytical instruments (SS-OES) and probes (pH and ORP).
Operate and check high-volume air monitors.
Assist with establishing operating procedures for the laboratory and other company areas as needed.
Advise shift managers on technical operating problems.
Assist shift supervisors and lead persons in training production staff on production, safety, and quality issues.
Take immediate action when observing life-threatening safety violations or violations posing a risk of serious injury; otherwise, advise the shift supervisor of safety and procedural violations or variances.
Ensure the laboratory is clean.
Participate in meetings, teams, and training seminars.
Complete inventory management and escalate inventory deficiencies as needed.
Troubleshoot ICP-OES and SS-OES issues in collaboration with the team and manager, determine root causes, and resolve issues promptly and efficiently.
For Level II Lab Analysts: review and authorize data; train new Lab Analyst employees as requested; support special laboratory projects; and learn and apply advanced technical and laboratory concepts relevant to the industry or organization.
Perform other related duties as assigned.