Lab Technician (CTAHR Soil Laboratory Manager) (#0097378)

University of Hawaii System•Honolulu, HI

39d•Onsite

About The Position

Title: Lab Technician (CTAHR Soil Laboratory Manager) Position Number: 0097378 Hiring Unit: College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience (CTAHR), Agricultural Diagnostic Service Center Location: UH at Manoa Date Posted: November 20, 2025 Closing Date: December 3, 2025, 11:59PM HST Band: B Salary: salary schedules and placement information Full Time/Part Time: Full-time Month: 11-month Temporary/Permanent: Permanent Other Conditions: For best consideration, all application materials should be submitted by December 3, 2025, 11:59PM HST.Complete applications and required document attachments must be submitted before close of vacancy. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed by the hiring committee. Please see application instructions. Duties and Responsibilities ( denotes essential functions): 1. Manages the daily technical and administrative operations of a soil diagnostic laboratory. 2. Conceives, plans, and directs tasks to support the soil laboratory including safety protocols and quality in soil chemistry analytical procedures. 3. Ensures all soil laboratory equipment issued is safe and functioning properly. 4. Trains student assistants, faculty, and research staff in proper and specialized procedures for using soil laboratory equipment. 5. Serves as working supervisor to subordinate staff and/or student assistants working in the soil laboratory. 6. Operates laboratory equipment such as analytical chemical instruments and other extraction and fractionation materials. 7. Identifies the necessary software, equipment, and tools essential for operating the soil laboratory; determines the feature specifications of laboratory programs; monitors progress at various project stages; and ensures work schedules and tools are used effectively to meet project objectives. 8. Keeps up with advances in soil laboratory technology and evaluates the feasibility of integrating them into project plans and specifications. 9. Provides technical support for moderately complex soil testing problems in a timely manner. 10. Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Possession of a baccalaureate degree in Environmental Science, Biology, Chemistry, Soil Science, Ecology, Microbiology, Environmental Engineering, or related field and 3 years of progressively responsible professional experience with responsibilities for managing the daily operations of a soil diagnostic laboratory; or any equivalent combination of education and/or professional work experience that provides the necessary education, knowledge, skills, and abilities as indicated.
Considerable working knowledge of principles, practices, and techniques in the area of soil diagnostic laboratory management, including safety protocols, equipment maintenance, operational oversight, quality assurance, training development, resource management, and field sampling procedures, as demonstrated by the broad knowledge of the full range of pertinent standard and evolving concepts, principles, and methodologies.
Considerable working knowledge and understanding of applicable federal and state laws, rules, regulations, and theories and systems associated with environmental and soil science disciplines.
Demonstrated ability to resolve wide-ranging complex problems through the use of creative reasoning and logic to accurately determine the cause of the problems and the resolution of the problems in an effective, innovative, and timely manner.
Demonstrated ability to interpret and present information and ideas clearly and accurately in writing, verbally, and by preparation of reports and other materials.
Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external organizations, groups, team leaders, members, and individuals.
Demonstrated ability to operate a personal computer, apply word processing software.
If applicable, for supervisory work, demonstrated ability to lead subordinates, manage work priorities and projects, and manage employee relations.
Demonstrated ability to operate laboratory equipment such as analytical chemical instruments (including gas chromatographs and spectrophotometers), analytical balances, high-temperature furnaces, and other extraction and fractionation materials.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree or higher in Environmental Science, Biology, or a related field.
Five to seven (5-7) years of professional experience in a soil research laboratory, involving progressively responsible tasks such as conducting experiments, analyzing soil samples, and contributing to research projects focused on soil quality and agricultural environmental impact.
Extensive experience managing soil laboratory operations and safety procedures. Excellent troubleshooting and maintenance skills for soil lab equipment. Proficiency in data analysis and quality assurance related to soil laboratory equipment.
Excellent supervision and training abilities; effective communication skills.
Proficiency with the University of Hawaii's HR and financial management systems.
Ability to develop and implement standard operating procedures.

Responsibilities

Manages the daily technical and administrative operations of a soil diagnostic laboratory.
Conceives, plans, and directs tasks to support the soil laboratory including safety protocols and quality in soil chemistry analytical procedures.
Ensures all soil laboratory equipment issued is safe and functioning properly.
Trains student assistants, faculty, and research staff in proper and specialized procedures for using soil laboratory equipment.
Serves as working supervisor to subordinate staff and/or student assistants working in the soil laboratory.
Operates laboratory equipment such as analytical chemical instruments and other extraction and fractionation materials.
Identifies the necessary software, equipment, and tools essential for operating the soil laboratory; determines the feature specifications of laboratory programs; monitors progress at various project stages; and ensures work schedules and tools are used effectively to meet project objectives.
Keeps up with advances in soil laboratory technology and evaluates the feasibility of integrating them into project plans and specifications.
Provides technical support for moderately complex soil testing problems in a timely manner.
Other duties as assigned.