Lab Technician

GRAPEVINE OPERATING COMPANY LLC•Bakersfield, CA

13d

About The Position

The Laboratory Technician performs tests and analyses in the renewable refinery laboratory. This position prepares samples and utilizes instruments to analyze the samples, ensuring the testing devices are operating correctly. Troubleshoots when instruments are not operating correctly. Maintains knowledge of the use of 20+ instruments to ensure coverage of all laboratory tasks.

Requirements

Capable of managing multiple tasks and effectively working across multiple teams
Comfortable performing physical and analytical testing
Good mechanical aptitude and not afraid to be hands-on
Proven experience with lab equipment setup, physical tests (i.e., density, temperature, etc.), chemical handling, sample preparation, and documentation
Must be willing to take ownership of Laboratory equipment and willing to be trained to learn additional skills
Must be able to work overtime or evening shifts
In depth knowledge of QHSE management systems, preventative measures, and laboratory best practices
Knowledge of Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS), Data Entry & Record Keeping and Data Analysis & Interpretation
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
Strong communication and teamwork skills
Knowledge of federal and state financial regulations
Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office, database systems, and lab equipment
Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Ability to follow strict procedures
Ability to function well in a high-paced and at times stressful environment
Good Laboratory Practices (GLP)
Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) Adherence
Interlaboratory Cross-Check Programs
Data Integrity & Validation
Method Validation & Verification Support
Audit Participation
Provide after-hours support when appropriate – emergency call out
High School Diploma/GED or Associate's Degree in Chemistry, Chemical Technology, or related field
A valid drivers license
3 plus years of experience required, greater than 5 years preferred
Working experience operating electrical and non-electrical lab equipment
Excellent dexterity and hand-eye coordination
Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer
Prolonged periods of standing and walking
Must be able to pass a physical test of pushing, pulling, and lifting a minimum of 50 lbs
Ability to perform repetitive movements over long periods of time
Requires frequent reaching, stooping, bending, kneeling, and crouching
Requires lifting, positioning, pushing, and/or transferring equipment and materials
Exposure to various laboratory chemicals and compounds
Ability to work in confined spaces and wear self-contained breathing apparatus
Must be able to climb ladders and or stairs on tanks, vessels and structures; wear respirator; work around equipment containing high pressures and temperatures and various chemicals

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field (Preferred)

Responsibilities

Generate and/or evaluate lab-scale samples and testing for Operations
Assist other business units with evaluation of feedstocks
Support Engineering in problem solving and optimizing facility, and provide relevant information for further decisions
Interface with other functions such as Operations, research personnel and Engineering, Environmental, and provide timely results to assure the quality of products shipped to customers
Assist with processing samples to ensure efficient and safe operation of the facility
Troubleshoot and maintain the equipment needed for analyzing and routine processing of gaseous, chemical, and environmental samples
Maintain appropriate logs, notebooks, and other records including computer documents
Understand and follow EHS, SOPs, regulations, and guidelines to maintain a safe work environment
Clean and maintain lab equipment, including recalibration of equipment
Stay current on technical and scientific advances in field
Perform general wet chemistry- including but not limited to titration (Acid-Base, Karl Fischer, etc.), pH Measurement, Density/Specific Gravity Measurement, Viscosity Measurement, Flash Point/Cloud Point Analysis (ASTM D93, D7683), Distillation (ASTM D86), Carbon residue/Ash Content Analysis, Water & Sediment (BS&W) Analysis.
Perform chromatography (Gas Chromatography Operation & Troubleshooting and GC Data Interpretation & Quantitation) and spectroscopy (Inductively Coupled Plasma, UV-Vis Spectroscopy, and Infrared Spectroscopy)
Perform other specialized tests. Including but not limited to Sulfur Analysis, Nitrogen Analysis (Combustion), Reid Vapor Pressure, H2S in Water Analysis, Color (Saybolt, ASTM), Cetane Index/Number, Lubricity Testing.
Perform miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned – may be called to be on the Emergency Response Team