Lab Technician

GRAPEVINE OPERATING COMPANY LLC•Bakersfield, CA

7h•$31 - $45

About The Position

The Laboratory Technician performs tests and analyses in a renewable refinery laboratory. The role prepares samples and uses laboratory instruments to analyze them, verifies that testing devices are operating correctly, and troubleshoots instruments when needed. The technician maintains working knowledge of more than 20 instruments to provide coverage for laboratory tasks. The position supports Operations, Engineering, research personnel, Environmental, and other business units by evaluating samples and feedstocks, helping solve problems and optimize facility operations, and providing timely test results to assure the quality of products shipped to customers. Work includes routine and specialized wet chemistry, chromatography, spectroscopy, sample processing, equipment maintenance and recalibration, and laboratory documentation. The technician follows applicable EHS requirements, SOPs, regulations, and guidelines, and may be called for emergency response or after-hours support. This role requires at least three years of experience; more than five years is preferred. A high school diploma/GED or an associate degree in chemistry, chemical technology, or a related field is required, while a bachelor's degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, or a related field is preferred. The position involves physical laboratory work, exposure to laboratory chemicals, and work in confined spaces and around equipment under high pressure and temperature.

Requirements

High school diploma/GED or an associate degree in Chemistry, Chemical Technology, or a related field.
At least 3 years of experience; greater than 5 years is preferred.
Valid driver's license.
Working experience operating electrical and non-electrical laboratory equipment.
Proven experience with laboratory equipment setup, physical testing, chemical handling, sample preparation, and documentation.
Ability to manage multiple tasks and work effectively across multiple teams.
Comfort performing physical and analytical testing.
Good mechanical aptitude and willingness to perform hands-on work.
Willingness to take ownership of laboratory equipment and learn additional skills through training.
Ability to work overtime or evening shifts and provide after-hours support when appropriate.
In-depth knowledge of QHSE management systems, preventative measures, and laboratory best practices.
Knowledge of Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS), data entry and record keeping, and data analysis and interpretation.
Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office, database systems, and laboratory equipment.
Knowledge of federal and state financial regulations.
Knowledge of Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), SOP adherence, interlaboratory cross-check programs, data integrity and validation, method validation and verification support, and audit participation.
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
Strong communication, teamwork, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
Excellent time management skills and a proven ability to meet deadlines.
Ability to follow strict procedures and function in a high-paced, sometimes stressful environment.
Excellent dexterity and hand-eye coordination.
Ability to sit at a desk and work on a computer for prolonged periods, and to stand and walk for prolonged periods.
Ability to pass a physical test involving pushing, pulling, and lifting a minimum of 50 pounds.
Ability to perform repetitive movements over long periods.
Ability to reach, stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, lift, position, push, and/or transfer equipment and materials.
Ability to work in confined spaces and wear a self-contained breathing apparatus.
Ability to climb ladders and/or stairs on tanks, vessels, and structures; wear a respirator; and work around equipment containing high pressures and temperatures and various chemicals.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
More than 5 years of experience.

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 facility optimization, providing relevant information for further decisions.
Coordinate with Operations, research personnel, Engineering, and Environmental, and provide timely results to assure the quality of products shipped to customers.
Assist with processing samples to support efficient and safe facility operation.
Troubleshoot and maintain equipment used to analyze and routinely process gaseous, chemical, and environmental samples.
Maintain appropriate logs, notebooks, computer documents, and other records.
Understand and follow EHS requirements, SOPs, regulations, and guidelines to maintain a safe work environment.
Clean and maintain laboratory equipment, including recalibrating equipment.
Stay current on technical and scientific advances in the field.
Perform general wet chemistry, including titration, pH, density/specific gravity, viscosity, flash point/cloud point, distillation, carbon residue/ash content, and water and sediment analyses.
Perform chromatography, including gas chromatography operation and troubleshooting, and GC data interpretation and quantitation.
Perform spectroscopy, including Inductively Coupled Plasma, UV-Vis, and infrared spectroscopy.
Perform specialized tests including sulfur analysis, nitrogen analysis, Reid vapor pressure, H2S in water, color, cetane index/number, and lubricity testing.
Perform other job-related duties as assigned; may be called to serve on the Emergency Response Team.
Provide after-hours support when appropriate, including emergency call-outs.