Laboratory Analyst

ALS • Kelso, WA

9d

About The Position

The General Chemistry (Wet Chemistry) Analyst performs routine to moderately complex wet chemistry analyses in a high-throughput environmental laboratory. The role uses classical and instrumental techniques—including titrations, gravimetric analyses, colorimetric procedures, and bench-scale sample preparation—under EPA, Standard Methods, and client-specific protocols. The Analyst executes work efficiently while following quality systems, regulatory requirements, and laboratory safety protocols, producing accurate and defensible data that support environmental compliance, permitting, and monitoring programs.

The position involves managing sample workloads and turnaround times, maintaining sample records and chain-of-custody procedures, performing method-required quality control, maintaining instruments and laboratory records, and supporting method development and continuous improvement under supervision. The Analyst collaborates with supervisors and laboratory operations staff to communicate workload, analytical issues, and risks.

Requirements

• Working knowledge of wet chemistry principles and laboratory best practices.
• Experience with titrations, colorimetric analyses, gravimetric techniques, and quantitative calculations.
• Familiarity with EPA and Standard Methods commonly used in environmental general chemistry, such as nutrients, alkalinity, hardness, TSS/TDS, and COD/BOD support.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to data accuracy and integrity.
• Ability to follow detailed SOPs and regulatory requirements.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills in a production setting.
• Proficiency with laboratory information management systems (LIMS) and electronic recordkeeping.
• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry or a related scientific discipline.
• One to three years of hands-on experience performing wet chemistry analyses in an environmental laboratory.
• Demonstrated experience with at least one EPA or Standard Method wet chemistry procedure in a regulated setting.

Nice To Haves

• Experience performing multiple general chemistry parameters in a high-throughput environmental laboratory.
• Familiarity with nutrient analysis, demand parameters, and solids determinations.
• Experience working under TNI/NELAC and/or DoD compliance requirements.
• Exposure to method validation, verification, or audit support activities.

Responsibilities

• Perform wet chemistry analyses using EPA, Standard Methods, and client-specific procedures, including alkalinity, hardness, nutrients, solids, demand parameters, and select inorganic determinations.
• Perform titrations, gravimetric analyses, colorimetry, spectrophotometry, and bench-scale digestion or extraction.
• Operate and maintain UV-Vis spectrophotometers, discrete analyzers, balances, ovens, furnaces, pH meters, and autotitrators.
• Prepare reagents, standards, and calibration solutions according to SOP and method requirements.
• Conduct routine instrument checks, calibrations, and maintenance.
• Manage assigned sample workloads to meet turnaround times; track holding times and follow chain-of-custody and sample-handling procedures.
• Complete analytical batches efficiently while maintaining data quality and regulatory compliance.
• Maintain a clean, organized, inspection-ready laboratory workspace.
• Ensure compliance with EPA, Standard Methods, state regulations, client requirements, and TNI/NELAC accreditation standards.
• Perform and evaluate method-required QA/QC, including blanks, LCS, duplicates, matrix spikes, and calibration verifications.
• Identify out-of-control conditions and notify Laboratory Operations or QA for corrective action.
• Maintain complete, accurate, and defensible raw data, calculations, and bench sheets; follow SOPs, safety protocols, and data-integrity requirements.
• Support implementation of new methods under senior staff supervision and assist with method validation, verification, and performance studies as directed.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives and provide input on SOP updates, reagent optimization, and workflow improvements.
• Communicate workload status, analytical issues, and potential turnaround risks to supervisors and laboratory operations staff.
• Document analytical challenges, deviations, and resolutions clearly and concisely.
• Work collaboratively in a team-oriented, safety-focused, and quality-driven laboratory environment.

Benefits

• Career development opportunities across the organization.
• Continuous learning and skill-development programs.
• Supportive environment that values safety, flexibility, and professional fulfillment.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level