Laboratory Technician II

University of Florida•Gainesville, FL

6d•Onsite

About The Position

Conducts extractions of soil and soilless media and performs filtrations of resulting extracts and water samples following established laboratory procedures. Performs routine analytical measurements, including pH and electrical conductivity (EC) for soils and water, as well as alkalinity and total dissolved solids for water samples. Prepares reagents and solutions required for Extension Testing Laboratory procedures. Responsible for receiving incoming samples for the Analytical Services (ANSERV) Laboratories. Independently verifies sample integrity using established protocols to ensure accurate and timely processing. Reviews submission forms and sample identifications for completeness and promptly reports any discrepancies to supervisory staff. Distributes samples destined for other ANSERV Lab segments upon receipt. Maintains accurate and comprehensive documentation of laboratory activities, including sample receipt, preparation steps, and final analytical results. Compiles and tabulates data in accordance with QA/QC standards to ensure accuracy and reliability of client reports. Identifies and documents data inconsistencies, notifying the Laboratory Manager as appropriate. Uploads data to the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) through manual entry or electronic transfer. Performs routine cleaning and maintenance on assigned laboratory instruments, including pH/EC robots, shakers, pumps, balances, and titration stations. Maintains clean and orderly laboratory work areas, including instruments, workstations, and common spaces. Monitors supply usage, orders materials as needed and maintains accurate inventory records to support continuous laboratory operations.

Requirements

Associate's degree in an appropriate area and two years of related experience; or a high school diploma or equivalent and four years of related experience.
Appropriate college course work or vocational/technical training may substitute at an equivalent rate for the required experience.
Ability to perform laboratory procedures with a high degree of accuracy and precision.
Ability to follow established QA/QC protocols.
Strong data-management skills.
Basic proficiency in laboratory instrument maintenance.
Ability to manage multiple procedures simultaneously.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture or a related area of specialization.
Laboratory experience in analytical methodologies and procedures.
Wet extractions of soil and soilless media for plant nutrients.
pH and electrical conductivity measurement.
Alkalinity and total dissolved solids analysis for water.
Preparation of plant tissue for total analysis.

Responsibilities

Conducts extractions of soil and soilless media and performs filtrations of resulting extracts and water samples.
Performs routine analytical measurements, including pH and electrical conductivity (EC) for soils and water, as well as alkalinity and total dissolved solids for water samples.
Prepares reagents and solutions required for Extension Testing Laboratory procedures.
Receives incoming samples for the Analytical Services (ANSERV) Laboratories.
Verifies sample integrity using established protocols.
Reviews submission forms and sample identifications for completeness and reports discrepancies.
Distributes samples destined for other ANSERV Lab segments.
Maintains accurate and comprehensive documentation of laboratory activities.
Compiles and tabulates data in accordance with QA/QC standards.
Identifies and documents data inconsistencies, notifying the Laboratory Manager.
Uploads data to the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
Performs routine cleaning and maintenance on assigned laboratory instruments.
Maintains clean and orderly laboratory work areas.
Monitors supply usage, orders materials as needed and maintains accurate inventory records.