Entry-Level Laboratory Technician, Wet Chem - Solids, BTU & Flash Point (M-F 10:00 AM - 6:30 PM)
About The Position
Sterling Labs is hiring an Environmental Laboratory Technician - Wet Chem (Solids, BTU & Flash Point) to prepare and analyze water, wastewater, soil, and waste samples in accordance with laboratory SOPs and deliver accurate, timely results. The position performs gravimetric solids (TSS/VSS), colorimetric ammonia and nitrite, fraction of organic carbon, heat of combustion (BTU), and closed-cup flash point analyses. It also supports sample workload management, instrument calibration and maintenance, and compliance with safety and environmental regulations. The position is located in Des Plaines, Illinois. The role uses an oxygen bomb calorimeter, Pensky-Martens closed-cup flash point tester, Hach spectrophotometer, analytical balances, drying ovens, muffle furnace, vacuum filtration apparatus, pH meters, pipettes, and LIMS E7. The technician also handles pH testing and sample disposal or neutralization as secondary tasks.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry or a related field is preferred.
- Coursework or laboratory experience in chemistry is beneficial.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word and Excel).
- Effective verbal and written communication skills.
- Organized, self-motivated, and able to multitask in a dynamic environment.
- Able to stand for prolonged periods and frequently use hands and fingers to handle laboratory tools and instruments precisely.
- Able to lift, carry, and move items weighing up to 25 pounds using safe lifting techniques.
- Able to visually inspect samples, color changes, and instrument readings, including close and color vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
- Able to work safely around acids, bases, flammable samples, open flames and ignition sources, pressurized oxygen, and hot surfaces while wearing required PPE.
- Able to maintain concentration and attention to detail during repetitive analytical and data-entry tasks.
- Able to communicate clearly and professionally with coworkers and supervisors about workload, data quality, and safety compliance.
Nice To Haves
- Familiarity with Element™ LIMS or similar systems.
Responsibilities
- Prepare, analyze, and document samples to meet client deadlines, using calibrated equipment and following SOPs.
- Maintain and calibrate laboratory instruments daily.
- Create and label reagents and standards for accurate testing.
- Enter results into Sterling Labs’ LIMS and review data for quality and accuracy.
- Report findings in Element for client access and decision-making.
- Track inventory and order supplies.
- Dispose of samples safely according to SOPs and environmental standards.
- Clean and maintain equipment.
- Communicate workload and data issues to the manager.
- Support root cause investigations and corrective actions.
- Assist with other tasks as assigned.
- Perform bomb preparation and BTU (heat of combustion) analysis by oxygen bomb calorimetry (ASTM D240).
- Analyze total suspended solids (TSS) by SM 2540 D and volatile suspended solids (VSS) by SM 2540 E.
- Analyze ammonia by SM 4500-NH3 and nitrite by Hach Method 8507 (diazotization).
- Analyze fraction of organic carbon in soils and sediments.
- Perform closed-cup flash point analysis by Pensky-Martens (EPA 1010 and ASTM D93).
- Perform secondary pH testing and sample disposal or neutralization.
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
- 401(k) retirement plan.
- Life insurance.
- Short- and long-term disability coverage.
- Paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
