Entry-Level Laboratory Technician - Organic Extractions (M-F 9:00 AM-5:00 PM)

Sterling Labs•Des Plaines, IL

About The Position

Sterling Labs is hiring an entry-level Laboratory Technician for Organic Extractions. The position performs laboratory tasks involving preparation, analysis, and testing of soil and water samples according to standard operating procedures (SOPs) and laboratory methods. Work includes both soil and water extractions, with each making up approximately 50% of the role. The schedule is Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The technician prepares, digests, and analyzes samples; uses laboratory scales and manual pipettes; and operates equipment for extraction and concentration. Soil work includes sonicator extractions for SVOC and TPH, as well as microwave extractions for herbicides, pesticides, and PCBs. Water work includes operating separatory funnel shakers for extraction ahead of SVOC, TPH, PCB, pesticide, and herbicide analysis, and centrifuges to separate emulsions. Sterling Labs is an accredited environmental laboratory that provides analytical data for environmental consultants, engineering firms, and government agencies. The company describes its purpose as preserving the planet to protect the future and emphasizes integrity, customer focus, collaboration, innovation, and employee growth. The hourly salary is $17.25.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, chemistry, or biology.
Ability to learn laboratory information systems (LIMS), databases, and Microsoft Office Suite.
Strong analytical skills and the ability to interpret data and form conclusions.
Highly organized, with the ability to follow specific rules and patterns for analysis and equipment setup.
Ability to stand for prolonged periods while preparing and extracting samples.
Frequent precise use of hands and fingers to handle pipettes, glassware, balances, wire trawls, and other laboratory instruments.
Ability to lift, carry, and move items weighing up to 30 pounds using proper and safe lifting techniques.
Ability to bend, reach, and stoop occasionally to access instruments, perform maintenance, or retrieve supplies.
Ability to visually read meniscus lines, monitor sample color changes, and inspect instrument displays; close vision, color vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus are required.
Ability to work safely around organic solvents, compressed gases, acids, and other hazardous laboratory chemicals while wearing required PPE, including gloves, lab coats, and safety glasses.
Ability to maintain sustained attention and precision during repetitive or detailed analytical and extraction procedures.
Ability to communicate clearly and professionally with supervisors and coworkers regarding workload, safety, and data accuracy.

Responsibilities

Perform routine operation, maintenance, calibration, and troubleshooting of laboratory equipment.
Prepare samples, dilutions, and splits for analysis according to SOPs.
Prepare and properly label reagents and standards.
Complete laboratory paperwork in logbooks, maintenance books, standard books, bench sheets, and related records.
Dispose of samples according to SOPs.
Clean and maintain laboratory equipment in good working order.
Communicate workload status and data quality issues to the supervisor.
Assist the supervisor with root cause investigations and corrective action implementation.
Prepare, digest, and analyze soil and water samples in accordance with laboratory SOPs.
Use laboratory scales and manual pipettes for sample weighing and liquid transfer; read meniscus lines and accurately spike samples using wire trawls.
Use turbovaps, burners, and nitrogen evaporation equipment to concentrate and extract samples.
Use sonicators for soil extractions for SVOC and TPH and laboratory microwaves to extract herbicides, pesticides, and PCBs.
Operate separatory funnel shakers for water sample extraction and centrifuges for emulsion separation.
Perform other duties as determined by the department Team Lead.