Physical Science Laboratory Technician

Montech Inc. • Quinte West, ON

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) is seeking a Physical Science Laboratory Technician to support the National Water Quality Laboratory (NWQL). NWQL is the primary laboratory for USGS for determining organic and inorganic constituents in groundwater, surface water, river and lake sediments, aquatic plant and animal tissues, as well as for identifying and enumerating benthic invertebrate populations and analyzing atmospheric precipitation. The technician will batch samples in a computing system and perform basic measurements in support of federal chemists. The role requires adherence to NELAC and ISO/IEC 17025 standards, as well as USGS, NWQL, and DOI policies and procedures. The position involves daily sample preparation and analysis of environmental samples with short expiration dates, operating entry-level instruments, monitoring instrument runs, re-preparing/re-running QC samples if needed, providing reports on analytical testing, documenting in electronic laboratory notebooks, uploading data into LIMS, and performing sample disposal. Performance is measured by a 99% accuracy rate for tasks.

Requirements

• Minimum of four (4) years of industry experience.
• High School Diploma.
• Proficiency in Windows, Microsoft Suite products (Word, Excel, Power Point, Teams, SharePoint, OneNote, etc.).
• Mathematical skills such as Algebra.
• Experience with automated laboratory systems.
• Experience with programs such as Microsoft Suite.
• Fully trained and possess the knowledge and skills necessary to support the responsibilities of this role and Task Order (to include using US EPA, Standard Methods and/or USGS Methods).
• Ability to pass a pre-employment drug test, background check, and Federal security investigation per required level with the U.S. Government (Public Trust).
• Must be a citizen of the United States of America or a lawfully admitted permanent resident who has resided in the United States for a minimum of 3 years.

Nice To Haves

• Associate degree (or similar or advanced degree).
• Proficiency utilizing Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS).
• Proficiency utilizing other automated laboratory systems (for log-in and database entry).

Responsibilities

• Batch samples in computing system (LIMS).
• Retrieve samples associated with each batch.
• Follow sample preparation procedures per NWQL SOPs and guidelines.
• Operate entry-level instruments to test environmental samples per USGS method Standard Operating Procedures.
• Monitor the run and reprepare/re-run QC samples once if needed to rule out random errors.
• Notify management if QA/QC criteria is not met for Federal staff to troubleshoot the instrument.
• Provide reports of completed analytical testing and attest to the validity of the data in compliance with the USGS methods/SOPs.
• Document in electronic laboratory notebooks following appropriate SOP guidelines and established QA and Quality Management System (QMS) policy at the USGS.
• Upload the data in LIMS.
• Perform sample disposal.
• Provide metrics, accomplishments, progress, and issues encountered on a monthly basis.

Benefits

• Government will provide training exclusively for tasks that require knowledge of systems unique to USGS.
• USGS required safety and security training to be provided by DOI/USGS.
• Pre-employment medical exams will be paid for directly by the government using a third-party medical facility.
• Government telephones are provided for use in conducting official business.
• Government-furnished personal computer with access to appropriate host computer and auxiliary hardware and software required in the performance of this contract.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED