Soil Analyst

Virginia Tech•Blacksburg, VA

12h•Onsite

About The Position

Performs daily analytical and clerical tasks of the Soil Testing Laboratory that annually receives over 50,000 samples. The laboratory's test results are used to help educate farmers, agribusiness personnel and homeowners about the efficient, economical and environmental use of our fertilizer and soil resources. Responsible for sample preparation by unpacking, setting up, drying, grinding and sieving samples. Perform chemical extraction of soil samples for nutrient analysis. Operate ICPAES instrument for elemental analysis on soil sample extracts. Monitor analytical quality of ICP data, upload data files. Assist ICP Spectroscopist with research solution samples as directed by the Lab Manager. Follow University funds handling protocol and lab procedures to receive payments for lab work, write receipts; log and tally checks and cash for daily direct bank deposit, verifying total amount. Independently organize and carry out the invoicing to external clients. Itemize dollar amounts to be billed to companies for soil tests performed on credit, Process corrections using A/R adjustment forms; process Interdepartmental Service Requests. Perform repetitive tasks in a timely manner with accuracy. Department is unable to support work visas.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree or equivalent training and experience
Demonstrated knowledge and work experience with general laboratory equipment, computers, reagents, procedures and analytical techniques
Ability to perform rapid, accurate, reproducible work with occasional interruptions while following complex instructions
Experience providing excellent customer service
Data entry experience entering information quickly and accurately
Experience in independently performing basic troubleshooting steps to identify and solve fundamental issues
Ability to repeatedly lift & carry up to 30 lbs over short distances & above head level
Ability to climb stairs several times per day
Ability to work in environments using appropriate protective gear for high levels of soil dust and noise, strong acids & odors, and adjacent to radio frequency electrical generators

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in the sciences
Experience with soil pH
Experience with atomic spectroscopy (especially ICP-AES)
Experience with data entry, funds handling
Experience with MS Windows, Word, and Excel

Responsibilities

Sample preparation by unpacking, setting up, drying, grinding and sieving samples.
Perform chemical extraction of soil samples for nutrient analysis.
Operate ICPAES instrument for elemental analysis on soil sample extracts.
Monitor analytical quality of ICP data, upload data files.
Assist ICP Spectroscopist with research solution samples as directed by the Lab Manager.
Receive payments for lab work, write receipts; log and tally checks and cash for daily direct bank deposit, verifying total amount.
Independently organize and carry out the invoicing to external clients.
Itemize dollar amounts to be billed to companies for soil tests performed on credit.
Process corrections using A/R adjustment forms.
Process Interdepartmental Service Requests.
Perform repetitive tasks in a timely manner with accuracy.