Laboratory Technician

Description

Shift: 5 to 8-hours days. Start times vary and will be explained during interview

Location: West Point, VA

OT: Yes/SOME WEEKEND HOURS WILL BE REQUIRED

1 YEAR OF EXPERIENCE PREFERRED

Position Summary

The Laboratory Technician (LabTech) core responsibilities consist of the following:

• Enable the mill to meet environmental compliance requirements for the Virginia Pollution Discharge Elimination System (VPDES) permit by performing the required effluent and upstream wastewater sampling and storm water sampling and analytical tests.
• Assist with tank and groundwater environmental regulatory requirements by participating in a sampling program of groundwater wells.
• Assist production personnel with quality assurance investigations and reporting by performing analytical tests on raw materials, intermediate materials, finished product and wastes.
• Perform inspections of tanks and waste accumulation areas and reporting deficiencies identified; and,
• Support mill goals in safety performance, production, budget, and customer satisfaction.

Primary Responsibilities

Examples of daily activities and responsibilities include the following:

• Collecting samples, such as the following, in an industrial setting:
  • Wastewater
  • Storm water
  • Ground water (from wells)
  • Raw materials (chips, wood, cooking chemicals
  • Intermediate products (paper cooking liquors, chemical additives.)
  • Finished product (paper/paperboard, soap, turpentine.)
  • Wastes (ash, spilled materials, unknown wastes for RCRA characterization)
• Performing analyses using instruments in the on-site laboratory. Analyses include biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), total suspended solids (TSS), pH, etc.
• Preparing samples and shipping papers for sample transport to off-site laboratories.
• Performing inspections of oil tanks, hazardous waste accumulation areas, and completing the checklists accurately. Must inform pertinent personnel of issues identified during the inspections.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor of Science in chemistry and at least one year (or co-op experience) taking samples and running laboratory testing in and industrial setting; or
• Associate Degree in chemistry or other science field with at least 2 years’ experience in an industrial setting taking samples and running analytical tests; or
• Experience and competent in running BOD analyses.