Entry-Level Laboratory Technician Organic Extractions (Mon Fri 400 PM 100 AM)

About Us

Sterling Labs (Environmental Monitoring & Technologies LLC) is a DoD NELAP ANAB and AIHA-accredited environmental laboratory providing high-integrity analytical data through state-of-the-art technology and validated testing methodologies. For more than 40 years our work has supported initiatives that protect human health and the environment.

Our success is built on client partnerships and scientific excellence. We collaborate with environmental consultants engineering firms and government agencies to deliver reliable timely analytical results that support regulatory compliance and environmental stewardship. From wastewater testing in the greater Chicago area to nationwide projects with Department of Defense partners our commitment to quality and innovation continues to drive our growth.

When you join Sterling Labs you become part of a team of scientists professionals and technical specialists who share one purpose:

WE PRESERVE THE PLANET TO PROTECT THE FUTURE

This purpose shapes our culture drives our decisions and guides how we serve our clients and support one another. We believe that meaningful progress comes from integrity collaboration and a shared commitment to improvementprinciples that are reflected in our core values.

Our Core Values

• Integrity in Everything We Do -We act with honesty transparency and accountability.
• Customer Focused - We prioritize our clients needs and value their feedback.
• We are never satisfied - We seek better ways to serve our clients and support our employees through innovation and growth.

At Sterling Labs we know our employees are the foundation of our success. We strive to provide a supportive inclusive and growth-oriented workplace where every individual is encouraged to learn innovate and advance.

Employee Benefits

Sterling Labs offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the health financial security and well-being of our full-time employees:

• Healthcare Benefits: Medical dental and vision coverage
• Financial Security: 401(k) retirement plan life insurance and short- and long-term disability coverage
• Work-Life Balance: Paid Time Off (vacation sick leave and holidays)

Equal Employment Opportunity

Sterling Labs is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race color religion creed national origin citizenship ancestry sex age disability marital or family status pregnancy genetic information sexual orientation gender identity or expression veteran or military status or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal state or local law.

Recruitment Notice

Sterling Labs does not accept unsolicited resumes from third-party agencies. Please do not forward resumes to company email addresses or employees. Sterling Labs is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited submissions.

Position Overview

The Laboratory Technician for Organic Extractions is responsible for performing a range of laboratory tasks including preparation analysis and testing of soil and water samples following standard operating procedures (SOPs) and laboratory methods.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform routine operation maintenance calibration and trouble-shoot laboratory equipment.
• Prepare samples dilutions and splits for analysis according to the SOP.
• Prepare and properly label reagents and standards
• Complete general laboratory paperwork in logbooks maintenance books standard books bench sheets etc.
• Properly dispose of samples according to the SOP.
• Clean and maintain laboratory equipment in good working order.
• Communicate to your supervisor about the status of your workload as well as any data quality issues.
• Assist your supervisor with root cause investigations to determine the source of issues (Corrective Actions Reports) and implement corrective actions needed to resolve those issues.
• Other duties as determined by the department Team Lead.

General Extractions Duties

• Prepare digest and analyze soil and water samples ensuring consistency with Sterling Labs SOPs.
• Use laboratory scales and manual pipettes for sample weighing and liquid transfer.
• Read meniscus lines on glassware and perform accurate spiking of samples using wire trawls.
• Utilize various equipment such as turbovaps burners nitrogen evaporation to concentrate and extract samples from soil and water.

Soil (50%)

• Utilize sonicators for soil extractions for SVOC and TPH
• Utilize lab microwaves for extracting herbicides pesticides and PCBs

Waters (50%)

• Operate separatory funnel shakers for water sample extraction for further SVOC TPH PCBs Pesticides and Herbicides analysis
• Operate centrifuges for emulsion separation

Equipment and Instruments Used

Lab Scales Fume hoods Centrifuge Funnel shakers Wire trawl Turbovaps Burners Nitrogen evaporation Pipettes

Requirements:

• Bachelors degree in environmental science chemistry or biology.
• Ability to learn laboratory information systems (LIMS) databases and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and form conclusions.
• Highly organized with an ability to follow specific rules and patterns for analysis and equipment setup.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods of standing while preparing and extracting soil and water samples.
• Frequent use of hands and fingers to handle pipettes glassware balances wire trawls and other laboratory instruments with precision.
• Must be able to lift carry and move solvent containers sample batches and laboratory equipment weighing up to 30 pounds using proper and safe lifting techniques.
• Occasional bending reaching and stooping to access instruments perform maintenance or retrieve supplies.
• Must be able to visually read meniscus lines monitor sample color changes and inspect instrument displays accurately; specific vision abilities required include close vision color vision depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.
• Must be able to work safely around organic solvents compressed gases acids and other hazardous laboratory chemicals while wearing required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as gloves lab coats and safety glasses.
• Ability to maintain sustained attention and precision during repetitive or detailed analytical and extraction procedures.
• Must be able to communicate clearly and professionally with supervisors and coworkers regarding workload safety and data accuracy.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.