Soil Analyst

Job Description

Performs daily analytical and clerical tasks of the Soil Testing Laboratory that annually receives over 50000 samples. The laboratorys 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 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.

Required Qualifications

Bachelors 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 climb stairs several times per day 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.

Preferred Qualifications

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

Pay Band

4

Overtime Status

Non-Exempt: Eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Regular

Salary Information

Hours per week

40

Review Date

07/03/2026

Additional Information

Must be able to repeatedly lift & carry up to 30 lbs. over short distances & above head level and to climb a flight of stairs several times per day and to work in environments of high soil dust high noise with strong acids & odors and adjacent to radio frequency electrical generators. Work schedule M-F 7:30-4:00 with 1/2 hour for lunch

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its mottoUt Prosim(That I May Serve) Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world Virginia Tech is aninclusive communitydedicated to knowledge discovery and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36000 undergraduate graduate and professional students in eightundergraduate colleges aschool of medicine aveterinary medicinecollegeGraduate School andHonors College.The university has a significant presence across Virginia including Blacksburg the greater Washington D.C. area the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke sites in Newport News and Richmond and numerousExtension officesandresearch institutes.A leading global research institution Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.

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