LABORATORY TECHNICIAN I
SUMMARY
Performs routine laboratory tests under close supervision to determine chemical or physical characteristics designated by the client.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
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Read and understand all analysis and safety standards in English, including ASTM, UOP, IP and other well-defined analytical standards and procedures used in the laboratory.
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Assist senior laboratory personnel in setting up, adjusting and operating laboratory equipment for which the technician has been adequately trained and has been verified to operate correctly in accordance with applicable standards and sound laboratory practice.
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Assist in or perform basic analytical tests from well-defined standards and procedures as assigned by the Laboratory Manager. Laboratory technicians must be verified to be able to perform all tests in accordance with applicable standards and sound laboratory practice.
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Clean and sterilize laboratory equipment.
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Assist in calibrating laboratory instruments for which the technician has been adequately trained and has been verified to operate correctly in accordance with applicable standards and sound laboratory practice.
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Prepare chemical solutions according to standard formulas.
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Exercise procedural, safety and quality requirements specified in Laboratory Manual #5, Safety Manual #7, and the Core Laboratories Safety and Environmental Manual, and company policies.
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Attend training and pass appropriate examinations in petroleum, chemical and gas analysis, including Right-to-Know training, hazardous materials disposal, and other safety and compliance training required by applicable regulations.
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Understand and be able to complete laboratory raw data sheets and make accurate entries into Saybolt’s laboratory computer programs.
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with certain disabilities to perform the essential job functions when safety is not compromised. A 90-day initial review period applies to Laboratory Technicians, during which time the technician and Saybolt will determine the technician’s suitability for the job.
EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE
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A high school diploma or equivalent required
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Bachelor of Science degree preferred
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Two years of related experience and/or training preferred.
LANGUAGE SKILLS
Ability to read, analyze and interpret instructional and technical materials relating to procedures and safety; and applicable government regulations. Ability to write applicable reports and correspondence clearly. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from managers, schedulers and clients.
MATHEMATICAL SKILLS
Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, percent, and quantities (linear, volumetric, or weight) and to read and interpolate applicable data and tables. Able to draw and interpret applicable graphs and control charts.
REASONING ABILITY
Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram or schedule formats.
OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Familiarity with basic computer skills in word processing and spreadsheet programs is helpful but not required; however Laboratory Technicians must possess the capability to learn these applications through instruction provided by Saybolt.
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Laboratory Technicians are expected to exhibit professional appearance and attitude. They are also expected to act in harmony with fellow employees.
JOB ASSIGNMENTS
Laboratory technicians must be ready to accept job assignments at any time, including scheduled days off. Overtime must be worked as required. Attendance at monthly safety meetings is required. .
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS
Valid driver’s license and a good driving record.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative, but not necessarily all-inclusive, of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with certain disabilities to perform the essential functions when safety is not compromised.
Physical Qualifications for Petroleum Laboratory technicians:
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Laboratory Technicians must meet the following physical qualifications.
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Pass the drug and alcohol test specified for safety-sensitive employees.
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Be able to work in the presence of odors typical of petroleum or petrochemicals without allergic reactions or nausea. When such odors are within OSHA-designated permissible exposure limits (PELs).
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While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; talk or hear; and test or smell. The employee frequently is required to walk, sit, and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
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Laboratory personnel must regularly lift or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions when safety is not compromised.
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While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be exposed to fumes, airborne particles, and toxic or caustic chemicals. The department provides product information, training, engineering controls, and personal protective equipment in an effort to protect employees from exposure to potentially harmful levels of those materials. Employees are required to read product information, use available engineering controls, follow guidelines presented during training, and be able to wear and use appropriate protective equipment, including respiratory protective equipment, as may be required by the work environment.
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The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
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Smoking and consuming food or drinks are not permitted in the laboratories.