What are the responsibilities and job description for the Field and Laboratory Technician position at Heidelberg University?
The National Center for Water Quality Research (NCWQR), Heidelberg University seeks to hire a highly motivated Laboratory and Field Technician. Reporting to the Director of the NCWQR, the Laboratory and Field Technician position conducts activities to ensure the successful operation of the NCWQR. The incumbent will work primarily on the Heidelberg Tributary Loading Program (HTLP) and assist with sample collection and analysis in the laboratory associated with multiple projects.
More specifically, this position will include tasks needed to ensure the smooth operation of the HTLP and chemistry laboratory, such as assistance with sample collection, field station maintenance, sample preparation, specific analyses following all Standard Operating Procedures, and data management. This technician will assist with maintaining and troubleshooting analytical equipment, preparation of standards and reagents, and oversee student interns. Ideally, this technician will have experience analyzing water samples for nutrient chemistry maintaining laboratory instrumentation.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
1. Laboratory Analysis
- Maintain sample integrity from sample collection, sample receiving, login, chain of custody, and sample preparation for all samples processed in the chemical labratory.
- Conduct specific analyses following all Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)/Quality Assurance Plan (QAP) requirements for completed analysis.
- Ensure that all laboratory instrumentation and equipment is functioning properly.
- Maintain laboratory database systems in collaboration with other staff members.
- Prepare for upcoming sampling on a weekly basis.
- Incorporate updates to laboratory procedures or equipment as needed.
- Help with special projects when the opportunity arises.
- Collaborate and train new technicians in the chemistry laboratory.
2. Fieldwork
- Assist with weekly HTLP sample collection.
- Help maintain and repair HTLP field stations.
- Assist with field sampling associated with other NCWQR projects.
3. Education and Outreach
- Train and supervise student workers (Interns).
- Assist students with independent research projects as needed.
Core Values and Personal Attributes
- Core values- models leadership values of integrity, honesty, humility, transparency, respectfulness, diversity, caring, loyalty and accountability in all work.
- Intellectual dynamism- demonstrates mental sharpness, capability and agility.
- Self-knowledge- gains insight from successes and mistakes.
- Personal learning- seeks feedback and counsel to improve managerial behavior.
- Peer relationships- encourages collaboration and cooperation across the organization.
- Teamwork- performs most effectively as a hard-working member of a team.
- Constituency focus- completes work to meet constituencies' expectations and requirements.
- Community focus- brings a spirit of enthusiasm and energy to the campus and town.
Desired Attributes and Qualifications
Education and Professional Experience:
- Completion of a Bachelor of Science in the Natural Sciences, Chemistry, or a related field.
- Knowledge of and excitement for stream, river, wetland, and lake ecosystems.
- Ability to work in adverse field conditions and lift equipment and samples weighing up to 50 pounds.
- Must have a valid driver's license and be willing to work a flexible schedule.
Preferred Education and Professional Experience:
- Experience using chemical analysis to quantify nutrient concentrations in water.
- Experience sampling aquatic ecosystems.
The NCWQR is a research arm of the science departments at Heidelberg University, a private, comprehensive Master’s institution located in Tiffin in northwestern Ohio. For consideration, or to obtain additional information, please visit https://www.heidelberg.edu/careers. For questions or more information, contact: Rem Confesor (rconfeso@heidelberg.edu) or Nancy Miller (ncwqr@heidelberg.edu). Candidates should upload a cover letter describing their interested in the position, a current resume, and the contact information for three references. Review of candidates will begin no later than June 5, 2026 and will continue until the position has been filled.