What are the responsibilities and job description for the Laboratory Technician position at Texas Research International?
Duties And Responsibilities
Key responsibilities
Test specimen preparation: Preparing samples for direct shear testing which may involve compacting of soil.
Operating and maintaining equipment: Setting up, calibrating, operating, and maintaining direct shear testing machines and other related lab equipment.
Performing tests: Conducting direct shear tests according to specified procedures and conditions (e.g., normal stress, conditions, and shearing rate).
Data collection and analysis: Monitoring and recording the shear force, vertical displacement, and horizontal displacement of the sample at regular intervals during the test.
Reporting: Documenting the test procedures, results, and observations in a clear and concise manner.
Quality control: Ensuring the accuracy and reliability of test results by following quality control procedures and adhering to industry standards.
Troubleshooting: Identifying and resolving any issues or malfunctions that may arise during the testing process or with the equipment.
Collaboration: Working effectively with team members to ensure the accuracy and timely completion of testing and reporting.
Safety: Following all safety protocols and maintaining a clean and organized work environment.
Requirements
Required skills and qualifications
Technical skills: Proficiency in operating laboratory equipment, using hand tools, and performing basic calculations.
Physical Stamina: The role may require physical exertion, such as lifting and moving heavy objects.
Attention to detail: Ensuring the accuracy of measurements, following procedures, and maintaining detailed records is crucial.
Reading and interpreting technical documents: Ability to read and understand specifications, test methods, and safety guidelines.
Problem-solving and troubleshooting skills: Ability to diagnose and fix issues related to equipment or testing procedures.
Communication skills: Effective written and verbal communication skills for documentation, reporting, and collaborating with team members.
High School Diploma or GED: This is the minimum educational requirement for a direct shear technician.
Mechanical Aptitude: The ability to understand and work with machines and tools effectively.
Experience, Knowledge, Skills And Abilities Relevant To The Position
Key responsibilities
Test specimen preparation: Preparing samples for direct shear testing which may involve compacting of soil.
Operating and maintaining equipment: Setting up, calibrating, operating, and maintaining direct shear testing machines and other related lab equipment.
Performing tests: Conducting direct shear tests according to specified procedures and conditions (e.g., normal stress, conditions, and shearing rate).
Data collection and analysis: Monitoring and recording the shear force, vertical displacement, and horizontal displacement of the sample at regular intervals during the test.
Reporting: Documenting the test procedures, results, and observations in a clear and concise manner.
Quality control: Ensuring the accuracy and reliability of test results by following quality control procedures and adhering to industry standards.
Troubleshooting: Identifying and resolving any issues or malfunctions that may arise during the testing process or with the equipment.
Collaboration: Working effectively with team members to ensure the accuracy and timely completion of testing and reporting.
Safety: Following all safety protocols and maintaining a clean and organized work environment.
- Directly reporting to the Laboratory Supervisor.
- Performs quality analysis and control tests on incoming material samples, compares results against norms & standards, and assists in interpreting test results. Informs immediate supervisor and/or management of any discrepancy.
- Assists Laboratory or R&D Supervisor in performing necessary testing requirements.
- Maintains laboratory equipment to ensure the equipment is reliable.
- Cleans and maintains organized work area
- Assists in ensuring that control and instrumentation equipment are correctly and accurately calibrated.
- Provides administrative support for procurement activities.
- Performs other duties and functions assigned by the immediate supervisor from time to time.
- Must follow the QA and Safety Policy.
Requirements
Required skills and qualifications
Technical skills: Proficiency in operating laboratory equipment, using hand tools, and performing basic calculations.
Physical Stamina: The role may require physical exertion, such as lifting and moving heavy objects.
Attention to detail: Ensuring the accuracy of measurements, following procedures, and maintaining detailed records is crucial.
Reading and interpreting technical documents: Ability to read and understand specifications, test methods, and safety guidelines.
Problem-solving and troubleshooting skills: Ability to diagnose and fix issues related to equipment or testing procedures.
Communication skills: Effective written and verbal communication skills for documentation, reporting, and collaborating with team members.
High School Diploma or GED: This is the minimum educational requirement for a direct shear technician.
Mechanical Aptitude: The ability to understand and work with machines and tools effectively.
Experience, Knowledge, Skills And Abilities Relevant To The Position
- The candidate shall have a minimum of secondary level education.
- Minimum of one year of work-related skill or experience in similar endeavors. Relevant experience in environmental projects is an advantage
- Attention to Detail: Performing tests requires exact measurements and a good eye for detail, or the results could be false.
- Dexterity: Lab techs work with their hands and will need dexterity to work with small samples and delicate lab equipment.
- Stamina: Lab technicians work long days on their feet, sometimes hunched over a workstation for long periods of time.
- Technical Skill: Lab techs need to understand complex lab machinery and computer programs used to conduct tests.
- Thoroughly knowledgeable in computer Microsoft applications, minimum of MS Excel
- Knowledgeable in physical and mechanical testing of Geosynthetic materials, in-plant sampling
- Able to lift up to 60 pounds of samples that requires tests
- Ability to follow instructions and laboratory procedures
- Ability to read and comprehend packaged instructions
- Passion and alignment with our mission, vision, values and operating principles
- Passion for working in a values-based company in alignment with a learning organization
- Demonstrates a passion and responsibility for the consumer
- Exhibit a passion for the company’s Essence, Global Imperatives, and Corporate Direction
- Willingness to continually embrace personal and professional development