Lab Technician

Job Summary

This position will develop and improve laboratory methods and procedures.    Will order, organize and stock laboratory supply room to prevent run out of essential minerals.   Will work with Process Engineers and supervision as technical support on special projects or process improvements.  Complete and maintain accurate documentation of all work relative to finished product, in process, and raw material testing, as well as required environmental compliance reports.  Will ensure that instruments are calibrated and maintained to provide accurate data.  Contacts will include production supervision to assist in decision making on problem batches, chemical operators, purchasing, logistics and accounting.  The position includes responsibilities within the Quality Management System performing the role of ISO Coordinator reporting to the Plant Manager depending of the lab staffing organization. This position supports the production and warehouse departments through Quality Control/Quality Assurance.  Ensures the Mobile Plant continues to produce the highest quality products safely and meeting the requirements established by the ISO Quality System.  A Laboratory Technician utilizes advanced skills and a high degree of technical expertise to perform special assignments, troubleshooting and training.

This position reports to the Lab Supervisor.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

This jobholder will analyze all finished products and raw materials as needed, utilizing wet chemical, instrumental, and physical testing equipment and techniques.  Will perform all environmental compliance testing to ensure that plant environmental systems are operating properly.  Will evaluate in-process samples to ensure compliance with targets and specifications.  Calculate adjustments to the processes based on the obtained data if needed.  Will report test findings in appropriate systems.  Activities related to the ISO Quality System include coordination of the internal and external auditing system, management reviews, improvement plans, documents control, and communication or maintenance of any information related to the system.

This position is located in the main laboratory of the plant with satellite labs located within production units throughout plant.  Laboratory Technicians handle every finished product, in process material and raw material that comes in the plant along with handling hazardous chemical reagents used to perform analysis.

HSEQ Responsibilities

• Comply with the HSEQ Policy.
• Comply with Regulations, Legal and Internal Requirements as made known by the site and by the business unit (BU).
• Comply with the rules of the specific location to which one is assigned as well as the rules set by the business unit (BU) and Arkema Inc.
• Follow HES and Operating Discipline procedures and practices to ensure safe and efficient operation of assigned plant areas.
• As required, initiates and participates in Root Cause Investigations
• Understands and executes Emergency Response procedures to mitigate unplanned events in the process.
• Comply with all standard procedures and work instructions, aka SP, SOP, PWI, TM, to ensure productivity, quality assurance and cost effectiveness.
• Review their work areas for potential losses and Report hazards to the direct supervisor.
• Report Near Misses to the direct supervisor.
• Report Incidents or Accidents to the direct supervisor.
• Identify and communicate potential gains or possible improvements to the management system.

Required Education/Qualifications / Work Experience

• The preference but not required 3-years of college coursework in chemistry and mathematics or related experience.  Preferred B.S./B.A. in Chemistry.
• Capable of decision-making and problem solving.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Personal computer and spreadsheet experience.
• Ability to read, write, and type technical documentation.
• Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment.
• Ability to answer process related questions as well as make recommendations.
• Aptitude to operate and maintain sophisticated analytical instrumentation.
• One to two years college coursework in chemistry or related experience.  Preferred B.S./B.A. in Chemistry.
• Ability to work in a safe and efficient manner with hazardous chemicals.

Demonstrated Competencies

• Must be able to work under pressure to meet deadlines.
• Requires a high degree of self-motivation.
• Does not require constant supervision.