Environmental Laboratory Analyst 1
Description
Position Overview
BLOC Resources is seeking a highly motivated, analytical, and detail-oriented Environmental Laboratory Analyst 1 to support environmental laboratory operations within the energy and utilities industry.
This position is responsible for collecting, preparing, testing, and analyzing environmental samples to identify pollutants, contaminants, and other substances that may impact environmental quality, regulatory compliance, and operational performance.
The successful candidate will perform laboratory testing on samples collected from various environmental sources, including water, wastewater, soil, and air, utilizing established analytical methods, laboratory instrumentation, and quality control procedures.
The Environmental Laboratory Analyst 1 plays an important role in supporting environmental compliance, maintaining accurate analytical records, and providing reliable laboratory results that contribute to environmental protection and operational decision-making.
This opportunity is ideal for an individual with a background in chemistry, biology, microbiology, environmental science, or a related natural science who enjoys hands-on laboratory work, scientific analysis, and problem-solving.
Candidates must be comfortable working in a laboratory environment, handling chemical substances, operating analytical equipment, and following established safety and testing procedures.
Key Responsibilities
1. Environmental Sample Collection, Preparation & Testing
-
Collect, receive, prepare, and analyze environmental samples from sources such as water, wastewater, soil, and air.
-
Conduct laboratory testing to identify pollutants, chemical substances, and potential environmental contaminants.
-
Prepare samples for analytical testing using established laboratory methods and standard operating procedures.
-
Perform chemical and physical analyses to evaluate sample characteristics and environmental conditions.
-
Utilize appropriate laboratory equipment, instruments, and testing procedures to obtain accurate and reproducible results.
-
Follow established sample collection, preservation, storage, and handling requirements.
-
Maintain sample identification, tracking, and chain-of-custody documentation when applicable.
-
Ensure samples are processed within required testing and holding-time parameters.
-
Identify unusual sample characteristics, irregular results, or potential contamination concerns.
-
Assist with routine laboratory preparation activities, including preparing chemical solutions, standards, and reagents.
2. Laboratory Analysis & Instrumentation
-
Operate and maintain laboratory instruments used in environmental testing and analysis.
-
Perform routine equipment checks, calibration verification, and basic troubleshooting.
-
Follow analytical procedures established by recognized testing methods, including applicable Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and ASTM International methods.
-
Prepare analytical standards and chemical solutions using appropriate laboratory calculations.
-
Conduct testing in accordance with documented procedures, instrument specifications, and laboratory quality standards.
-
Recognize potential equipment malfunctions and communicate concerns to appropriate laboratory personnel.
-
Assist with maintaining laboratory equipment logs, calibration records, and maintenance documentation.
-
Support proper laboratory instrument operation to minimize downtime and ensure reliable testing results.
3. Environmental Compliance & Regulatory Support
-
Support compliance with applicable federal, state, and local environmental regulations.
-
Assist with environmental monitoring activities associated with wastewater treatment, air pollution control, and waste management operations.
-
Perform laboratory testing needed to support environmental permits, compliance monitoring, and reporting obligations.
-
Maintain familiarity with applicable environmental testing procedures and regulatory requirements.
-
Ensure laboratory activities are conducted in accordance with approved procedures and quality assurance standards.
-
Assist with identifying analytical results that may indicate environmental compliance concerns.
-
Support laboratory inspections, internal reviews, and regulatory audits through accurate recordkeeping.
-
Communicate potential compliance issues or unusual analytical findings to laboratory supervisors.
4. Environmental Data Analysis & Reporting
-
Collect, organize, analyze, and interpret laboratory testing results.
-
Enter analytical results accurately into laboratory databases, spreadsheets, or laboratory information management systems.
-
Review testing data for accuracy, completeness, and consistency.
-
Identify unusual trends, outliers, or discrepancies requiring further investigation.
-
Prepare laboratory reports, testing summaries, and environmental monitoring documentation.
-
Maintain organized records of laboratory results, testing methods, and quality control activities.
-
Assist with evaluating environmental data to identify potential changes in water quality, air quality, or other monitored conditions.
-
Communicate findings clearly to supervisors, environmental professionals, and other stakeholders.
-
Support data-driven recommendations concerning environmental monitoring and operational performance.
5. Laboratory Quality Assurance & Quality Control
-
Follow established quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) procedures for laboratory testing.
-
Perform required quality control checks, including blanks, duplicates, standards, and calibration verification as applicable.
-
Review analytical results to identify potential errors or inconsistencies.
-
Maintain accurate documentation of testing activities and corrective actions.
-
Assist with investigating analytical discrepancies and determining possible causes.
-
Follow approved testing methods to support the accuracy, precision, and reliability of laboratory results.
-
Ensure laboratory records are maintained in accordance with established documentation and retention requirements.
-
Participate in continuous improvement initiatives designed to enhance laboratory efficiency and testing quality.
6. Laboratory Safety & Chemical Handling
-
Follow all applicable laboratory safety procedures, chemical handling requirements, and workplace safety standards.
-
Properly use personal protective equipment (PPE), including laboratory coats, gloves, safety glasses, and other required protective equipment.
-
Safely handle, prepare, store, and dispose of chemicals and laboratory materials.
-
Assist with the movement, replacement, and handling of high-pressure compressed gas cylinders using approved safety procedures.
-
Recognize potential laboratory hazards and report unsafe conditions immediately.
-
Maintain clean, organized, and safe laboratory work areas.
-
Follow established procedures for chemical spills, environmental incidents, and emergency response situations.
-
Participate in required safety training and laboratory emergency preparedness activities.
7. Environmental Monitoring & Operational Support
-
Support environmental monitoring programs associated with utility and industrial operations.
-
Assist with laboratory analyses related to water quality, wastewater treatment, and environmental compliance.
-
Monitor testing results for indications of changing environmental conditions.
-
Collaborate with environmental specialists, laboratory personnel, and operations teams to address testing requirements.
-
Support the investigation of environmental concerns through laboratory analysis and documentation.
-
Assist with preparing information needed for environmental assessments and regulatory reporting.
8. Team Collaboration & Continuous Improvement
-
Work collaboratively with laboratory analysts, environmental professionals, supervisors, and operational personnel.
-
Communicate testing progress, analytical findings, and laboratory concerns in a professional manner.
-
Assist team members with laboratory activities when necessary to meet operational deadlines.
-
Participate in laboratory meetings, technical discussions, and process improvement initiatives.
-
Demonstrate a willingness to learn new analytical methods, technologies, and laboratory procedures.
-
Support a culture of accuracy, accountability, teamwork, and environmental responsibility.
Required Qualifications
Education
Candidates should possess one of the following educational backgrounds:
-
Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biology, Microbiology, Environmental Science, or a closely related physical or natural science.
-
Associate's degree in Chemistry, Biology, Microbiology, Environmental Science, or a related scientific discipline, with relevant laboratory experience.
Important: The client prescreening process specifically asks whether applicants possess a bachelor's degree in a physical or natural science. Candidates should clearly identify their degree and field of study.
Professional Experience
-
Previous experience working in a laboratory environment and performing analytical testing.
-
Experience with environmental monitoring, sample preparation, or laboratory analysis is strongly preferred.
-
Familiarity with environmental testing methods and laboratory procedures.
-
Experience working with chemical solutions, laboratory instrumentation, and analytical documentation.
-
Understanding of laboratory safety requirements and quality control procedures.
-
Experience performing analyses using EPA or ASTM methods is highly desirable.
Technical Knowledge & Laboratory Skills
-
Understanding of basic chemistry, laboratory mathematics, and analytical testing principles.
-
Ability to prepare chemical solutions using concentration and molarity calculations.
-
Familiarity with laboratory equipment, analytical instruments, and sample preparation techniques.
-
Knowledge of laboratory calibration and quality control practices.
-
Ability to read, understand, and follow laboratory standard operating procedures.
-
Familiarity with environmental sampling and testing methods.
-
Basic knowledge of federal, state, and local environmental regulations.
-
Ability to accurately record, analyze, and report laboratory testing results.
-
Proficiency with computers, data entry, spreadsheets, and laboratory documentation systems.
Preferred Qualifications
Candidates with the following experience will receive additional consideration:
-
Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Environmental Science, Biology, or a closely related field.
-
Previous employment in an environmental, industrial, utility, or commercial testing laboratory.
-
Experience performing analytical testing using EPA and ASTM methodologies.
-
Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS).
-
Experience testing water, wastewater, soil, or other environmental samples.
-
Experience preparing reagents, standards, and calibration solutions.
-
Familiarity with environmental compliance reporting and laboratory quality assurance.
-
Experience working with compressed gas cylinders and chemical handling procedures.
-
Knowledge of environmental monitoring programs within power generation or utility operations.
Required Skills & Competencies
Analytical & Technical Skills
-
Strong analytical thinking and scientific problem-solving abilities.
-
Ability to interpret testing results and recognize potential inconsistencies.
-
Understanding of laboratory calculations, measurements, and analytical procedures.
-
Ability to maintain accuracy when performing repetitive laboratory testing.
-
Willingness to learn specialized analytical instruments and testing methodologies.
Attention to Detail & Quality
-
Exceptional attention to detail when preparing samples, recording results, and maintaining laboratory documentation.
-
Commitment to accurate, reliable, and reproducible testing results.
-
Ability to follow detailed instructions and established testing procedures.
-
Strong organizational skills and documentation accuracy.
Communication & Teamwork
-
Effective verbal and written communication skills.
-
Ability to communicate technical information clearly and professionally.
-
Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively with laboratory and environmental teams.
-
Willingness to ask questions, seek guidance, and share relevant findings.
Organization & Time Management
-
Ability to manage multiple laboratory assignments and testing priorities.
-
Strong time management skills with the ability to meet testing deadlines.
-
Ability to organize samples, testing records, and laboratory materials efficiently.
-
Flexibility to adjust to changing laboratory workloads and operational requirements.
Professional Attributes
-
Dependable, punctual, and committed to maintaining a consistent work schedule.
-
Self-motivated with a strong work ethic and positive attitude.
-
Demonstrates professionalism, integrity, and accountability.
-
Maintains a safety-first mindset.
-
Adaptable to new technologies, testing procedures, and regulatory requirements.
-
Committed to continuous learning and professional development.
Physical Requirements
The Environmental Laboratory Analyst 1 position requires the ability to perform laboratory activities involving physical movement, equipment handling, and chemical materials.
Candidates must be able to:
-
Lift and move laboratory samples and materials weighing up to 50 pounds.
-
Assist with moving and changing high-pressure compressed gas cylinders using approved handling equipment and safety procedures.
-
Stand or sit for extended periods while conducting laboratory testing.
-
Walk throughout laboratory facilities and work areas.
-
Bend, reach, and perform repetitive movements associated with laboratory operations.
-
Handle laboratory glassware, sample containers, instruments, and chemical materials.
-
Wear required PPE and follow laboratory safety procedures.
-
Perform laboratory duties safely and accurately throughout an assigned work shift.
Reasonable accommodations may be provided to qualified individuals in accordance with applicable law.
Work Environment
-
Work Location: 160 Lake Mirror Road, Forest Park, GA 30297.
-
Work Arrangement: Fully on-site laboratory position.
-
Weekly Hours: 40 hours.
-
Daily Schedule: Five 8-hour shifts per week.
-
Remote Work: Not available.
-
Work is performed primarily within an environmental laboratory setting.
-
Employees may be exposed to laboratory chemicals, testing equipment, environmental samples, and compressed gas cylinders.
-
Strict adherence to laboratory safety standards and established procedures is required.
-
The position requires consistent attendance and the ability to meet laboratory testing schedules.