LABORATORY ASSISTANT

Job Overview

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Division of Laboratories, Bench Analysis and Support Unit, Springfield Combined Laboratory is seeking to hire a Laboratory Assistant. The ideal candidate for this position will be organized, detailed, and possess the ability to adapt to change in a collaborative, fast paced environment. The ideal candidate will also need to be able to communicate effectively verbally, electronically and in writing with both internal and external stakeholders. The benefits of working at the EPA include a 37 ½ hour work week, a generous salary and benefits package (paid time off for vacation, sick or personal leave, holidays) pension and other retirement benefits, tuition reimbursement, and insurance eligibility on day one (medical, dental, vision, and life). We invite all qualified candidates to apply.

Essential Function 1

35% 1. Accepts environmental samples into the laboratory and performs required actions.
•Intakes samples into the laboratory in a timely manner
•Performs all required preservation checks, including pH and temperature
•Reviews and records required information on the chain of custody forms, in the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) and in logbooks as appropriate
•Acidifies samples as required utilizing safe lab techniques including proper PersonalProtective Equipment (PPE)
•Unloads samples and transports them utilizing the appropriate method of transport to designated storage locations or the extraction area for processing.

Essential Function 2

25% 2. Prepares and packs sample kits for shipment to sample collectors.
•Prepares blank water samples to be shipped with sample kits
•Packs and ships sample kits according to schedules with accuracy.
•Maintain packing material inventory and requests supplies as required.
•Packs and lifts vials and bottles in boxes and 48-quart coolers that weigh up to 50pounds for shipment.
•Performs safe handling procedures involving hazardous materials, such as acid preservatives.
• Maintains written and computerized records to track sample mailers and coolers from the time they are dispatched from the laboratory until their return.
• Updates records and ensures availability to Unit Manager/working Supervisor and Agency bureaus and divisions staff.

Essential Function 3

15% 3. Performs routine checks of support equipment.
• Daily checks and records readings of the temperature of all sample storage devices (refrigerators and freezers)
• Updates records, and makes them available to the Unit Manager/working Supervisor and other Agency bureaus and divisions staff

Essential Function 4

10% 4. Maintains a clean and neat work area and provide clean laboratory glassware ready for use.
• Prepares bottles and laboratory glassware by washing/solvent-rinsing for use in trace analysis.
• Cleans equipment and bench tops.
• Prepares, and monitors laboratory reagent water.
• Cleans empty boxes and coolers, which will require standing for extended periods of time.
• Removes tape and labels from boxes.
• Washes glassware at laboratory sink.

Essential Function 5

10% 5. Travels to Regional Offices performing sample pick up and supply drops.
• Monthly performs scheduled trips to designated Regional Offices
• Delivers sample collection supplies
• Travels in performance of duties

Essential Function 6

5% 6. Performs other duties as required or assigned, which are reasonably within the scope of duties enumerated above.

Minimum Qualifications

1. Education and experience equivalent to completion of high school.

Preferred Qualifications (In Order of Significance)

1. Prefers elementary knowledge of laboratory safety procedures.
2. Prefers ability to follow oral and written instructions.
3. Prefers ability to operate minor sample preparation equipment, or automatic glassware washers.

Employment Conditions

1. Requires a valid and current appropriate drivers’ license.

2. Requires the ability to travel, while driving agency supplied laboratory van as directed, adhering to the designated rules of the road.

3. Overtime is a condition of employment, and you may be requested or required/mandated to work overtime including scheduled, unscheduled, or last-minute overtime. This requires the ability to work evenings and weekends.

4. Requires the ability to lift sample coolers that weigh up to 50 pounds and distribute to designated locations within the Springfield Combined Laboratory.

5. Requires the ability to stand for extended periods of time.

6. Requires ability to pass a name-based background.