Lab Technician

Job Title: Lab Technician
Job Description
The Lab Technician accurately prepares, conducts, and reports sample analyses in accordance with established laboratory standard operating procedures. This role focuses on operating and calibrating complex laboratory instrumentation, maintaining meticulous documentation, and ensuring high-quality analytical results. The Lab Technician supports routine laboratory operations, participates in quality control and proficiency testing programs, and consistently promotes a safe and efficient work environment.
Responsibilities

• Prepare samples and perform designated laboratory tests with a high degree of accuracy in accordance with laboratory standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Conduct and report sample analyses following established methods and timelines, ensuring results meet standard laboratory turn-times.
• Calibrate complex laboratory instrumentation according to SOPs and document all calibration activities in appropriate logs.
• Thoroughly complete all required documentation, including calibration logs, solution logs, scoop and bench sheets, reports of analysis, and corrective action forms.
• Perform and monitor quality control checks for designated tests, ensuring results fall within acceptable thresholds and taking appropriate corrective actions when necessary.
• Assess and document corrective action steps for failing or inconsistent quality control checks and promptly report issues to the immediate supervisor.
• Perform preventative and daily maintenance on designated laboratory instruments and equipment to ensure reliable performance.
• Record comprehensive diagnostic information and maintenance activities in maintenance logs to maintain accurate equipment histories.
• Troubleshoot instrument issues and coordinate repairs as appropriate, including working with instrument manufacturer service technicians.
• Carry out routine laboratory procedures such as preparing media and solutions, cleaning labware, and maintaining clean and organized laboratory workspaces.
• Monitor and maintain supply inventory for designated tests, ensuring adequate stock of reagents, consumables, and other necessary materials.
• Provide support to laboratory proficiency testing and certification programs by preparing, analyzing, and documenting required samples and results.
• Promote and adhere to workplace safety standards by consistently following safe work procedures and using required personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Inspect the work area regularly, identify potential hazards, and take approved remedial action to minimize or eliminate risks.
• Report unsafe conditions, near misses, and injuries immediately in accordance with safety policies and procedures.
• Complete all required safety training assignments, forms, and paperwork in a timely and accurate manner.

Essential Skills

• High school diploma or GED.
• 0-2 years of laboratory experience preferred, with exposure to chemistry and biology laboratory practices.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and multi-task effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Proven organizational and time management skills to handle multiple assignments and deadlines.
• Strong attention to detail and a detail-oriented approach to documentation and analysis.
• Laboratory skills and familiarity with basic laboratory techniques and procedures.
• Foundational knowledge or experience in chemistry.
• Foundational knowledge or experience in biology.
• Strong computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office and Excel.
• Experience working with Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) or similar data systems.
• Ability to stand for long periods of time while performing laboratory tasks.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds as required for handling supplies and equipment.
• Scheduling flexibility and ability to work overtime as needed based on workflow and deadlines.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Associate degree in a scientific or related field is preferred.
• Experience working in a regulated or quality-focused laboratory environment is beneficial.
• Familiarity with laboratory SOPs, quality control procedures, and documentation practices.
• Comfort working with complex laboratory instrumentation and following manufacturer guidance for maintenance and troubleshooting.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for documenting results and collaborating with team members.

Work Environment
This is a full-time, on-site laboratory position with a standard shift of approximately 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, with some flexibility of about an hour on start or end times. The role requires working in a laboratory environment with routine use of complex analytical instruments, media and solution preparation areas, and shared lab spaces. Team members are expected to stand for extended periods and lift up to 50 pounds as needed for handling samples, reagents, and equipment. Personal protective equipment (PPE) is required and must be worn according to safety protocols, and employees must follow all safe work procedures and participate in ongoing safety training. The environment is fast-paced and quality-driven, with an emphasis on accuracy, documentation, and collaboration to meet laboratory turnaround times and workflow demands. Overtime may be required based on workload and project deadlines.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Ellsworth, IA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $18.00 - $19.00/hr.
Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Ellsworth,IA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Sep 14, 2026.
About Actalent


Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.


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