Sample Receiving Technician

Job Title: Sample Receiving Technician

The Sample Receiving Technician plays a key role in environmental testing operations by receiving, logging, pressurizing, screening, and distributing samples used for air, water, soil, sediment, tissue, and waste analysis. This position supports a fast-paced laboratory environment focused on making life and the environment safer, healthier, and more sustainable. You will ensure that incoming samples are accurately documented, prepared, and handled in accordance with established methods and Standard Operating Procedures, contributing directly to high-quality analytical results and regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

• Accept and sign for deliveries of environmental samples and related materials.

• Log samples accurately using the laboratory information management system (LIMS).

• Open boxes and coolers, inspect shipment contents, and verify documentation to ensure all samples are present and correctly labeled.

• Pressurize canister samples according to established procedures and methods.

• Read, understand, and follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), including Air Toxics methods, client-specific requirements, and internal procedures.

• Perform documentation, sample preparation, standard preparation, and data handling in strict accordance with SOPs or analytical methods.

• Conduct routine maintenance on pressurization instruments and related equipment to ensure reliable performance.

• Provide miscellaneous operational support to laboratory departments as requested.

• Respond to daily requests from colleagues and management in a timely and professional manner.

• Communicate any roadblocks or issues encountered while performing routine and non-routine tasks, and escalate concerns appropriately.

• Screen samples and evaluate results when needed, following applicable methods and guidelines.

• Prepare sample and canister dilutions and re-screen samples when saturated levels of analytes are present.

• Safely handle and transport bulk chemicals and hazardous materials used in environmental analysis, following all safety protocols.

• Read and reference the Chemical Hygiene Plan and Injury and Illness Prevention Program to guide safe work practices.

• Adhere to all safety protocols and operational procedures while performing moderate physical work duties.

• Maintain regular attendance and punctuality and support a reliable, production-oriented workflow.

• Perform other duties as assigned to support laboratory operations and project timelines.

Essential Skills

• Experience working in a fast-paced, production environment such as food service or manufacturing.

• Strong initiative and a hands-on approach, with the ability to work efficiently and accurately in a high-volume setting.

• Excellent attention to detail when handling samples, documentation, and data.

• Effective organization and time management skills to meet project deadlines.

• Clear written and verbal communication skills for interacting with colleagues and documenting work.

• Strong teamwork abilities and a commitment to conducting all activities safely and efficiently.

• Regular, reliable attendance and punctuality.

• Basic understanding of laboratory techniques and sample preparation processes.

• Proficiency with computer applications, including MS Word and Excel.

• Ability to handle issues calmly and effectively and adapt to changing priorities.

• Physical capability to perform job requirements, including lifting up to 35 pounds on a continuous basis.

• Ability to stand for prolonged periods, work upright, bend, and use hands and arms repetitively for moderate physical tasks.

• Ability to push carts loaded with objects weighing up to 50 pounds.

• Adequate hearing and speaking ability to listen and communicate effectively in person and over the phone.

• Adherence to safety protocols and operational procedures at all times.

• Professional working proficiency in English, including the ability to read, write, and speak English.

• Authorization to work in the United States indefinitely without restriction or sponsorship.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS) for sample tracking and data entry.

• Experience with sample receiving, sample prep, and handling of environmental samples.

• Comfort working with Air Toxics methods and other environmental testing methodologies, with training provided as needed.

• Ability to read, understand, and comply with detailed SOPs and safety documentation such as the Chemical Hygiene Plan and Injury and Illness Prevention Program.

• Strong commitment to safety when working with cryogenic materials, compressed gases, sharps, and organic solvents.

• Interest in contributing to environmental sustainability and public health through accurate laboratory work.

• Willingness to learn and grow within an organization that supports career development even if you do not meet 100% of the listed requirements.

Work Environment

This is a full-time, on-site role in an environmental testing laboratory that operates in a fast-paced, production-oriented setting. The initial training schedule is Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., transitioning to Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. once trained, with possible overtime and weekend work as needed to meet project demands. You will work with a wide range of environmental samples, including air, water, soil, sediment, tissue, and waste, and support testing for analytes such as PFAS, metals, VOCs/SVOCs, dioxins/furans, and radiochemicals. The laboratory houses hazardous materials and bulk chemicals essential for analysis, including cryogenic Dewars of liquid nitrogen, compressed gases (helium, nitrogen, hydrogen), sharps, and liquid solvents such as methylene chloride, acetonitrile, and acetone. Strict adherence to safety protocols, the Chemical Hygiene Plan, and the Injury and Illness Prevention Program is required. The environment involves moderate physical activity, including standing for extended periods, lifting and moving sample containers and coolers, and pushing carts. The organization promotes a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion and supports professional development, offering comprehensive benefits such as medical coverage, life and disability insurance, retirement plan options with company match, paid holidays and vacation, personal days, and dental and vision options. Dress code is typical of a laboratory setting, requiring appropriate attire and any necessary protective equipment to ensure safety while handling samples and chemicals.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Folsom, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $21.00 - $21.00/hr.

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 Folsom,CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 21, 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.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email View email address on click.appcast.io for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.