Lab Technician

Lab Technician

Location: Richmond, CA

Reports to: Operations Manager

Compensation: $70,000 - $75,000 + bonus + benefits

At Chemtrade, we deliver innovative solutions focusing on safety, sustainability, and environmental stewardship. We value and respect all our employees, recognizing that our diverse and talented workforce is the heart of our success. By putting people at the center of our operations, we build strong connections, nurture innovation, and create fulfilling work experiences for all.

Scope of the Position

The Lab Technician will provide analytical support through the analysis of products and system fluids that aid in controlling the quality of the end products, thereby meeting the needs of both customer and company. The incumbent will help in the detection of variances from the norm, and offer any solutions to improve deficiencies, thus helping production and quality. The Lab Technician will support and assist the Plant Manager in operating the facility in a safe and environmentally friendly manner, produce and ship on time the highest quality products at the lowest possible costs, while practicing the ethics of Responsible CARE, ISO 9001 and meeting all federal, state and local laws, regulations and security. In addition maintain the company culture SAFE (Safety, Accountability, Fun, Entrepreneurial) and "One" Chemtrade vision EPIC (Employee, People First, Integrity, Customer Focused)

What You Need To Be Successful

• Minimum of an Associate's degree, Bachelor's degree preferred in a science or related field. Experience may be substituted.
• Demonstrate team and leadership skills, a desire to participate in a new business endeavor that is highly competitive, visible, and that requires high quality standards.
• Experience in calibration, troubleshooting instrument issues, and analytical methods are desirable. Attention to detail, adaptability, being a self-starter, and good communication skills are essential.

Key Responsibilities

Laboratory Tasks: - 70%

• Perform sampling and analysis of products according to the sampling and duty schedules and completion of same in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and Work Instructions that affect product quality and quality control systems are followed.
• Ability to utilize lab instrumentation such as UV/VIS, Auto titrator, and other more advanced technical instrumentation. Maintain inventory and proper usage, labeling, and storage of chemicals and supplies in the laboratory.
• Ensure that laboratory equipment is maintained to perform to standards and to insure that spare parts or backups are on hand to minimize downtime of instrumentation and equipment.
• Work in conjunction with management to suggest changes in the plant and laboratory to improve the quality of our products, efficiency of operation, and ability to sample and analyze with improved accuracy to meet the current requirements and expected future demands.
• Assist the operations by doing any special tests or analyses when requested.
• Work in conjunction with Management, Maintenance and Operations to monitor and maintain the pond NPDES within EPA standards and perform required testing. Send out samples of the pond discharge to an outside laboratory for testing in compliance with the site NPDES permit.
• As needed contact outside laboratories to schedule testing.
• Work as a member of a team within Chemtrade laboratories to troubleshoot potential issues and develop new advanced testing methodology.
• Prepare Certificates of Analysis for product shipments as required by company policy; maintain files. Ensure proper labeling and packaging for shipment of product samples according to company policies; maintain records of samples shipped out. Maintain accurate laboratory records of analytical results, quality control tests and logbooks according to plant policy.
• Compile, publish and file a daily report on analytical results from plant samples and customer samples.
• Order supplies as needed following the Chemtrade process.

Continuous Improvement: 20%

• Work with other team members towards the solution of problems and to fulfil the manufacturing objectives, and participate in continuous improvement projects. Follow and maintain 6-S/Lean principles of a clean and organized work area and participate in Lean Six Sigma events such as Kaizen, etc. as needed.
• Generate Statistical Process Control (SPC) graphs as needed, and for quality discussions. The graphs generated will include root cause for trends in data, Out Of Control points (OOC).
• Make recommendations to plant management for improvement based on data driven decisions.
• Participates in the Quality discussion as an expert when requested. Conduct self and lab practices in a manner that meets or exceeds Chemtrade guidelines
• Other duties as assigned by the Supervisor or Manager.

Related Duties: 10%

• Participate in Responsible CARE activities.
• Participate in RC 14001 environmental responsibility.
• Updating Laboratory procedures. Construct and update SOP's
• Other duties assigned as needed.

What Chemtrade Offers You

Embracing Diversity, Maximizing Results

At Chemtrade we are committed to cultivating a work environment that embraces and values the unique qualities, skills, and experiences of every employee. We believe in harnessing the richness of diverse talents, ideas, backgrounds, experiences and perspectives to drive our business forward, and see our diversity as one of our greatest strengths.

To foster an inclusive environment, we actively encourage the creation of Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), which are open to all employees. These employee-driven groups provide platforms for employees to share their perspectives, contribute their ideas, and help shape our inclusive and respectful culture and provide vital platforms for employees to connect, share experiences, and celebrate their unique backgrounds and perspectives. Together, we strive to build a workplace that recognizes and celebrates the diverse voices within our organization. We recognize the value of Employee Resource Groups (ERG's) in fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment.

Join us in our journey towards building an inclusive workplace that promotes the personal and professional development of our employees.

Additionally, we understand the importance of work-life balance and the well-being of our employees and their families. That is why we proudly offer a range of family-friendly benefits, and opportunities for career growth and advancement.

We are committed to supporting our employees at every stage of their lives and ensuring they can thrive both professionally and personally. Join us and be a part of a company that values diversity, inclusion and the well-being of its employees