Lab Technician

Manufacturing Lab Technician

The Lab Technician supports mining operations by performing field and plant metallurgical testing on phosphate rock core samples and plant samples. The role focuses on sampling, preparation, and analysis to help mine planning, engineering, and operations teams evaluate mining plans, operating conditions, and ore reserves. The technician works hands-on with rock and slurry samples, operates lab and plant equipment, and documents test results to ensure accurate, reliable data for minerals operations.

Responsibilities

• Collect and prepare phosphate rock prospect core samples and plant samples for metallurgical testing.
• Chop and break down rock samples, mix them using a shovel, and prepare them for processing.
• Pump prepared samples to the plant and washer for further processing and testing.
• Operate washing equipment to remove grass, bugs, clay, and other impurities from rock samples.
• Perform separation and sizing of samples to support minerals processing evaluations.
• Conduct density and moisture analyses on samples and accurately record all measurements.
• Carry out plant tests and sampling related to processes within minerals operations, including flotation and other separation processes.
• Add chemicals to slurry during flotation to promote bonding with rock and enable phosphate to float for separation.
• Handle slurry movement between plant, washer, and flotation processes as part of sample preparation and testing.
• Take small-scale samples at each stage from chopping and mixing to washing and separating, ensuring consistency and traceability.
• Return separated samples to the lab for further analysis and documentation.
• Document all sampling, testing procedures, results, and observations clearly and accurately.
• Perform routine preventative maintenance on laboratory equipment to ensure proper operation and reliability.
• Follow established safety procedures and wear standard safety equipment while working in lab and plant environments.

Essential Skills

• Experience or training in metallurgy, minerals processing, or a related laboratory field.
• Demonstrated ability to perform quality control activities in a laboratory or industrial setting.
• Ability to work effectively in a laboratory environment handling rock, slurry, and process samples.
• High school diploma or GED.
• Physical ability to lift up to 50 pounds safely and repeatedly as needed.
• Ability to climb stairs and work at various heights as required by field and plant activities.
• Ability to hear, with or without correction, to safely perform duties in lab and plant environments.
• Ability to read, write, and understand basic English to follow procedures and document results.
• Ability to wear and properly use standard safety equipment, including personal protective equipment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Prior experience working in a metallurgical, minerals, or industrial laboratory environment.
• Familiarity with sampling, washing, sizing, density testing, and moisture analysis of mineral samples.
• Experience with flotation processes, including adding and handling chemicals used for separation.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in documenting tests, procedures, and results.
• Comfort working with both manual tools (such as shovels) and lab or plant processing equipment.

Work Environment

This role operates primarily in a laboratory environment with regular interaction in plant and field settings associated with minerals operations. The technician works with rock, slurry, washers, flotation systems, and related processing equipment. The standard schedule runs Monday through Friday from 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., with some flexibility on start times provided they are no later than 7:00 a.m. The position does not require work on holidays or weekends. The work involves physical activity, including lifting up to 50 pounds, climbing stairs, and working at various heights. Standard safety equipment and personal protective equipment must be worn as required by lab and plant safety procedures.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Bartow, FL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $25.00/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 Bartow, FL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 29, 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.

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.

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.

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.