Wastewater Laboratory Technician

Laboratory Technician

BTS Bioenergy transforms commercial organic waste into renewable natural gas and soil-enhancing compost through smart, sustainable waste solutions that reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The Laboratory Technician is responsible for the daily collection, analysis, reporting, and trend identification of process samples throughout the facility. This role supports the facility by providing accurate and timely laboratory data used to optimize performance.

The Laboratory Technician is a part of the Process Technology group and will work closely with the Operations team to coordinate sample collection and testing schedules. The position is responsible for maintaining laboratory equipment, ensuring data quality, managing laboratory supplies, and maintaining a clean, safe, and organized laboratory environment.

What you'll do:

• Collect, prepare, preserve, and analyze samples according to established procedures and testing schedules.
• Perform routine laboratory analyses including: FOS/TAC, pH, Redox, Conductivity, Total Solids (TS), Volatile Solids (VS), Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen (TKN), Ammonia Nitrogen (NH?-N), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Alkalinity, Total Phosphorus (TP), Total Suspended Solids (TSS), and other parameters as required.
• Perform microscopic examinations of biological samples to evaluate microbial health and activity within biological treatment systems.
• Record laboratory data accurately and maintain complete testing records.
• Notify Process Technology and Operations of process deviations, unusual results, or compliance concerns.
• Assist with trend analysis and interpretation of laboratory data to support process optimization and troubleshooting.
• Perform laboratory QA/QC procedures including duplicate analyses, standards, blanks, and calibration checks.
• Prepare reagents, standards, and testing solutions.
• Calibrate and maintain laboratory instruments such as spectrophotometers and microscopes.
• Maintain laboratory documentation in accordance with regulatory and company requirements.
• Ensure all testing procedures comply with applicable EPA, Standard Methods, and facility protocols.
• Maintain laboratory cleanliness, organization, and safety.
• Manage laboratory inventory including chemicals, reagents, consumables, and sampling supplies.
• Properly handle, store, and dispose of laboratory chemicals and waste materials.
• Confidence with excel and the creation/modification of spreadsheets.

Qualifications:

Education & Experience:

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Science, or a related field.
• 13 years of laboratory experience preferred.
• Experience in a water, wastewater, anaerobic digestion, or renewable natural gas preferred.

Skills & Competencies:

• Understanding of wastewater treatment and anaerobic digestion processes preferred.
• Proficiency in using spectrophotometers, microscopes, and other lab equipment.
• Knowledge of laboratory analytical methods and quality assurance procedures.
• Ability to operate and maintain laboratory instrumentation including spectrophotometers, pH meters, conductivity meters, and microscopes.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to data accuracy.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and data management systems.
• Ability to organize workload and manage multiple testing priorities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Effective communication and teamwork skills.

Working Conditions:

• Work is performed primarily in laboratory but might include field environments.
• Exposure to odors, chemicals, and biological materials.
• Requires lifting of equipment and samples up to 50 lbs.
• Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is mandatory.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to sit, stand, walk, stoop, or bend intermittently throughout the workday.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull 2030 lbs of samples, reagents, equipment, or supply boxes.
• Ability to perform repetitive motions, including pipetting, sample handling, typing, and instrument operation.
• Ability to use hands and fingers for fine motor tasks such as preparing samples, calibrating instruments, and operating laboratory equipment.
• Ability to reach, crouch, or climb short step stools to access equipment, storage, or sampling locations.
• Ability to visually read instruments, displays, colorimetric tests, and sample labels with accuracy.
• Ability to work in laboratory and plant environments, including exposure to odors, noise, humidity, and temperature variations.
• Ability to wear required PPE, including gloves, lab coat, eye protection, and occasionally respiratory protection depending on sampling conditions.
• Ability to collect and transport wastewater samples, which may require walking on uneven surfaces or accessing outdoor sampling points.
• Ability to stand for extended periods while performing laboratory analyses.
• Ability to handle chemical, biological, and wastewater materials safely in accordance with SOPs and regulatory standards.
• Ability to respond to after?hours or emergency sampling needs, if required by the facility.