Lab Analyst

Position Purpose:
This role is primarily focused on collecting and analyzing data to effectively monitor production processes and ensure safety, quality, environmental, and production standards are always met, which include timely collection and analysis of material, product, slag, and waste water samples throughout the production process to monitor product and process quality, ensure waste is classified and treated promptly and properly to meet environmental regulation standards for safe disposal / discharge, and ensure appropriate adjustments are made when necessary. This role acts as an adviser and provides support to the Shift Supervisors to troubleshoot lab instrumentation for timely and accurate lab analyses, conducts and communicates analyses of finished products to confirm quality standards, and resolves any production process, and / or environmental concerns. This position works 4pm-4am on a rotating 2/2/3/2 schedule. Starting pay for the level I position is $32.31/hr (+$1.00/hr shift differential for night shifts) plus full benefits and monthly bonus potential.

Responsibilities:

• Monitor systems to ensure developing problems are identified and resolved as quickly as possible
• Test and analyze samples for sulfur content
• Collect, prepare, and analyze smelting process samples
• Collect, crush, prep, and analyze slag samples for TCLP analysis
• Conduct total composition laboratory analysis on material and chemicals to include slag, carbon, sulfur analyzer (DOCs), desulf filtercake furnace feed samples (ICP-OES), and gravimetric moisture analysis of reverb furnace feed samples
• Calibration and control checks of refining analytical instruments (SS-OES) and probes (pH, ORP)
• Operate and check high-volume air monitors
• Assist with the establishment of operating procedures for the laboratory and other areas of the company as needed
• Advise shift managers on technical operating problems
• Assist shift supervisor(s) and lead person(s) in training production staff on production, safety, and quality issues
• Take immediate action when observing safety violations that are life threatening or pose risk of serious injury, otherwise, advise shift supervisor of safety and procedural violations or variances so the shift supervisor can take the appropriate action
• Ensure cleanliness of laboratory
• Participate in meetings, teams, and training seminars
• Complete Inventory Management and escalate inventory deficiencies as needed.
• Troubleshoot ICP-OES and SS-OES as issues arise working in collaboration with the team and manager to determine root cause of the issue, and to resolve matters timely and efficiently.
• Level II Lab Analysts:
  • Data Review/Authorization
  • Train new employees in the Lab Analyst role as requested.
  • Support special projects for the Lab as they arise.
  • Learns advanced technical and laboratory concepts relevant to the industry/organization and applies the concepts to daily work.

• Perform all other related duties as assigned

Requirements:

• High School Diploma or GED from accredited school minimally required
• Minimum of 2 years of previous work experience in a laboratory or similar production operation
• Ability to read and write with an average math skill set
• Strong interpersonal skills, including verbal and non-verbal communications and team cooperation
• Self-motivated, self-starter, ability to work well under pressure, and with a sense of urgency
• Willing and able to wear respiratory protection directly against skin as well as other PPE (hard hat, safety glasses, gloves, boots, hearing protection) in hot work environment with or without reasonable accommodation

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry or related field from accredited College or University preferred, but not required
• Previous experience in a manufacturing environment preferred but not required
• Previous experience in metals sample preparation preferred, but not required
• Previous experience in ICP-OES and SS-OES analysis and maintenance preferred, but not required

Compensation Information:
Hourly Pay Range: $31.22-$34.44. This position is also eligible for a short-term incentive plan which is determined by the achievement of strategic objectives. The market rate for the role is typically at the midpoint of the salary range; however, variations in final salary are determined by additional factors such as candidate qualifications, relevant years of experience, geographic location, internal pay equity, and prevailing market conditions for the specific role.

Benefits: Gopher Resource is proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package that promotes the health, wellness, and financial security of our employees. List of benefit offerings include medical & pharmacy, dental, vision, health savings account (HSA), flexible spending account (FSA), dependent care spending account, life insurance, disability programs, telemedicine, parental leave, tuition support, legal insurance, identity theft protection, gym membership discounts, EAP, 401(k) with a company match, and paid time off (vacation, personal, bereavement, holidays).

Gopher Resource is an Equal Opportunity Employer