Technician 1

Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense; Ireland; Remote; EUR 27,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

IAS Laboratories, part of Cawood, is seeking a Multi-Skilled Technician I for soil sample preparation, inventory management, and coordination of subcontracted testing. The role blends hands-on lab support with administrative coordination during the busy soil testing season.

The candidate will manage sample preparation workflows, ensure traceability, and liaise with external partner laboratories while maintaining safety and quality standards in a hybrid working environment.

Qualifications

• Good organisational and time-management skills.
• High attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to follow standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Strong teamwork and communication skills.
• Competent IT skills and ability to work independently.
• Willingness to perform both laboratory and administrative tasks.

Responsibilities

• Soil Drying: ensure samples are dried per lab schedules.
• Soil Grinding & Sample Organisation: operate grinding equipment and catalogue samples.
• Sample Weighing: weigh samples for analyses and label appropriately.
• Extraction & Filtration Support: prepare extraction batches and support processing.
• Robotic Analysis Preparation: weigh and prepare samples for automated analysers.
• Inventory Management: monitor stock levels and trigger replenishment.
• Sample Subcontracting Coordination: coordinate external tests and ship samples.

Skills

Organisational skills

Time management

Attention to detail

SOP adherence

Teamwork

IT skills

Independent working

Multi-tasking

Tools

LIMS systems

Job description

**Multi-Skilled Technician I - Soil Preparation, Inventory Management & Sample Subcontracting****Department**Laboratory Operations**Location****IAS Laboratories, part of Cawood** Bagenalstown, Co. Carlow**Reports To**Site Lead**Employment Type**Fixed-Term Contract (6 Months) 40 Hours per Week**Salary**€30,080 per annum**Position Summary**IAS Laboratories, part of Cawood, is seeking a motivated and flexible **Multi-Skilled Technician I** to support our laboratory operations during the busy soil testing season. This is a hands-on hybrid role combining **soil sample preparation**, **inventory management**, and **coordination of subcontracted laboratory testing**.The successful candidate will play a key role in ensuring soil samples are prepared accurately and efficiently for analysis while also managing the daily organisation, tracking, and dispatch of samples requiring subcontracted testing. This position offers a varied workload and would suit an individual who enjoys both practical laboratory support work and administrative coordination responsibilities.**Key Responsibilities****Soil Preparation**Soil Drying* Ensure soil samples are loaded into dryers in accordance with laboratory schedules.* Verify that samples have reached the required dryness prior to processing.Soil Grinding & Sample Organisation* Operate grinding equipment to prepare soil samples to laboratory specifications (2mm).* Organise processed samples accurately according to analytical suite requirements.* Maintain numerical sequence and sample traceability throughout the preparation process.Sample Weighing* Weigh soil samples for nutrient and environmental testing following laboratory procedures.* Prepare sample aliquots for phosphorus, potassium, S10, SHM and other analyses.* Ensure all samples are accurately labelled and recorded.Extraction & Filtration Support* Prepare extraction batches using Morgan's solution.* Operate laboratory shakers and support extraction processes.* Perform filtration activities and transfer prepared samples for laboratory analysis.Robotic Analysis Preparation* Weigh and prepare samples for automated laboratory analysers.* Organise trays and batches according to laboratory workflows and quality requirements.**Inventory Management*** Conduct routine inventory checks within the laboratory.* Monitor stock levels of consumables, reagents, containers and laboratory supplies.* Notify management of replenishment requirements.* Support continuous improvement initiatives aimed at improving inventory control and workflow efficiency.**Sample Subcontracting Coordination*** Review samples identified for subcontracted testing.* Verify test requests against customer documentation and LIMS records.* Coordinate sample registration with external partner laboratories.* Prepare, label, package and dispatch samples in accordance with laboratory procedures.* Arrange courier collections and maintain shipment records.* Track subcontracted samples and liaise with external laboratories regarding sample status and testing progress.* Maintain accurate documentation and ensure complete sample traceability.**Health, Safety & Quality*** Follow all laboratory Health & Safety procedures.* Comply with manual handling requirements.* Adhere to ISO and company quality standards.* Maintain clean and organised work areas.* Participate in continuous improvement and Kaizen initiatives.**Physical Requirements**This role involves routine manual handling activities including:* Lifting and moving soil trays (approximately 5kg).* Lifting and moving soil sample crates (approximately 8kg).* Standing for extended periods during sample preparation activities.* Operating manual handling equipment and trolleys provided to support safe working practices.**Essential Skills & Experience*** Good organisational and time-management skills.* High attention to detail and accuracy.* Ability to follow standard operating procedures.* Strong teamwork and communication skills.* Competent IT skills.* Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.* Willingness to perform both laboratory and administrative tasks.**Desirable Skills & Experience*** Previous laboratory experience.* Experience working with LIMS systems.* Experience coordinating shipments, logistics or sample tracking.* Knowledge of inventory control processes.* Experience in agricultural, environmental or analytical laboratory settings.**Working Hours*** 40 hours per week.* Typical working patterns: + 08:00 to 16:00, or + 09:00 to 17:00* 15-minute morning break.* 30-minute lunch break.* Bank holidays observed.**Career Opportunity**This position is initially offered as a six-month fixed-term contract to support seasonal laboratory demand. For the right candidate, there may be opportunities for contract extension and future permanent employment, subject to business requirements and performance.