Compostability Laboratory Technician

UWSTP University of Wisconsin Stevens Point; Stevens Point (WI); On-site; USD 16,531 - 20,664; Part time

Job summary

UW-Stevens Point is seeking a Compostability Laboratory Technician to support the WIST Compostability Testing Laboratory, including startup, monitoring tests, and ending procedures.

Duties include recording incubator temperatures, preparing vessels, measuring moisture, pH, volatile solids, and data entry; occasional weekend work may be required.

Qualifications

• Pursuing or completed major in Natural Resources or Paper Science & Chemical Engineering.
• Ability to work independently and with a team.
• Attention to detail and accuracy in repetitive tasks.
• Willingness to work weekends occasionally.

Responsibilities

• Take and record daily incubator temperatures and monitor tests.
• Weigh and mix compost vessels, describe each vessel, and adjust moisture as needed.
• Perform routine lab analyses (pH, moisture, volatile solids) and follow test methods.

Skills

Detail oriented

Teamwork

Independent work

Data recording

Education

Natural Resources

Paper Science & Chemical Engineering

Tools

Microsoft Office

Adobe Reader

Job description

Position Title: Compostability Laboratory Technician

Job Category: Student

Hourly

Job Profile: Student Help

Job Summary: Duties: To provide assistance in the WIST Compostability Testing Laboratory which includes start up, actively monitoring the testing and ending which include but are not limited to: Taking and recording daily incubator temperatures Weighing/mixing compost vessels, write descriptions of each vessel, and if need be adjust moisture content Help in starting a trial by mixing the compost feedstock, taking moisture content, pH, volatile solids, cutting up the sample, preparing the incubators, etc. Help in ending a trial by taking pH, moisture content, volatile solids, sieving and cleaning product, etc. To perform laboratory work, routine analyses and procedures in accordance with test methods described in standard specifications ASTMD6400 or ASTM D6868 To read, understand and comply with the contents of the WIST Compostability Testing Laboratory Quality Management System

Qualifications: Natural Resources or Paper Science & Chemical Engineering Major. Ability to work and learn independently and with team members. Ability to perform repetitive tasks accurately and regularly during the work week. Must be detailed orientated. Occasional weekend work may be required. The person in this position will perform pH, volatile solids, moisture content, and general lab safety procedures. Knowledge of these procedures is a bonus, but we are willing to teach these. Knowledge and efficient use of Microsoft Office and Adobe Reader are a must. This position requires actively monitoring and obtaining data for analysis and maintaining equipment as necessary. Maintain a GPA of at least 3.0. Minimum Wage: $12.25/hour, depending on experience Applicants will be interviewed as they are received and may start as early as August 31st if available, but hopefully no later than September 14th. This can be discussed with WIST staff. This is for the fall of 2026 with potential to continue into the Spring of 2027 and beyond, depending on performance and availability. Work study is not available in the fall.

Key Job Responsibilities:

Special Notes: Through the discovery and dissemination of knowledge, UW-Stevens Point stimulates intellectual growth, provides a liberal education, and prepares students for a diverse sustainable world. The university is committed to creating a safe, inclusive learning community for all faculty and staff from a variety of backgrounds. Visit https://www.uwsp.edu/join-uw-stevens-point/ for more information about UW-Stevens Point. To learn about the Stevens Point (aka Point) area fun, jobs, housing, education, quality of life, and bragging rights, visit www.stevenspointarea.com. Individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process should contact Human Resources and Affirmative Action at 715-346-2606 or [e-mail]. The safety and success of students, faculty, and staff at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point is paramount. The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act requires the distribution of an annual security report to all current and prospective students, faculty, and staff. You may obtain the complete report at https://www3.uwsp.edu/protsv/Pages/Clery.aspx The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except the identity of the successful candidate will be released. See Wis. Stat. sec. 19.36(7). An offer of employment will require a criminal background check and authorization to work within the United States as required by the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986. UW is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other bases protected by applicable federal or State law and UW System policies. We are committed to building a workforce that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills, and encourage all qualified individuals to apply. The Universities of Wisconsin serve approximately 161,000 students. Awarding nearly 37,000 degrees annually, the Universities of Wisconsin is Wisconsin’s talent pipeline, putting graduates in position to increase their earning power, contribute to their communities, and make Wisconsin a better place to live. Nearly 90 percent of in-state Universities of Wisconsin graduates stay in Wisconsin five years after earning a degree – with a median salary of more than $66,000. The Universities of Wisconsin provides a 23:1 return on state investment. The Universities of Wisconsin also contribute to the richness of Wisconsin’s culture and economy with groundbreaking research, new companies and patents, and boundless creative intellectual energy. The Universities of Wisconsin and its employees are purpose-driven, people-focused, and committed to stewardship.