Compostability Laboratory Technician

Universities of Wisconsin; Stevens Point (WI); On-site; USD 14,000 - 20,000; Part time

Job summary

The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point is seeking a Compostability Laboratory Technician to support the WIST Compostability Testing Laboratory. This student hourly position involves startup and ongoing testing, data collection, and collaboration with team members.

Duties include recording incubator temperatures, preparing and analyzing compost samples, measuring moisture content and pH, performing routine analyses per ASTM D6400 and D6868, and maintaining the laboratory quality system.

Qualifications

• Must be detailed oriented and able to perform repetitive tasks accurately.
• Ability to work independently and with team members.
• Maintain a GPA of at least 3.0.

Responsibilities

• Take and record daily incubator temperatures.
• Weigh and mix compost vessels and adjust moisture content.
• Prepare incubators, start a trial by mixing feedstock and taking moisture content, pH, and volatile solids.
• End a trial by measuring pH, moisture content, volatile solids, sieving and cleaning.
• Follow test methods described in ASTM D6400 or ASTM D6868.

Skills

Detail oriented

Teamwork

Independent learner

Education

Natural Resources

Paper Science

Chemical Engineering

Tools

Microsoft Office

Adobe Reader

Job description

Current Students: If you are currently employed or enrolled as a student at any of the Universities of Wisconsin, log in to Workday to apply through the internal application process. Workday Internal Jobs Site for Students

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 Affimativ 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.