Lab & Ash Technician

East Energy Renewables; Wilson (NC); On-site; USD 36,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

East Energy Renewables seeks an experienced Lab & Ash Technician to support quality and testing of fuel samples, moisture, and HHV (btu/lb). The role includes field sampling, ash moisture checks, and coordination with the CRO and Plant Manager.

The position requires a high school diploma and 2+ years in solid fuel testing, with travel between East Energy sites (<10%). Proficiency in MS Excel and data entry is essential, along with a strong safety mindset and teamwork.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Two+ years of solid fuel sampling and analyzing experience, preferably in power generation.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel between East Energy locations (<10%).
• Ability to perform routine data entry and basic mathematical calculations.
• Effective communication and accurate record keeping in a corporate data system (MS Excel, Ignition and/or Fixx).
• Willingness to operate in a team, adapt to additional responsibilities, and work with limited supervision.
• Ability to multitask and respond to assistance requests during non-normal hours.

Responsibilities

• Obtain fuel samples in the field and perform moisture and HHV testing at the plant laboratory.
• Obtain fuel or ash samples, wastewater, storm water, and follow all company policies to ensure product integrity and quality control.
• Perform multiple daily ash moisture tests (verified by weight) and report findings to CRO.
• Prepare samples to ship to Lab for analysis if needed.
• Analyze retrieved data, archive documents and communicate results to management.
• May assist in other areas or with special projects as directed.

Skills

Solid fuel sampling

Data entry

Communication

Teamwork

Multitasking

PPE compliance

Willingness to travel

Education

High school diploma

Tools

MS Excel

Ignition

Fixx

Job description

Lab & Ash Technician

This is an experienced work position consisting of a range of clerical and operational duties. The Lab & Ash Technician is responsible for gathering and testing Fuel samples for moisture and higher heating value (btu/lb.). In addition, the Lab & Ash Technician will be responsible for daily monitoring of plant ash discharge for proper moisture content (verified by weight), and for notification of findings to the on‑duty Control Room Operator. This position will primarily report to the Plant Manager of the associated facility with secondary reporting requirements to the company Laboratory Supervisor.

KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS REQUIRED

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Two+ years of experience in solid fuel sampling and analyzing or in waste/process water/storm water sampling and analyzing. Ideally in the power generation industry.
• Ability to occasionally travel between the four East Energy locations (<10%). This position will be based at the East Energy LaGrange facility. Must have dependable transportation and maintain a valid driver license with safe driving record.
• Ability to perform routine data entry and basic mathematical calculations.
• Ability to communicate effectively and maintain accurate and legible records and archive documents and data into a company data management system (MS Excel, Ignition and/or ‘Fixx’).
• Ability to adhere to Company policies and procedures and to quickly develop proficiency in the care and use of all plant specific, facility required PPE (Personal Protection Equipment) to potentially include respirators.
• Must demonstrate ability to work in a team environment and willingness to assume additional or new responsibilities.
• Must be able to multitask readily without direct supervisor input.
• Must be willing to accept and respond to assistance requests from either plant during non‑normal working hours.
• Additional task as directed by the Plant Manager.

MAIN ACTIVITIES

• Obtain fuel samples in the field and perform Moisture and HHV testing at the associated plant laboratory.
• Obtain fuel or ash samples, waste/process water, storm water, and follow all company policies and procedures to ensure product integrity and quality control.
• Perform multiple daily ash moisture tests (verified by weight) and report findings to CRO.
• Prepare samples to ship to Lab for analysis if needed.
• Analyze retrieved data, archive documents and communicate results to management.
• SPECIFIC ACTIVITIES (INTERMITTENT, ON AN OCCASIONAL BASIS, ETC.) May assist in other areas or with special projects as directed.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND DEMANDS

Work Environment

Spends 50% of the time outdoors or in a plant environment. This may include extreme temperatures of hot and cold. Travel between three plants as needed (10%).

Possible Work Hazards

May be exposed to possible operations hazards including fumes, airborne particles, and noise, rotating machinery, high pressure, hot and cold temperatures, slippery surfaces, water and electrical hazards. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) may be required while performing duties in the laboratory.

Physical Demands

Amount of time spent – Standing 50%, Sitting 10%, Walking 40%. Requires close visual and hearing observation. Constantly uses hands to finger, handle or feel and frequently reaches with hands and arms. Must be able to lift and carry 40. Occasional stooping, bending or kneeling, crouching, crawling, climbing, balancing and entering confined spaces. Close, distance, color and peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus are special requirements.