Lab Tech

VLS Environmental Solutions, LLC; New Braunfels (TX); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental coverage

Vision insurance

401(k)

Job summary

VLS Environmental Solutions, LLC seeks a Laboratory Technician to support facility operations by performing analytical testing on processed materials and outbound waste streams to verify material characteristics and meet customer specifications.

You will collaborate with Operations, QA/QC, and Site Leadership, maintain lab records, calibrate equipment, and ensure compliance with EPA, OSHA, DOT and environmental regulations while upholding safety and quality.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; associate's or bachelor's preferred in chemistry or related science.
• 1–3 years laboratory/environmental/chemical processing or waste management experience preferred.
• Experience performing laboratory analysis on industrial, environmental, or waste materials preferred.
• Working knowledge of analytical techniques and lab instrumentation; quality control procedures.
• Experience operating and calibrating lab equipment (pH meters, balances, GC, GC/MS, ICP, calorimeters, microcoulometers).
• Ability to prepare samples, document results, and maintain testing records.
• Strong analytical, organizational and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.
• Able to follow SOPs and testing protocols; proficient in MS Office and lab data systems.
• Excellent verbal and written communication; ability to convey technical information to Operations and QA.

Responsibilities

• Perform laboratory analyses on processed materials, treatment batches, and outbound waste streams to verify characteristics and customer specifications.
• Provide analytical data to verify blend quality and compliance with specs.
• Prepare samples and perform routine testing per procedures and quality standards.
• Record and maintain laboratory results in databases/LIMS; calibrate and maintain equipment.
• Communicate results and trends to Operations and Site Leadership to support decisions.
• Assist with evaluating treatment performance and blend adjustments via lab analysis.
• Generate laboratory reports and manage inventory and housekeeping in the lab.

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate's or Bachelor's in Chemistry, Environmental Science, Biology

Strong analytical, organizational and problem-solving skills

Proficient in Microsoft Office and lab data systems

Excellent verbal and written communication

Tools

pH meters

GC/GC/MS

ICP instruments

Calorimeters

GC/GC-MS

Job description

About VLS

VLS Environmental Solutions, LLC is a recognized leader in providing sustainability solutions, with three divisions offering industry‑leading services. With a mission to innovate solutions to meet clients’ sustainability goals, VLS has over 1,200 employees in 40+ locations across North America.

Waste Services

VLS Waste Services provides customized waste processing solutions for hazardous and non‑hazardous industrial and commercial waste, including landfill diversion, sustainability programs, solidification of liquid waste, recycling, wastewater treatment, and waste sequestration.

Railcar Services

VLS Railcar Cleaning and Repair Services division offers specialty cleaning for difficult‑to‑clean products—such as chemicals, hardened materials, and pressurized gases—as well as comprehensive repair services for certified full‑service repairs, tank car qualifications, and maintenance.

Marine Services

VLS Marine Services division provides state‑of‑the‑art barge cleaning, repair, and gas‑free facilities for various chemical solvents and downstream petroleum products.

Job Summary

Essentially, the Laboratory Technician supports facility operations by performing analytical testing on processed materials and outbound waste streams to verify material characteristics, blend quality, and customer specifications.

Role Summary

Working closely with Operations, QA/QC, and Site Leadership, this position provides accurate laboratory data to support production, optimize treatment processes, and ensure outbound materials meet regulatory, operational, and customer requirements. The Laboratory Technician is responsible for sample preparation, analytical testing, equipment calibration, quality control, and maintaining accurate laboratory records.

Essential Responsibilities

• Perform laboratory analyses on processed materials, treatment batches, and outbound waste streams to verify material characteristics and customer specifications.
• Conduct analytical testing to support production and outbound shipments, including but not limited to:
  • pH
  • Bench‑scale treatment evaluations
  • Total Halogens
  • Flash Point
  • PCB analysis
  • Metals analysis
  • BS&W analysis
  • Solvent Scan
  • BTU analysis
• Provide analytical data used to verify outbound blend quality, treatment effectiveness, and compliance with customer and regulatory specifications.
• Prepare representative samples and perform routine laboratory testing in accordance with established procedures and quality standards.
• Accurately record, review, and maintain laboratory results within company databases and laboratory information systems.
• Perform routine calibration, verification, maintenance, and troubleshooting of laboratory equipment, including pH meters, balances, flash point testers, gas chromatographs (GC), GC/MS, ICP instruments, calorimeters, microcoulometers, and other analytical equipment.
• Perform laboratory quality control activities, including calibration checks, standards, blanks, duplicates, and proficiency testing to ensure analytical accuracy and data integrity.
• Communicate laboratory results and testing trends to Operations, QA/QC, and Site Leadership to support production decisions and process optimization.
• Assist Operations with evaluating treatment performance and blend adjustments through laboratory analysis.
• Generate laboratory reports and provide analytical results as requested.
• Maintain laboratory inventory, testing supplies, and chemical stock while ensuring proper storage and housekeeping.
• Maintain laboratory records in accordance with company procedures, regulatory requirements, and record retention policies.
• Ensure laboratory equipment remains in proper working condition by identifying maintenance needs and coordinating repairs when necessary.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe laboratory environment.
• Comply with all company safety policies and applicable EPA, OSHA, DOT, RCRA, and environmental regulations.
• Properly use required personal protective equipment (PPE) and safely handle laboratory chemicals and hazardous materials.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives to enhance laboratory efficiency, testing accuracy, and operational performance.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications & Requirements

• High school diploma or GED required; Associate's degree or Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Environmental Science, Biology, or a related scientific discipline preferred.
• One (1) to three (3) years of laboratory, environmental, industrial, chemical processing, or waste management experience preferred.
• Experience performing laboratory analysis on industrial, environmental, or waste materials preferred.
• Working knowledge of analytical laboratory techniques, laboratory instrumentation, and quality control procedures.
• Experience operating and calibrating laboratory equipment such as pH meters, balances, flash point testers, GC, GC/MS, ICP, calorimeters, microcoulometers, and related analytical instruments preferred.
• Ability to accurately prepare samples, document laboratory results, and maintain testing records.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem‑solving skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Ability to read, understand, and follow laboratory methods, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and testing protocols.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications and computerized laboratory data management systems.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to effectively communicate technical information to Operations, QA/QC, and Site Leadership.
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE), including respirators when required, and safely work around hazardous materials.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout the workday.
• Ability to use hands and fingers for laboratory testing, sample preparation, and equipment operation.
• Ability to bend, reach, stoop, and occasionally climb while performing laboratory duties.
• Frequently lift up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to work in laboratory and industrial environments with exposure to chemicals, noise, dust, and varying temperatures.
• Ability to safely wear all required personal protective equipment (PPE) and comply with facility safety requirements.

What's in it for you!

Physical and Mental Wellbeing: VLS is committed to supporting employees’ physical and mental health by providing medical, dental and vision insurance (including concierge service), flexible spending accounts (FSA) and healthcare saving accounts (HSA), 11 company‑paid holidays, an employee assistance program, and telemedicine.

Financial and Retirement Planning: 401(k) with generous matching program, life and disability insurance, voluntary life protection plans, rewards and recognition programs, financial planning, free One‑on‑One financial planning with a certified Financial Planner/Coach, and an employee discount program.