Lab Tech- Jackson, MS

Cherokee Brick; Jackson (MS); On-site; USD 36,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Cherokee Brick & Tile Company is seeking a Lab Technician to test and analyze sand, clay, and other raw materials used in brick manufacturing to ensure quality standards. Duties include sampling, running tests, operating scales, mixers, and forklifts, and recording results while maintaining equipment and safety procedures.

The role requires attention to detail, safe operation of equipment, and adherence to company safety guidelines, with opportunities to support production and quality

Qualifications

• Experience preferred in manufacturing, laboratory, or related fields.
• Ability to read, write, and understand instructions, safety procedures, and production documentation.
• Basic mechanical aptitude and ability to operate equipment safely after appropriate training.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Effective communication skills.
• Attention to safety, quality standards, and accurate recordkeeping.

Responsibilities

• Collect samples of sand, clay, and other raw materials at designated intervals.
• Perform sieve analysis, moisture testing, density measurements, and other tests.
• Operate scales and weighing equipment to measure materials and samples.
• Operate mixers to prepare and blend materials for testing or production.
• Safely operate a forklift to move materials when trained.
• Record test results and maintain quality control logs.
• Monitor material quality and communicate findings to production.
• Assist with troubleshooting, process adjustments, and quality improvements.
• Calibrate, inspect, and maintain laboratory equipment.
• Handle, label, and store chemicals, samples, and testing supplies.
• Maintain clean, organized work areas and follow safety procedures.

Skills

Attention to safety

Quality control

Recordkeeping

Teamwork

Effective communication

Reading and writing instructions

Basic mechanical aptitude

Education

Manufacturing, laboratory experience preferred

Tools

Scales and weighing equipment

Forklift operation (trained)

Job description

Job Summary

The Lab Technician tests and analyzes sand, clay, and other raw materials used in brick manufacturing to ensure quality standards are met. Duties include collecting samples, performing tests, operating scales, mixers, and forklifts, recording results, maintaining equipment, identifying quality concerns, and supporting production. The position requires attention to detail, safe equipment operation, and compliance with company safety procedures.

Essential Job Functions

• Collect samples of sand, clay, and other raw materials at designated intervals.
• Perform sieve analysis, moisture testing, density measurements, and other physical or chemical tests.
• Operate scales and weighing equipment to accurately measure materials, samples, and mixtures.
• Operate mixers to prepare and blend materials for testing or production.
• Safely operate a forklift to move, transport, and stage materials, samples, and supplies when trained and authorized.
• Record test results, maintain quality control logs, and report deviations from specifications.
• Monitor material quality and communicate findings to production personnel.
• Assist with troubleshooting, process adjustments, and quality improvement efforts.
• Calibrate, inspect, and maintain laboratory equipment; report malfunctions.
• Properly handle, label, and store chemicals, samples, and testing supplies.
• Assist with production activities and coworkers as needed.
• Maintain clean, organized work areas and follow safety procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Frequent lifting, bending, stooping, squatting, twisting, reaching, and repetitive hand and arm movements.
• Ability to climb stairs and ladders as needed.
• May occasionally lift or assist with materials weighing 50–100 pounds.
• Ability to grip and manipulate tools, scales, testing equipment, and materials.
• Ability to work around moving machinery, forklifts, and conveyor systems.
• Ability to work in conditions involving heat, dust, noise, and other industrial manufacturing exposures.
• Ability to wear required PPE, including safety glasses, gloves, hearing protection, hard hats, steel-toe boots, and respirators when required.
• When respirator use is required, ability to meet applicable medical evaluation and fit-testing requirements and maintain a proper respirator seal, including being clean-shaven where the seal contacts the face.

Work Environment

Work is performed in an industrial brick manufacturing facility with potential exposure to dust, heat, noise, clay materials, production processes, and moving equipment. Required PPE must be worn in designated areas and as directed by company policy.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to read, write, and understand instructions, safety procedures, and production documentation.
• Basic mechanical aptitude and ability to operate equipment safely after appropriate training and authorization.
• Ability to assist with equipment maintenance as training and experience permit.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Effective communication skills.
• Attention to safety, quality standards, and accurate recordkeeping.

Education and Experience

Manufacturing, laboratory, or related experience preferred.

Schedule

• Day Shift: Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–4:00 PM.
• Weekends, holidays, and overtime may be required based on production needs.
• Start times may vary depending on department, assignment, or location.

Safety Requirements

• Follow company safety policies and procedures and complete required safety training.
• Wear required PPE in designated work areas.
• Meet applicable respirator medical evaluation and fit-testing requirements when respirator use is required.
• Maintain a clean-shaven face where necessary to ensure an effective respirator seal.
• Immediately report unsafe conditions, incidents, injuries, and equipment malfunctions.
• Participate in required safety meetings.

Essential Functions and Reasonable Accommodation

Cherokee Brick & Tile Company is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Employees must be able to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. Employees who require accommodation should notify Human Resources.

Disclaimer

This job description describes the general nature of the work performed and is not intended to be a complete list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the position. Duties and responsibilities may change as business needs require.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

Cherokee Brick & Tile Company is an equal opportunity employer. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.

***Drug and Alcohol Testing Requirement: Cherokee Brick & Tile Company & Affiliates is a drug-free workplace. The selected applicant for this position must successfully complete a post-offer drug and/or alcohol test as a condition of employment. Refusal to test or failure to comply with the testing process may result in withdrawal of a conditional offer of employment.***