Lab Technician I – Sample Prep & XRD

Stratum Reservoir; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Stratum Reservoir in Houston, TX is seeking a Lab Technician I – Sample Prep & XRD to assist, clean, prepare, and process geological, core, and rock samples. Follow SOPs to set up and run tests under the Lab Manager and update work orders in the internal software.

Must be flexible to work in other lab areas as needed. Responsibilities include receiving and organizing samples, sub-sampling, crushing, weighing, and operating XRD equipment in accordance with SOPs, while maintaining a clean, safe

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Some college coursework preferred.
• Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos in English.
• Ability to operate a computer and familiarity with Microsoft software.

Responsibilities

• Receive and check in samples and organize them by priority level.
• Read and understand protocol requests for analyses; create Excel sample lists with sample identities, relevant information, and simplified instructions for analyses to be performed.
• Sub-sample material via trim saw for requested analyses. Solvent clean material in accordance with SOP. Process material to pass to labs for analyses.
• As the job sheet specifies, take currently due samples and prep them for crushing and sorting into individual sample vials.
• Crush rock material to fine powder; weigh out material for different stages of preparation.
• Operate preparation methods and equipment as indicated by SOP in preparation of bulk XRD analysis and clay XRD analysis.
• Operate XRD equipment as indicated by SOP to run bulk and clay XRD analyses, then to XRD Analyst for interpretation and reporting.
• Maintain lab, work area, and equipment in good working order; keep supplies sufficient and available.
• Keep work area clean and organized to minimize contamination of samples.
• Store jobs in inventoried boxes for storage and future use.

Skills

Material handling

Communication skills

English literacy

Follow instructions

Computer literacy

Independent work

Attention to detail

Multi-tasking

Education

High School Diploma

Some college coursework

Job description

The Lab Technician I – Sample Prep & XRD will work individually and in a team environment while being responsible for assisting, cleaning, preparing, and processing geological, core, and rock samples. This role follows task-specific Standard Operating Procedures to set up and run tests in order to perform required laboratory tests under the direction of the Lab Manager, and updates work orders within the internal company software to communicate the status of samples throughout the various processing stages. Must be flexible to work in other areas of the lab when needed.

QHSSE

Required to follow all QHSSE andCompliance policies and procedures and complete training by using all systems as defined by Stratum. You are responsible for creating opportunities for improvement, report and investigate incidents, non-conformities, and operative issues. Employees must submit STAR cards and report any risks identified on the job. Participation in meetings and general activities created to help in prevent risks is required. The employee is responsible to stop the job and assess whether the conditions are safe to continue work. If applicable, must be responsible for completing all required QHSSE and Compliance reporting.

• Duties and Responsibilities:
• Know and understand Stratum’s Enterprise Excellence Program and the Quality Policy, and comply with all requirements of the Quality Systems Manual, Operating and Technical Procedures, and Workplace Instructions.
• Receive and check in samples from inventory or other laboratories and organize them by priority level.
• Read and understand protocol requests for analyses; create Excel sample lists with sample identities, relevant information, and simplified instructions for analyses to be performed.
• Sub-sample material via trim saw for requested analyses. Solvent clean material in accordance with SOP. Process material to pass to labs for analyses.
• As the job sheet specifies, take currently due samples and prep them for crushing and sorting into individual sample vials.
• Crush rock material to fine powder; use scale to weigh out material for different stages of preparation.
• Operate preparation methods and equipment as indicated by specific SOP in preparation of bulk XRD analysis and clay XRD analysis.
• Operate XRD equipment as indicated by specific SOP to run bulk and clay XRD analyses, which then go to the XRD Analyst for interpretation and reporting.
• Ensure required supplies are sufficient, maintained, ordered, and available to keep the workflow going without interruption.
• Maintain lab, work area, and equipment in good working order — including changing vacuum pump oil, maintaining heating tips on sonicators, maintaining micronizing mills and the Spray Dry Oven, and cleaning and maintaining glassware.
• Ensure the work area is always clean and well organized to minimize contamination of samples.
• Responsible for storing jobs in inventoried boxes for storage and future use if needed.
• Wear appropriate PPE.
• Ensure work assignments are carried out to the highest quality level.
• Perform various other duties, projects, and activities as assigned by supervisor or manager within the physical constraints of the job.

Skills and Knowledge

• Ability to operate material handling equipment.
• Ability to communicate well both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos in English.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to operate a computer and familiarity with Microsoft software.
• Ability to work well individually and closely with fellow employees.
• Excellent attention to detail, organizational, and follow-up skills.

Preferred:

• Ability to multi-task.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or equivalent.

Preferred:

• Some college coursework.

Any Special Requirements:

• The physical ability to immediately respond to emergency situations.
• Ability to lift and carry heavy objects.
• Very good with handling small samples and slides.