Laboratory Analyst

ALS Group USA, Corp; Kelso (WA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 73,000; Full time

Job summary

ALS is a global leader in scientific testing and data-driven insights. The General Chemistry (Wet Chemistry) Analyst performs routine to moderately complex wet chemistry analyses in a high-throughput environmental lab, following EPA, Standard Methods, and client protocols to ensure accurate, defensible data for environmental compliance and monitoring programs.

The role requires hands-on experience with titrations, gravimetric analyses, colorimetric procedures, and bench-scale sample preparation,

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry or related discipline.
• 1–3 years hands-on wet chemistry in an environmental lab.
• Experience with EPA or Standard Method wet chemistry procedures.

Responsibilities

• Perform wet chemistry analyses following EPA/Standard Methods and client protocols.
• Utilize titration, gravimetric, colorimetric, spectrophotometric techniques.
• Maintain and operate lab instruments (UV-Vis, balances, pH meters, autotitrators).
• Prepare reagents, standards, calibration solutions, and perform routine QA/QC.

Skills

wet chemistry knowledge

titrations

colorimetric analyses

gravimetric techniques

data integrity

SOP adherence

LIMS proficiency

team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry or related sciences

1–3 years wet chemistry experience in environmental lab

EPA/Standard Method procedure experience

Tools

UV-Vis spectrophotometers

discrete analyzers

balances

ovens and furnaces

pH meters

autotitrators

LIMS

Job description

At ALS, we encourage you to dream big. When you join us, you’ll be part of a global team harnessing the power of scientific testing and data-driven insights to build a healthier future. Imagine your future with us! At ALS, we encourage you to dream big. When you join ALS, you become part of a purpose‑ and values‑driven organization that empowers innovation, collaboration, and professional growth. Our global team brings passion and commitment every day—continually challenging conventional thinking to solve some of the world’s most complex problems and contribute to a safer, healthier world.

Position Summary

The General Chemistry (Wet Chemistry) Analyst is responsible for performing routine to moderately complex wet chemistry analyses in a high‑throughput environmental laboratory. This role requires hands‑on experience with classical and instrumental wet chemistry techniques, including titrations, gravimetric analyses, colorimetric procedures, and bench‑scale sample preparation across multiple EPA, Standard Methods (SM), and client‑specific protocols. The Analyst is expected to execute analytical work efficiently while maintaining strict adherence to quality systems, regulatory requirements, and laboratory safety protocols. This position plays a key role in ensuring accurate, defensible data to support environmental compliance, permitting, and monitoring programs.

Primary Responsibilities

Analytical & Instrumental Responsibilities

• Perform wet chemistry analyses using EPA, Standard Methods, and client‑specific procedures, including but not limited to alkalinity, hardness, nutrients, solids, demand parameters, and select inorganic determinations.
• Execute analytical techniques such as titration, gravimetric analysis, colorimetry, spectrophotometry, and bench‑scale digestion or extraction.
• Operate and maintain laboratory instrumentation including UV‑Vis spectrophotometers, discrete analyzers, balances, ovens, furnaces, pH meters, and autotitrators.
• Prepare reagents, standards, and calibration solutions in accordance with SOP and method requirements.
• Perform routine instrument checks, calibrations, and maintenance as required.

Production & Sample Management

• Manage assigned sample workloads to meet strict turnaround times in a deadline‑driven production environment.
• Accurately track holding times, and follow established chain‑of‑custody and sample handling procedures.
• Perform analytical batches efficiently while maintaining data quality and regulatory compliance.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and inspection‑ready laboratory workspace.

Quality Assurance & Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure compliance with EPA, Standard Methods, state regulations, client requirements, and accreditation standards (TNI/NELAC).
• Perform and evaluate method‑required QA/QC including blanks, LCS, duplicates, matrix spikes, and calibration verifications.
• Identify out‑of‑control conditions and notify Laboratory Operations or QA for corrective action.
• Maintain complete, accurate, and defensible raw data, calculations, and bench sheets.
• Adhere to SOPs, safety protocols, and data integrity requirements at all times.

Method Support & Continuous Improvement

• Support implementation of new methods under supervision of senior staff.
• Assist with method validation, verification, and performance studies as directed.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives related to efficiency, quality, and safety.
• Provide input on SOP updates, reagent optimization, and workflow improvements.

Collaboration & Communication

• Communicate workload status, analytical issues, and potential turnaround risks to supervisors and laboratory operations staff.
• Document analytical challenges, deviations, and resolutions clearly and concisely.
• Work collaboratively in a team‑oriented, safety‑focused, and quality‑driven laboratory environment.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Working knowledge of wet chemistry principles and laboratory best practices.
• Experience with titrations, colorimetric analyses, gravimetric techniques, and quantitative calculations.
• Familiarity with EPA and Standard Methods commonly used in environmental general chemistry (e.g., nutrients, alkalinity, hardness, TSS/TDS, COD/BOD).
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to data accuracy and integrity.
• Ability to follow detailed SOPs and regulatory requirements.
• Strong organizational and time‑management skills in a production setting.
• Proficiency with laboratory information management systems (LIMS) and electronic recordkeeping.

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry or a related scientific discipline.
• Minimum of one (1) to three (3) years of hands‑on experience performing wet chemistry analyses in an environmental laboratory.
• Demonstrated experience with at least one EPA or Standard Method wet chemistry procedure in a regulated setting.

Preferred Experience and Knowledge

• Experience performing multiple general chemistry parameters in a high‑throughput environmental laboratory.
• Familiarity with nutrient analysis, demand parameters, and solids determinations.
• Experience working under TNI/NELAC and/or DoD compliance requirements.
• Exposure to method validation, verification, or audit support activities.

Physical Demands

• Ability to stand or sit for extended periods during an 8‑hour workday.
• Manual dexterity required for sample preparation, titrations, and reagent handling.
• Ability to lift and handle laboratory glassware, reagents, and sample containers.
• Ability to read and interpret bench sheets, calculations, and analytical reports.
• Ability to communicate clearly with peers and management.
• Working at ALS

Eligibility

To be eligible to work at ALS you must be a Citizen or Permanent Resident of the country you are applying for, or either hold or be able to obtain, a valid working visa.

Working at ALS

Our people are our greatest asset and the foundation of our success. ALS is a diverse, inclusive community of professionals united by a shared purpose to make a meaningful difference. We recognize and reward excellence, invest in continuous learning, and provide career development opportunities across our global organization. At ALS, you will find a supportive environment that values safety, flexibility, and professional fulfillment—allowing you to build a rewarding career while making a positive impact on our people, our planet, and our communities.

Everyone matters ALS is proud to be an equal opportunity employer committed to achieving and maintaining a workforce which reflects and affirms the diversity of our society ALS is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor. EOE AA Minority, Female, Veteran, Individuals with Disabilities

Qualified candidates will be considered without regard to race, colour, religion, national origin, military or veteran status, gender, age, disabilities, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy and pregnancy‑related conditions, genetic information and any other characteristics protected by the law. We invite resumes from all interested parties, including women, members of minority groups, and persons living with disabilities. ALS also welcomes applications from people with all levels of ability. Reasonable adjustments to support candidates throughout the recruitment process are available upon request.

About ALS

ALS is a global leader in scientific testing, delivering comprehensive analytical solutions across more than 60 countries. Serving industries including environmental, food and beverage, mining, pharmaceutical, healthcare, personal care, and equipment reliability, ALS combines state‑of‑the‑art technologies with local expertise. Our teams transform data into actionable insights—supporting safer, healthier, and more sustainable outcomes worldwide.