Laboratory Technician

Actalent; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 28,000 - 37,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan

Life Insurance

PTO / Vacation

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Lab Technician in Houston, TX to perform QC and wet chemistry analyses, PCB testing, and ensure safety and Waste Analysis Plan compliance. You will manage QC/QA documentation, log data in CORE, and support treatability studies.

The role requires 2+ years in a lab, 40-hour HAZWOPER training, and ability to lift up to 20 lbs. This full-time on-site position offers a contract-to-hire path with a pay range of $20.00–$27.00 per hour.

Qualifications

• At least 2 years of prior experience working in a laboratory environment.
• At least 3 years of experience as a Lab QC Technician.
• 40-hour HAZWOPER training.
• Experience with basic laboratory techniques and calculations, including wet chemistry and titration.
• Strong knowledge of chemical compatibilities to ensure safe handling and consolidation of materials.
• Proficiency with Windows-based computer programs.
• Ability to log and manage data in software systems such as waste management or laboratory information systems (e.g., CORE).
• Ability to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability and willingness to wear PPE as needed.
• Ability to lift up to 20 pounds unassisted.
• Ability to sit, stand, or walk for long periods.
• Ability to work overtime hours as needed based on business needs.

Responsibilities

• Perform wet chemistry tests on QC samples, including titrations.
• Conduct PCB analysis on QC samples per established methods.
• Maintain compliance with Waste Analysis Plan (WAP).
• Prepare, review, and submit QC/QA documents promptly.
• File QC/QA documents electronically for easy access.
• Compare results to Waste Profile Sheets to confirm accuracy.
• Process and consolidate waste samples following safety rules.
• Package samples for off-site laboratory testing.
• Log results into CORE and maintain logs and QC paperwork.
• Support treatability studies with lab tests and data.
• Monitor safety compliance and PPE usage.
• Initiate work orders for equipment repair.
• Report off-spec materials and test results to management.
• Conduct toolbox talks and area inspections for safety.
• Collaborate with Lab QC team to meet daily goals.
• Report incidents or safety concerns promptly.

Skills

Wet chemistry

PCB analysis

QC/QA testing

HAZWOPER training

Data logging

Safety compliance

PPE use

English communication

Laboratory software

Basic calculations

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate's or Bachelor's in Chemistry or Environmental Sciences

Tools

CORE waste management software

Laboratory Information Systems

Waste management software

Job description

Job Description

The Lab Technician performs a wide range of quality control and analytical testing on inbound and outbound materials, with a strong focus on wet chemistry and PCB analysis. This role supports safe and compliant waste management operations by maintaining adherence to the Waste Analysis Plan, completing and managing QC/QA documentation, and assisting with treatability studies. The Lab Technician works closely with operations and laboratory quality control teams to ensure accurate test results, proper sample handling, and timely communication of off-specification materials.

Job Title: Lab Technician

Responsibilities

• Perform wet chemistry tests on inbound and outbound load quality control (QC) samples, including titrations and related analyses.
• Conduct PCB analysis on QC samples in accordance with established methods and procedures.
• Maintain compliance with and adhere to the Waste Analysis Plan (WAP) for all testing and documentation activities.
• Complete, review, and submit QC/QA documents to Operations in a timely and accurate manner.
• File completed QC/QA documents electronically, ensuring records are organized and easily accessible.
• Compare QC/QA test results to Waste Profile Sheets to confirm that results match the approved profile and identify discrepancies.
• Process and consolidate waste samples into larger containers in accordance with safety and compatibility requirements.
• Package samples for shipment to off-site laboratories for additional testing, following all applicable regulations and procedures.
• Log test results accurately into CORE waste management software and maintain production logs and QC paperwork.
• Assist with treatability studies by performing laboratory tests and providing data to support process evaluations.
• Monitor adherence to safety regulations and proper use of laboratory equipment, reporting issues as needed.
• Initiate work orders for repair or maintenance of laboratory equipment when malfunctions or issues are identified.
• Communicate off-specification materials and test results promptly to management and relevant stakeholders.
• Conduct toolbox talks and area inspections to support a strong safety culture and regulatory compliance.
• Collaborate and communicate with the Lab QC team to accomplish daily goals and prioritize workload.
• Promptly report any incidents, injuries, or safety concerns to management.
• Follow and uphold all safety and security policies and procedures, including Cardinal Rules and Job Safety Analyses (JSAs).
• Perform other reasonably related duties as assigned by management to support laboratory and site operations.
• Adapt responsibilities as needed based on site level and location requirements.

Essential Skills

• At least 2 years of prior experience working in a laboratory environment.
• At least 3 years of experience as a Lab QC Technician.
• 40-hour HAZWOPER training.
• Experience with basic laboratory techniques and calculations, including wet chemistry and titration.
• Strong knowledge of chemical compatibilities to ensure safe handling and consolidation of materials.
• Proficiency with Windows-based computer programs.
• Ability to log and manage data in software systems such as waste management or laboratory information systems (e.g., CORE).
• Ability to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability and willingness to wear personal protective equipment (PPE), including safety glasses, hard hat, steel-toed boots, gloves, Tyvek coveralls, and respirator, as needed.
• Ability to regularly access and use general office equipment such as phones, computers, and copiers.
• Ability to lift up to 20 pounds unassisted on an occasional basis.
• Ability to sit, stand, or walk for long periods of time as required by daily tasks.
• Ability to work overtime hours as needed based on business needs.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or an Environmental Sciences field preferred.
• Knowledge of gas chromatography and/or ICP-OES is highly beneficial.
• Experience monitoring safety regulations and ensuring proper use of laboratory equipment.
• Experience initiating work orders for equipment repairs and maintenance.
• Strong attention to detail in completing and reviewing QC/QA documents and production logs.
• Ability to work effectively in a busy environment and manage multiple tasks while maintaining accuracy.
• Strong organizational skills for maintaining electronic filing systems and documentation.

Work Environment

This is a full-time, on-site role with a typical schedule of Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Work takes place indoors in a generally climate-controlled laboratory environment with air conditioning. The Lab Technician works closely with a lab manager and one other lab technician in a busy, often distracting setting that requires sustained focus and attention to detail. The role involves regular use of computers, phones, and other standard office equipment, as well as laboratory instruments and waste management software. The position requires the ability to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods and to lift up to 20 pounds occasionally. Personal protective equipment (PPE), such as safety glasses, hard hat, steel-toed boots, gloves, Tyvek coveralls, and respirator, is provided and must be worn as needed to ensure a safe working environment.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Houston, TX.

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $27.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave) Workplace Type This is a fully onsite position in Houston,TX. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Oct 5, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [e-mail] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.