Microbiology Lab Technician (2nd Shift)

SPL; Reading (Berks County); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental and vision coverage

401(k) with company match

Life insurance

Paid time off and holidays

Parental leave

Employee Assistance Program

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

SPL in Reading, PA is seeking a Laboratory Technician for its environmental microbiology team. You will support testing of drinking water, wastewater, and environmental samples, preparing media and reagents, and performing routine tests for key indicators.

You will gain hands-on experience with Colilert/Enterolert and Quanti-Tray while documenting results and ensuring quality. The role offers a 2nd shift schedule (Mon–Fri, 2 PM–10:30 PM EST) with training hours during first 90 days.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology, Biology, Environmental Science, Chemistry, or related field.
• Hands-on analytical laboratory experience with microbiological testing.
• Experience with Colilert/Enterolert/IDEXX Quanti-Tray is preferred.
• Proficiency with MS Office; LIMS experience a plus.

Responsibilities

• Prepare drinking water, wastewater, biosolids, and other environmental samples for microbiological testing.
• Perform tests for total coliform, fecal coliform, E. coli, enterococci, and indicators.
• Operate lab equipment like incubators and Quanti-Tray containers.
• Document results and maintain LIMS records.
• Follow SOPs, safety rules, and quality standards.

Skills

Laboratory experience

Microbiology knowledge

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor's degree in Microbiology

Environmental Science degree

Tools

Colilert

Enterolert

Quanti-Tray

Membrane filtration

Incubators

Autoclaves

Colony counters

Job description

Description

At SPL, the work you do matters. Our teams provide trusted energy and environmental testing and measurement solutions that protect communities, support critical infrastructure, and safeguard the environment. With a nationwide footprint and opportunities for growth across multiple locations and disciplines, SPL is a place where you can build a career while making a real-world impact.

We’re searching for a motivated Laboratory Technician to join our environmental laboratory team in Reading, PA.

In this role, you’ll support the microbiological analytical testing of drinking water, wastewater, biosolids, and other environmental samples. You’ll prepare samples, media, and reagents and perform routine testing for total coliform, fecal coliform, E. coli, and other microbiological indicators. You’ll gain hands‑on experience with testing methods, including Colilert, Enterolert, and Quanti-Tray enumeration, while supporting accurate documentation, quality control, laboratory safety, and regulatory compliance.

This is an excellent opportunity to develop practical laboratory expertise, learn from an experienced team, and build a career in environmental microbiology while contributing to reliable results that protect public health and the environment.

Please note: This position follows a 2nd shift schedule Monday - Friday from 2 PM - 10:30 PM EST with a monthly Sunday rotation.

What You’ll Do

• Prepare drinking water, wastewater, biosolids, and other environmental samples for microbiological testing
• Perform testing for total coliform, fecal coliform, E. coli, enterococci, and other microbiological indicators
• Use Colilert, Enterolert, IDEXX Quanti-Tray, membrane filtration, and other approved testing methods
• Prepare culture media, reagents, standards, controls, and other testing materials
• Operate and maintain Quanti-Tray sealers, incubators, autoclaves, colony counters, and other Lab equipment
• Complete equipment checks, calibrations, quality-control procedures, and routine maintenance
• Enter and review sample information, test results, and supporting documentation in LIMS
• Follow approved methods, SOPs, quality standards, safety procedures, and regulatory requirements
• Support proficiency testing, audits, quality investigations, corrective actions, and continuous‑improvement efforts
• Maintain supplies, inventory, and a clean and organized work area
• Perform other related duties as assigned

Requirements

What We're Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology, Biology, Environmental Science, Chemistry, or a related scientific discipline
• Previous hands‑on analytical laboratory experience, including microbiological testing and preparation of samples, media, reagents, and controls strongly preferred
• Relevant experience gained through employment, internships, research, or academic coursework will also be considered in lieu of professional experience
• Working knowledge of Colilert, Enterolert, IDEXX Quanti-Tray, membrane filtration, incubators, autoclaves, or colony counters preferred
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint
• Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) experience is a plus

What We Offer

• Competitive compensation
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k) with company match
• Employer-paid life, accidental death and dismemberment, and disability insurance
• Paid time off, sick leave, and paid holidays
• Paid parental leave
• Employee Assistance Program
• Tuition reimbursement and professional development support

Work Schedule

• Full‑time, onsite position
• 2nd shift schedule, Monday - Friday from 2 PM to 10:30 PM
• Must be able to temporarily work 8 AM– 4:30 PM EST for the first 90 days of training
• Flexibility to work additional hours and rotating weekends based on operational needs

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

At SPL, we believe that a diverse team is a strong team. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive environment where all employees can thrive. We make all employment decisions based on qualifications, merit, and business needs without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic. We are also committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities or sincerely held religious beliefs in accordance with applicable laws. If you need assistance or an accommodation during the application process, please let us know.

Visa Sponsorship

At this time, SPL is unable to offer visa sponsorship for this position. We sincerely appreciate your interest and understanding, and we encourage you to explore other opportunities with us that may be a fit in the future.