Oil Lab Technician

Western States Equipment; Meridian (ID); On-site; USD 38,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Western States Equipment is seeking a lab technician to prepare and test oil samples, perform a range of analytical tests, and ensure timely communication of results. The role emphasizes safety and adherence to quality standards within a collaborative environment.

Qualifications include a high school diploma or GED and at least 1 year of lab experience. Proficiency with MS Office and laboratory equipment is preferred, with strong attention to detail and reliability.

Qualifications

• Proficiency with common computer software and basic lab equipment.
• Experience with lab sample interpretation is preferred.
• Willingness to learn and adapt to testing procedures.

Responsibilities

• Organizes and prepares samples for daily testing.
• Performs metal (ICP), fuel and coolant (GC), water, viscosity, IR, particles test, and physical tests on oil samples.
• Maintains clean lab and performs routine equipment maintenance.
• Interprets results and communicates findings within 24 hours.
• Supports safety policies and team objectives.

Skills

Computer literacy

Lab equipment knowledge

Sample interpretation

Analytical thinking

English communication

Education

High school diploma or GED

1 year lab experience preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

About Western States

Since 1956, Western States Equipment Company has been a leading employer across Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Montana, and Wyoming. We are driven by our mission of solving our customers’ toughest challenges, guided by our core values of Safety, Excellence, Teamwork, Integrity, Accountability, and Innovation.

By joining Western States, you commit to upholding these values while contributing to our purpose of building our communities for a better tomorrow. Safety and our Customer Care Commitment remain foundational to our mission and the standard by which we measure our success.

Safety

• Actively cares, promotes, manages, and advocates for safety at Western States. As a team member in the organization, it is critical to ensure all employees, vendors, and clients have a safe work environment while adhering to all applicable safety policies, procedures and standards.
• Embraces our caring culture where we each care to adhere with applicable safety policies, PPE expectations and stop work authority.

Customer Care Commitments

• Convey Warmth and Empathy – Acknowledge customers and greet everyone with an authentic smile.
• Actively Listen – Give your full attention, make eye contact, avoid interrupting, and ask clarifying questions.
• Build Trust – Take ownership, act with urgency, and follow through on commitments.
• Say Thank you – Express genuine appreciation for effort, feedback, and collaboration.

Essential Functions

• Organizes and prepares samples for daily testing to insure samples are processed within 24 hours of receipt
• Performs metal (ICP), fuel and coolant (GC), water, viscosity, IR, particles test, physical tests on oil samples.
• Ensures oil lab equipment is clean and in good working condition.
• Performs maintenance on lab equipment as necessary
• Ensures lab is clean at all times.
• Performs coolant testing daily.
• Interprets sample results the same day as processes.
• Sends out oil sample results to customers and other departments within 24 hours.
• Prepares equipment each night for next day’s samples.
• Troubleshoots, maintains, repairs, calibrate machines to keep them clean and running properly.
• Adheres to all customer care standards.
• Actively cares and advocates safety at Western States. Adhere to all applicable safety policies, procedures and standards.
• May accomplish training and serve as a team member in support of Western States’ strategic programs, projects, and initiatives.
• Works within and promotes corporate vision, mission, and values of the organization.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge Skills And Abilities

• Working knowledge of computer and Microsoft Office.
• Working knowledge of lab test equipment preferred.
• Working knowledge of sample interpretation preferred.
• Knowledge of heavy equipment components.
• Working analytical and technical knowledge.
• Must be able to multi-task.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Consistent attendance.
• Must be able to communicate (speak, read, comprehend, write in English)

Education And Experience

• Proof of high school diploma or General Education Degree (GED).
• One year similar lab experience preferred.
• Must be able to communicate (speak, read, comprehend, write in English).

Physical Characteristics

• Some exposure to fumes.
• Must be able to handle repetitive motion.
• Must be able to stand for long periods of time along with walking, sitting, climbing stairs, reaching pushing, pulling, leaning and twisting.
• Must be able to meet all safety requirements for applicable safety policies.

Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. It is not intended be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of employees in this classification.

This role is designated as safety-sensitive.