Oil Lab Technician

Western States Equipment Company; Meridian (ID); On-site; USD 25,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Western States Equipment Company is seeking a dedicated lab technician to support daily testing and oil analysis in Meridian, Idaho. You will organize samples, perform ICP, GC and other tests, and ensure timely reporting to customers and teams. Safety and accuracy are central to this role.

As a safety-sensitive position, you will maintain equipment, follow procedures, and collaborate with team members to uphold our standards. Strong English communication and basic lab skills are required.

Qualifications

• Proven ability to use computer systems and Microsoft Office.
• Familiarity with lab testing equipment and standard lab procedures.
• Ability to interpret test results and communicate findings.
• Understanding of heavy equipment components and oil/lab testing.
• Strong analytical and technical aptitude for lab analysis.
• Must multitask effectively in a fast-paced lab setting.
• Ability to develop and maintain positive working relationships with others.

Responsibilities

• Organizes and prepares samples for daily testing, ensuring processing within 24 hours.
• Performs a range of lab tests (ICP, GC, IR, viscosity, etc.) on oil samples.
• Maintains clean, calibrated lab equipment and workspaces.
• Rounds to test and document coolant, fuel, water, and related parameters.
• Communicates results to customers and internal departments within 24 hours.
• Prepares equipment for next day’s samples and troubleshoots as needed.
• Adheres to all safety policies and procedures and supports company initiatives.

Skills

Computer literacy

Lab equipment knowledge

Sample interpretation knowledge

Heavy equipment knowledge

Analytical thinking

Multitasking

Communication in English

Education

High school diploma or GED

1 year lab experience (preferred)

Tools

Lab test equipment (ICP, GC)

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

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.