R&D Laboratory Analyst

Orenco Systems; Sutherlin (OR); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Orenco Systems, Inc. seeks a technical professional to support R&D projects through sampling, testing, and data reporting for wastewater treatment prototypes. The role spans field and laboratory environments, requiring SOP adherence and ongoing learning.

You will collect field data, perform in-situ measurements, and maintain thorough documentation while ensuring safety and quality in a lab and test facility setting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a physical science or related field is required, with training or certifications in field servicing and lab techniques preferred.
• 3–5 years in a lab and/or field sampling role is desirable.
• Knowledge of wastewater analytical methods is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Support R&D projects by coordinating sampling schedules for prototypes.
• Execute analytical testing with quality control and timely turnaround.
• Collect and analyze samples from prototypes in field and lab settings.
• Document observations, maintain data in project folders, and communicate findings.
• Maintain field reports and ensure proper sampling, storage, and transport of influent/effluent.
• Assist in developing and validating lab and field testing procedures.

Skills

Laboratory operations

Field sampling

Analytical testing

SOPs and procedures

Data recording

Quality control

Education

Bachelor's degree in physical science

Tools

Laboratory equipment

Microsoft Office

Job description

Wish your job made a difference?

Our mission is protecting the world’s water. We work every day to support the sustainability of our most precious resource, so our people know what they’re doing matters.

Join our team and do work that matters. Visit www.orenco.com/jobs to learn more or check out the official job description (below).

Company Description

Orenco Systems, Inc. (subsidiary of Infiltrator Water Technologies) is a manufacturer of innovative onsite and decentralized wastewater collection and treatment technologies. Solutions include community collection systems, advanced secondary treatment systems, watertight fiberglass tanks, and in-tank pumping and filtration systems. Orenco also manufactures high-quality standard, custom, and OEM controls, along with state-of-the-art fiberglass buildings, tanks, and enclosures.

Infiltrator Water Technologies is a market leader within the onsite wastewater treatment industry, Infiltrator manufactures a variety of revolutionary products and innovative, environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional stone and pipe leachfield and concrete septic wastewater system components. We sell our products through wholesale distribution across the United States and Canada for use on properties with onsite wastewater treatment systems.

GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY

This is a technical level position that requires coordination, servicing, troubleshooting, sampling, testing, maintaining, and reporting on Orenco Research & Development (R&D) projects. The ideal candidate will be comfortable (1) working in both field and laboratory environments, (2) following and/or generating Standard Operating Procedures related to wastewater sample collection and analysis, and (3) engaging in life-long learning with regards to wastewater treatment systems, their development, and the characterization of their performance through sampling and analysis at various points of the system.

The primary responsibilities will be to support R&D projects through evaluation/testing periods by working with the Research Manager to establish sampling schedules for prototypes and by executing analytical testing within expected turnaround times while maintaining good quality control. Field work is expected to include collecting and analyzing samples from R&D prototypes, monitoring their operation in situ via field measurements, and maintaining and/or troubleshooting their operational state. Maintaining a safe work environment within the laboratory and test facilities where R&D prototypes are evaluated is critical. Interest and/or capability toward developing systems to streamline inventory supply accounting, data collection and reporting, and hazardous waste management is desirable.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS and KRA (Key Result Areas)

> Safety/Culture

• Continuously maintain Orenco Management’s safety, cultural, and professional standards.
• Promotes, encourages, and reinforces a positive safety culture, safe practices, and a safe work environment to all employees.
• Proactively seeks out and engages in relevant training opportunities on- or off-site
• Maintains a Laboratory Safety Manual to ensure all persons entering the lab understand relevant safety hazards and their mitigation, particularly related to proper personal protective equipment.

> Project Support and Field Activities

• Develop and/or interpret plans/drawings to configure prototypes for field sampling and evaluation.
• Work with R&D Team to develop inspection and sampling schedules for prototypes.
• Perform operational & maintenance inspections and collect in situ field data from prototypes.
• Carefully document all observations/measurements/actions and efficiently communicate findings.
• Maintain and archive all raw data, data summaries, related field/lab notes, observations, and/or issues in respective project folders.
• Work with R&D Team to adapt and/or improve prototypes during investigations and testing.
• Complete and maintain thorough Field Maintenance Reports as needed.
• Strictly follow proper procedures for sampling, storing, and transporting influent and effluent from all systems.
• Assist in the development, implementation, and validation of laboratory and field testing procedures to support evolving research projects/objectives.
• Analytical Support and Laboratory Activities
• Develop individual project plans with timelines, analytical requirements, and reporting protocols.
• Maintain laboratory inventory and anticipate consumable depletion rate to ensure smooth laboratory operations and execution. Coordinate hazardous waste removal as needed.
• Monitor and log daily laboratory parameters that ensure sufficient environmental controls are in place to ensure high quality data generation during analytical test method execution
• Inspect and maintain laboratory equipment to prevent downtime, electrical/mechanical hazards, and/or poor data quality.
• Prepare reports and coordinate performance briefings as needed.

EDUCATION

• A Bachelor's degree in a physical science or other related discipline is required. Training, experience, and/or certifications in field servicing and/or laboratory techniques are ideal, but on-the-job training will be provided to fill gaps across the position requirements. Given the role resides within the R&D division, the candidate should be comfortable learning new things since R&D prototype systems under development are almost always novel in nature and require learning for everyone on the R&D team.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/EXPERIENCE

• Minimum 3-5 years or more of job- or industry-related experience, preferably in a laboratory and/or field-sampling role.
• Possess or be willing to obtain onsite field sampling, operations, and maintenance certification(s).
• Knowledge of wastewater analytical methods, techniques, and standards desirable.
• Communicates with coworkers and the general public in a professional and courteous manner.
• Maintains a positive and solutions-focused work environment.
• Displays a high level of interpersonal skills, handles sensitive and confidential situations in a discreet and responsible manner, and manages conflict with level-headedness in a solution-oriented way.
• Sustains a satisfactory driving record, a valid Oregon drivers license, and current insurance on personal vehicle if used for business. Must meet company insurability requirements.
• Is flexible and easily changes priorities with little notice when necessary.
• Consistently follows oral and written instructions and executes directions with high degree of accuracy.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills are required.
• Confidently uses a computer with a working knowledge of Microsoft Office.
• Accurately prepares reports, archival records, and statistical data.
• Detail-oriented with excellent organizational skills and a desire to take ownership over role responsibilities.
• Excellent intermediate math skills required.
• Knowledge of microbiology and/or chemistry preferred.
• Attends other trainings as necessary.

TOOLS & EQUIPMENT

Calculator

Computer/laptop

Lab testing equipment

Hand tools (screwdrivers, drills, saws, etc.)

Volt/Amp multimeter

Printer, copier, scanner

Vehicle

WORKING CONDITIONS

Indoor/Outdoor working environments with occasional exposure to chemicals and regular exposure to wastewater, some requiring proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) including but not limited to gloves, face shields, and masks.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Seeing, hearing, speaking, reading, writing, keyboarding, periods of viewing a computer screen, sitting, standing, walking, bending, squatting, and climbing stairs. Job duties include occasional unassisted lifting of 20-30 lbs. Operation of a motor vehicle.