Soil & Stormwater Lab Technician

Virginia Tech; Blacksburg (VA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Virginia Tech’s School of Plant and Environmental Sciences is seeking a Laboratory Technician to support research on soil and stormwater properties. The role involves sample preparation, analyses, equipment maintenance, and helping students in the lab.

Responsibility includes field sampling and ensuring compliance with EHS regulations; the position is non-exempt with potential overtime and a salary range of $20.00–$25.00 per hour, commensurate with experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Plant Science, Soil Science, Environmental Science, Biology, Chemistry, or related field, or equivalent education/experience.
• Experience in a scientific research lab.
• Knowledge of lab safety and hazardous waste disposal.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills with attention to detail.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office for data entry and record keeping.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.

Responsibilities

• Prepare samples and conduct routine and specialized analyses for soil and stormwater studies.
• Maintain and calibrate laboratory equipment; ensure EHS compliance.
• Train/guide undergraduate and graduate researchers on basic lab protocols.
• Occasional field work collecting soil/plant samples at research farms or field sites.

Skills

Lab experience

Organizational skills

Time management

Data entry

Verbal communication

Written communication

Safety protocols

Education

Bachelor's in Plant Science

Bachelor's in Soil Science

Equivalent experience

Tools

Excel

Office Suite

Calibration skills

Job description

Virginia Tech’s School of Plant and Environmental Sciences is seeking a Laboratory Technician to support research on soil and stormwater properties. The role involves sample preparation, analyses, equipment maintenance, and helping students in the lab.

Responsibility includes field sampling and ensuring compliance with EHS regulations; the position is non-exempt with potential overtime and a salary range of $20.00–$25.00 per hour, commensurate with experience.