Laboratory Technician For NEIC Laboratory Branch (SCO-882)

Assist the Laboratory Branch in performing technical functions including, chemical inventory management, quality system duties and other technical duties to support laboratory activities.

• Chemical Inventory Management: Maintains up-to-date and accurate chemical inventory systems using Vertere software and hardware, or other inventory software. Adds and removes chemicals from Vertere as appropriate using NEIC processes and procedures. Enters received chemicals and associated certificates of analysis into Vertere or other software. Performs regular (at least annual) inventory checks, coordinate with chemical custodians on inventory, reagents, standards, equipment and supplies. Handles chemical material, researches and evaluates associated chemical compatibility and stores received chemicals in appropriate locations. Identifies any special storage needs when received, and stores specialty chemicals accordingly. Stocks and distribute supplies and help prepare purchasing documents as directed. Enter standards into LIMS with corresponding Vertere number. Researches and identifies appropriate health and safety requirements for storage of chemicals. Ensures that chemicals received are stored appropriately (refrigerated, vented, acid cabinets, etc.). Provides feedback to monitor and health and safety officer. Follows EPA and NEIC procedures, work instructions and guidance documents. Provides and receives training as requested. 30%
• Supports laboratory quality system: inspect, verify, and maintain lab branch balances, weights, thermometers, pipettes, and other SI measurement devices. Examples of specific duties include: Researching, assessing, advising, and developing NEIC procedures and guidance documents for measurement devices to meet ISO 17025 and ANAB requirements, and researching ISO 17025 requirements and associated guidance documents to support internal audits of the quality program. Provides and receives on the job training, as requested. Maintains spreadsheet of SI measurement devices, with associated calibration and expiration dates, location, and operational status. Maintain associated quality system paperwork including calibration documentation. Alert calibration purchaser 5 months before 1st expiration date to being purchasing paperwork. Documents verifications on appropriate forms such as locked spreadsheets, logbooks, etc. Identifies potential gaps in SI measurement device needs and available inventory. Assist with internal and external ISO audits, support any ISO improvement tasks (i.e. action items, corrective actions, procedure writing and reviews, etc.). Follows EPA and NEIC procedures, work instructions and guidance documents. 30%
• Cleans laboratory glassware according to published procedures, ensure appropriate stock of clean glassware, which includes the use of solvents and acids, and help ensure laboratories are tidy and organized, and supports other laboratory projects as requested. Provides and receives on the job training as requested. 20%
• Supports laboratory and facility-wide shipping and receiving. 10%
• Files safety data sheets (SDS) according to current NEIC procedures. 10%

• Annual EPA IT Security, EMS, other EPA required annual trainings, OSHA Hazcom, Annual health and safety refresher, NEIC quality training, 24 hour initial lab safety training, and 4 hour lab safety refresher.
• Specific instrument maintenance training, periodic developmental training classes, and on the job training as needed.
• Health Safety Training: EPA Order 1440.2 Health and Safety training (initial) and annual 8-hour refresher. Initial and annual laboratory safety training.
• Health and Safety Considerations: Established on-line courses or in person training, and OJT required in advance of laboratory and/or instrument work.
• Potential exposure to toxic substances; Perform routine inventory of chemical materials. May be exposed to a wide range of chemicals, inorganic, organic, solvents, acids, standards and other chemicals. Required to wear personal protective equipment and perform work in hoods. Perform routine inventory of chemical materials. May be exposed to a wide range of chemicals, inorganic, organic, solvents, acids, standards and other chemicals. Required to wear personal protective equipment and possibly a radiation dosimetry badge.
• Required Safety Gear: Safety goggles or glasses, lab coat and appropriate chemical resistant gloves and potentially respirators.
• Safety Gear Use: Safety equipment/clothing to be used at all times when handling/receiving and while working in labs or with hazardous materials. Also worn when assisting with instrumentation needs including calibration.
• Physical requirements: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.