Job Title: Lab Assistant
Department: Laboratory
Reports To: Lab Supervisor
Report Location: Dodge City, KS; Hastings, NE; Amarillo, TX
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Since 1975, ServiTech, Inc. has relied on the most current technologies, research, and science to make productive and profitable recommendations for thousands of growers on millions of acres. Three ServiTech laboratory facilities complement industry agronomic services to measure fertility, tailor field inputs and increase yields.
The professionals at ServiTech understand that analytical results received from the laboratory are used to make decisions that affect their customer’s bottom line. Each individual sample is considered as an important part of a producer’s total management process.
SUMMARY
The Lab Assistant supports the lab technicians in conducting various tests and experiments. This position includes preparing test samples, keeping lab records, and documenting test findings. This position is critical to the safety of animals’ lives, natural resources, and the environment!
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Requires professional and effective communication skills, teamwork, effective organizational skills, the ability to focus and pay attention to details, and the ability to work efficiently without compromising quality to ensure excellent service.
- Responsible for setting up and prepping, feed, soil, and plant samples for analysis, numbering, chopping, splitting, drying, and grinding procedures.
- Responsible for prompt and thorough intake and processing of samples including accurate weights and transferring of samples to the lab, and accurate record keeping.
- Clean and maintain lab equipment.
- Use testing items and subjects to gather results.
- Gather data and information from test subjects.
- Monitor ongoing tests and experiments, noting any differences.
- Requires prompt and thorough communication, timely processing of verbal and written correspondence, efficient data entry and order processing, and accurate recordkeeping.
- Use professional and effective verbal and written communication skills to serve internal and external customers.
- While serving customers, will work with other ServiTech team members, the Laboratory Manager, and/or the Chief Laboratory Officer to ensure growth and success.
- Continuously learn and develop necessary skills to contribute to the lab operations including sample preparation and processing.
- Demonstrate a professional image by proactively taking responsibility, troubleshooting/problem solving, working individually and as a team, and successfully ensuring quality, productivity, efficiency, and safety.
- Required to perform other duties as assigned by management.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
This position does not have supervisory responsibilities.
TRAVEL
Must be able to travel as needed.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands, read, talk and/or hear. The employee is regularly required to sit, stand, drive, and operate a computer for long periods of time. The employee is frequently required to walk, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and occasionally required to climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 30 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and is regularly required to climb stairs. Physically this position demands that an employee both sit or stand for long periods of time. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus including regular use of a computer.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The employee must understand and implement all related safety policies, procedures, and programs for prevention and protection while performing job duties in various work environments. The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate to loud and exposure to vibration. The ability to work around various odors including manure and the ability to work with hazardous and caustic chemicals. Based on the farmers’ needs and therefore fluctuates as far as hours worked during peak seasons which include long days, weeks, and months as needed.
DISCLAIMER:
This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected. It is not designed to cover every activity, duty, or responsibility required of the employee.
I agree that I can perform the job described as stated above and am able to work in these conditions. This job description in no way alters “employment-at-will” and is not a guarantee of employment now or in the future.
Qualifications
KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES
- Remarkable teamwork, customer service, and organizational skills including the ability to manage difficult or emotional situations, meet commitments, and respond promptly to customer needs, resolve questions, complaints, and concerns immediately
- The ability to ethically analyze data and report results with integrity
- The ability to focus, pay attention to details, monitor work for accuracy, and execute repetitive motions
- Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- The ability to be flexible, manage change and meet deadlines
- Prompt and regular attendance
QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE
An associate degree in a science and/or agricultural related area of study is preferred or equivalent combination of education, training and/or experience in a related field of work/study. Agricultural and Laboratory operations knowledge and experience is preferred. Experience using MS Office suite of products is required. Proficient computer operation skills and the ability to learn various software programs.
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS
A valid driver’s license with a safe driving record.
COMPUTER SKILLS
The individual should be proficient in their use of a personal computer and must be able to perform tasks using Windows-based software, knowledge of Microsoft Office and the Internet.
LANGUAGE SKILLS
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, governmental regulations, safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, employees, clients, customers, and the public. Strong verbal and written communication skills. Critical thinking/analytical, problem solving, and conflict management skills.
MATHEMATICAL SKILLS
Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference. Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, proportions, and percentages and to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.
REASONING ABILITY
Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems with several concrete variables in standardized situations. Must be able to think quickly and perform a mental assessment of workplace hazards and take appropriate precautions.