Lab Technician

Qualifications:
Required Qualifications
High school diploma or GED required.
No college degree required.
Ability to follow written instructions and standard operating procedures.
Basic math skills, including weighing, measuring, and recording data.
Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
Ability to work independently and as part of a technical team.
Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Excel and data entry.

Preferred Qualifications
Previous experience in a laboratory, manufacturing, construction materials, chemical processing, roofing, asphalt, or industrial environment.
Experience operating mixers, blending equipment, or material-processing equipment.
Familiarity with safe handling of heated materials and chemicals.
Forklift certification or mechanical troubleshooting experience is a plus.

Physical Requirements
Ability to stand for extended periods during laboratory and processing activities.
Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
Ability to work safely around hot asphalt, heated equipment, and moving machinery.
Ability to wear required PPE, including safety glasses, gloves, hearing protection, and heat-resistant protective equipment.

Responsibilities:
Position Summary
The Asphalt Polymer Compounding Technician supports laboratory and pilot-scale activities involving the blending, compounding, and evaluation of polymers in hot asphalt systems. This hands-on position is responsible for accurately preparing formulations, operating mixing and processing equipment, collecting test samples, documenting results, and maintaining a safe and organized work environment.
This position does not require a college degree; however, candidates must demonstrate strong mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and the ability to safely work with heated materials and laboratory equipment.

Essential Functions
Prepare the asphalt compound according to the documented procedure. This task requires handling hot materials and operating heated equipment.
Monitor processing conditions including temperature, mixing speed, and blending time.
Collect samples during and after compounding operations for testing and evaluation.
Record batch information, observations, processing parameters, and test results in laboratory notebooks, spreadsheets, or electronic databases.
Assist scientists and engineers with experimental trials, prototype development, and process evaluations.
Clean mixing equipment, tools, and work areas following established procedures.
Handle, label, store, and dispose of materials in accordance with safety and environmental requirements.
Maintain inventories of laboratory supplies and raw materials.
Support preventive maintenance and routine inspection of laboratory equipment.
Follow all company safety procedures, including the use of required personal protective equipment (PPE).