Lead Laboratory Technician

The Lead Lab Technician is responsible for supporting daily laboratory operations, overseeing lab functions, and providing leadership to Lab Technicians while ensuring compliance with environmental, safety, and regulatory requirements. This role combines hands-on analytical work with leadership responsibilities, serving as a key link between laboratory operations and facility performance.

The Lead Lab Technician is expected to operate with a high level of technical expertise, situational awareness, and accountability, ensuring all incoming waste streams are properly analyzed and approved in accordance with regulatory and company standards.

Additionally, the Lead Lab Technician serves as a mentor and trainer for new team members, supporting onboarding, reinforcing best practices, and helping to develop technical proficiency across the lab team.

Essential Functions

Laboratory Operations

• Perform sampling from incoming tankers and materials for analysis
• Conduct laboratory testing (wet bench chemistry, analytical testing) to determine waste acceptance
• Evaluate samples to ensure compliance with site permits and regulatory requirements
• Operate laboratory equipment and instrumentation safely and accurately
• Maintain accurate laboratory logs, manifests, and required documentation in compliance with regulations

Leadership & Oversight

• Lead and support daily activities of Lab Technicians
• Provide guidance, coaching, and training to ensure consistency, accuracy, and safety
• Assist Lab Manager in coordinating workflow and prioritizing lab operations
• Serve as a technical resource for troubleshooting and decision-making

Safety & Compliance

• Ensure all laboratory operations comply with local, state, and federal environmental regulations
• Maintain strict adherence to company safety policies, PPE requirements, and chemical handling procedures
• Identify and address potential safety hazards within the lab environment
• Support a safety-first culture aligned with LES standards

Operational Support

• Support plant operations by providing timely and accurate analytical results
• Assist with reducing turnaround time for sample analysis to improve facility throughput
• Communicate results and operational impacts to plant leadership and operations teams
• Serve as a liaison between laboratory, operations, and customers when needed

Administrative & Reporting

• Maintain accurate records in accordance with regulatory, compliance, and internal requirements
• Support audits, inspections, and regulatory reporting as needed

Ensure proper documentation of all waste acceptance decisions

Knowledge and Skills

• Knowledge of the environmental services industry is advantageous.
• Strong understanding of laboratory practices, analytical testing, and chemical handling
• Working knowledge of environmental compliance and regulatory requirements
• Ability to interpret lab results and translate findings into operational decisions
• Strong leadership, communication, and coaching skills
• Ability to prioritize tasks and manage workflow in a fast-paced environment
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and data entry systems
• Results-driven mindset with a track record of meeting or exceeding sales targets.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Associate or Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Environmental Science, or related field preferred
• 2-4 years of laboratory or environmental/waste management experience
• Prior lead, mentoring, or supervisory experience preferred x

Working Environment:

• Ability to work in laboratory and plant environments with exposure to odors, chemicals, and varying temperatures
• Ability to stand for extended periods and perform repetitive sampling/testing tasks
• May require working indoors and outdoors in various weather conditions x

This job description in no way states of implies these are the only duties to be performed by the employee incumbent in the position. Employees will be required to follow any other legal or ethical job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. A review of this position has excluded the marginal functions of the position that are incidental to the performance of fundamental job duties.

This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise. Liquid Environmental Solutions has an "at will" relationship with team members.