Laboratory Technician - Valdez

The Lab Technician position is located in Valdez, Alaska.  The lab technician is responsible for testing refinery process and product samples including chemical and physical analyses on quality control, process, environmental and refined product samples. The lab technician is responsible for supporting data review, instrument calibrations, inventory management, and quality control data management.  Other responsibilities include maintenance and troubleshooting of lab equipment.  This position currently works a rotational shift of two weeks (14 days) on, two weeks (14 days) off, 12 hours per day.  Additional hours may be required depending on staffing and business needs.

1. Follow all Petro Star Inc (PSI) safety guidelines and initiatives including safe work practices, wearing required personal protective equipment, and lab chemical hygiene protocols. Conduct routine safety and environmental audits in the lab working areas
2. Log samples in to lab sample log sheets and test samples according to ASTM, IP, EPA, and in-house methods and specifications. Verify and communicate test results effectively to refinery manager, operations directors, terminal manager, operators and other lab customers to meet customer needs.
3. Make entries into instrument logs, laboratory worksheets, and any other media required to ensure validity and traceability of information including certifying fuel products according to ASTM and contract specifications. Participate in data peer review processes to ensure data accuracy on reports.
4. Calibrate, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair instruments to ensure reliable operation of the lab equipment.  Ensure timely repairs and minimum downtime on critical instruments.
5. Prepare reagents according to ASTM test methods and Standard Operating Procedures.
6. Prepare and maintain internal Quality Control and Lab Control samples for continued laboratory quality assurance. Maintain control charts, calibrations and standardization of solutions to ensure analytical data quality.
7. Take samples from refinery process streams and product tanks.
8. Obtain and maintain DOT/IATA HazMat shipper certifications.
9. Write, evaluate, and improve laboratory statement of process (SOP) documents. Develop and recommend lab process improvements.
10. Train and mentor operators working in the lab, carry out the above responsibilities, and all others which may be assigned, in a manner demonstrating support of and adherence to the company's policies and procedures.

• Must be able to work independently with little or no supervision.
• Must possess good organizational skills with the ability to multitask
• Proficient in MS Work and Excel.
• Ability to work with others to achieve the goals and objectives for the Valdez Refinery and PSI.
• Act with honesty and integrity, abide by laws and regulations, and promote interests and mission of PSI. 
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and scenarios and manage conflicting priorities with discernment.

• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry or other related science field preferred.  Relevant work experience will be evaluated in lieu of a science degree.
• 1 year of laboratory experience or refinery experience is preferred.
• Proven experience multitasking and communicating with customers.
• Mechanical, electrical, and instrumentation knowledge and experience preferred.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft products including Word and Excel and the ability efficiently and effectively to learn new software applications.
• Experience applying statistical analysis to data sets to support lab quality control objectives preferred.
• Must live in Valdez, AK (or within reasonable distance) during work shift weeks.
• Must have an active and unrestricted Driver’s License.

ASRC’s Core competencies include Leading Self, Leading People and Leading the Organization. In addition to our core competency model, our framework includes competencies specific to the various levels of positions within our company. For more information on our core competencies please contact the HR Department and reference the ASRC Leadership Framework.

Time Management

• Uses time effectively and efficiently, concentrating his/her efforts on the more important priorities.

Composure

• Is cool under pressure and can handle stress. Can be counted on to hold things together during tough times. Is not knocked off balance by the unexpected.

Self-Development

• Is personally committed to and actively works to continuously improve himself/herself and understands that different situations and levels may call for different skills and approaches.

Learning on the Fly

• Learns quickly when faced with new problems and change. Uses logical troubleshooting to find solutions and enjoys the challenge of unfamiliar tasks.

Functional/Technical Skills

• Has the functional/technical knowledge and skills to do the job at a high level of accomplishment. 

Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance procedures, and manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.

Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to create and interpret graphs. Comprehension of basic statistics used in quality control.  Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.

The physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear.  The employee is frequently required to sit; reach with hands and arms; and to use hands to finger, handle, or feel.  The employee is required to stand, walk, climb or balance.  The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.   Specific vision abilities required by this job includes the ability to adjust focus. The employee must be able to wear Personal Protective Equipment including but not limited to a hard hat, safety glasses, fire retardant clothing, respirator and safety work boots.

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 work environment is in a busy petroleum laboratory setting.  Lab workers routinely handle and test flammable liquids and other hazardous materials.  Lab workers frequently sit, walk, and stand for long periods while performing laboratory tasks. Lab workers routinely walk and climb/descend stairs on snow- and ice-covered surfaces, and work outside subarctic weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is typically moderate and occasionally loud.

NOTE: This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise. The statements contained herein are intended to describe the principal functions of this position, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibilities, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements.

Petro Star Inc., a division of ASRC, is a drug free workplace and pre-employment drug testing is part of the hiring process.

ASRC and its family of companies is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, religion, disability, protected veteran status or any other legal protected status.  EOE:  M|F|D|V

Petro Star Inc. is the refining division of Arctic Slope Regional Corporation, an Inupiat-owned corporation created as a result of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act.

ASRC's family of companies apply a shareholder preference in employment, to the maximum extent feasible, as authorized by law.