Job Description

Position: AWI Seasonal Laboratory Technician I

Status: Seasonal, Full-time, Non-Exempt

Department: Adirondack Watershed Institute

Reports to: Laboratory Manager

Pay:$19.50 - $21.50 per hour

Description:

The Seasonal Lab Technician I provides technical and logistical support for laboratory operations during the summer sampling season. This is an entry-level position focused on learning standard laboratory techniques, supporting sample receipt and preparation, and maintaining lab cleanliness and organization. Position runs from May through October and is scheduled for 40 hours per week. The position is based on Paul Smith’s College campus.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Receive and log incoming water samples following established chain-of-custody procedures.
• Prepare samples and reagents under supervision (e.g., filtration, weighing, pipetting).
• Assist with basic laboratory analyses, as trained.
• Maintain laboratory cleanliness, including dishwashing, waste disposal, and restocking supplies.
• Record data accurately and completely in laboratory notebooks and digital logs.
• Follow all safety protocols and report any issues to supervisory staff.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Laboratory Manager.

Qualifications:

• College coursework in environmental science, chemistry, biology, geology, or other natural sciences.
• Interest in environmental science and desire to gain experience in the laboratory.
• Ability to perform duties independently and proactively.
• High level of attention to detail.
• Strong communication skills.
• Ability to work with a broad range of diverse individuals and groups to form a safe and inclusive campus community.

Preferred:

• Pursing or awarded bachelor’s degree in environmental science, chemistry, biology, geology, or other natural sciences.
• Basic laboratory coursework or experience.

Physical Requirements:

Environmental Conditions

• Work is consistently performed in an indoor laboratory setting with normal temperature ranges for the season.
• Traditional noise of a busy office setting can be expected.
• Working spaces may be crowded based on traffic and space configuration.

Lifting and Carrying

• Ability to regularly lift up to 10 lbs.
• Frequent lifting and carrying of light to moderate weight items (trays of water sample bottles, glassware, laptop, reagent bottles)

Mobility

• Ability to bend, stoop, and kneel to pick up items, as necessary.
• Climbing Staircases within buildings and around campus
• Ability to spend extended amounts of time on your feet.

Dexterity and Hand-Eye Coordination

• Manual dexterity for handling precise laboratory equipment
• Fine motor skills for work performed on laptop.
• Clear and legible penmanship
• Ability to reach overhead or below knee level to perform work duties.

Sensory Requirements

• Good vision, including color vision, with corrective lenses, as necessary.
• Good hearing with assistive devices, as necessary.

Paul Smith’s College is an equal opportunity employer. Position descriptions are created that focus on essential functions, using inclusive language, and avoid unnecessary or discriminatory requirements.

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