Environmental Laboratory Coordinator - Research & Development

Ashland, VA

Job Summary

The Project Coordinator, Research and Development will work directly with the R&D Project Manager to coordinate project goals and timelines. The position will be responsible for supporting the Laboratory’s R&D project needs following standard methods and practices, composing and presenting technical reports, and ensuring timely delivery of project results. The Project Coordinator will oversee engineered soil blend production and sourcing, maintain quality assurance and control (QA/QC) test procedures, and support test design, assembly, and sample and data collection and analysis.

Primary Responsibilities

• Assemble lab apparatus and plan test designs in collaboration with the New Product Development team.
• Verify product water quality and flow performance through testing and sample collection.
• Direct and coordinate engineered soil blend operations.
• Manage QA/QC documentation, specifications, and test plans.
• Interpret and perform industry-accepted methods or internal procedures for test design, sample, measurement, and reporting and maintain data in a structured, well-documented, scientific manner.
• Use analytical equipment for physical and chemical analysis of material or aquatic samples.
• Develop project budgets and procure resources necessary to complete project goals.
• Review published research and propose new ideas for product formulation and processing.
• Conduct lab housekeeping, equipment calibration, inventory orders, sample shipments and safety inspections.

Minimum Education

Required minimum education:    4 Year / Bachelor's Degree

Required Major/Focus:  Soil Science, Geology, Hydrology, Chemistry, Engineering or related degree

• Combination of post-secondary education and experience will be considered in lieu of degree.

Qualifications

Required:

• 1 year of experience working in a lab environment.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, especially Excel
• Experience working in a laboratory setting using analytical equipment
• Good mechanical aptitude (use of hand and power tools, piping, lab apparatus assembly)
• Proven ability to record, review, analyze and present data in an organized manner, and produce quality reports
• Demonstrated understanding of sample collection, sample handing and analytical methods
• Ability to multitask, adapt to changing priorities and prioritize projects requiring immediate results. Time management and organization skills are required.
• Excellent problem solving, written and oral communication skills
• Must be detail oriented and able to work independently as well as collaboratively with colleagues, teams and depts within the organization
• Willingness to learn new processes and procedures, and patience to properly evaluate new ideas
• Ability to actively listen and provide valuable input and ideas in team meetings to support decision making 
• Ability to travel up to 10% of the time

Preferred:

• Strong chemistry/hydraulics/soils background and knowledgeable of OSHA requirements for laboratories.
• Excellent data analytical skills.
• Prior PLC and equipment programming experiences a plus.
• Work experience in stormwater, water, wastewater or related environmental field.

Local Candidates Only Please. No Relocation Assistance is Available.

Contech is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and participates in the E-Verify Employment Verification Program. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identification, transgender status, national origin, protected veteran status, or status as an individual with a disability. Click here to view information regarding your Equal Employment Opportunity rights and protections: EEO is the Law & EEO is the Law Supplement.  Contech is a drug-free workplace and conducts pre-employment testing as a condition of employment.  If you are unable to apply online due to a disability, contact the Contech Recruiting team at (513) 645-7000.