Lab Technician

About Verdant Specialty Solutions

Verdant Specialty Solutions is a global specialty chemical company. Its customers include world-leading personal care and home care brands, energy solutions providers, and industrial companies. Verdant’s vision is to be the go-to provider of batch specialty surfactant-based chemistry for applications in the consumer and industrial markets. Based in Houston, the company has nine locations in the US and Europe. Verdant’s international team of 280 employees are committed to safety, quality, and supply reliability.

Why Join Verdant?

Opportunities for growth Verdant is a fast-growing company that has the spirit of a small business. The company was formed in May 2021, so every employee plays an important role in culture and performance. It offers a dynamic ‘start up’ atmosphere with opportunities for professional growth.

Committed to safety Despite having the spirit of a small business, Verdant rivals' larger companies in its commitment to safety. Verdant prides itself on industry-leading environmental, safety, health and quality standards. At Verdant, there is no priority higher than safety.

About the position This position is responsible for performing routine and non-routine lab tests on raw materials, in process goods and finished products to ensure conformance with established specifications while adhering to lab and site safety standards.

Essential Job Responsibilities:

• Comply with established safety, quality, and environmental procedures and policies.
• Participate in site health, safety, and environmental initiatives.
• Maintain clean and safe working environment through good housekeeping.
• Follow laboratory procedures for labeling, storage, and handling of chemicals and waste generated.
• Maintain current, detailed knowledge and understanding of lab testing protocol.
• Perform testing on raw materials, in process materials, and finished products and determine batch dispositions as required.
• Perform analytical testing on production samples, evaluate results, and make recommendations to Commercial and Technical Teams.
• Identify discrepancies with materials and participate in quality investigations and corrective and preventive action initiatives as needed.
• Effectively communicate with the Operations team on the process stage and disposition of batches and any issues that arise.
• Assist in special projects/pilots and other requests from Commercial and Technical Teams, as needed.
• Perform routine preventative maintenance and calibrations on lab equipment.
• Monitor lab equipment to ensure proper operation and report, troubleshoot and correct any issues.
• Maintain proper lab documentation and records while utilizing good documentation practices. 
• Use computer systems (ERP) to enter data, manage inventory, and generate certificates of analysis.
• Prepare and assist with audit documentation.
• Maintain site retain system.
• Identify opportunities for improvement.
• Responsible for packing and shipping materials and samples as requested in compliance with all regulations.
• Provide basic lab analysis training to Unit Operators as needed.
• Perform routine lab tests on waste.
• May be required to perform other duties, as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry or some college chemistry courses
• Three (3) to five (5) years of work experience in a chemical plant environment
• DOT and IATA Certification a plus (or required to obtain within 3 months)
• Ability to perform job in compliance with HSE policies and procedures.
• Understanding and application of laboratory safety techniques and PPE requirements.
• Knowledge of standard concepts and practices within the field of chemistry.
• Experience in performing wet and instrumental analysis for controlling chemical processes.
• Proficiency in computer skills, including Microsoft Office, email, and navigating file servers and web-based programs.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Mechanical aptitude and good mathematical skills.
• Good communications skills with the ability to deal tactfully with all levels of employees within the Company, vendors and/or customers.
• Good organizational skills with the ability to prioritize projects and multi-task.
• Detail oriented and able to meet deadlines.
• Must be able to work in a team environment as well as function independently.

Benefits

• Competitive and comprehensive health, dental and vision benefits through Cigna.
• Generous matching 401k Plan
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Health Savings Account with employer contribution and yearly roll over (cannot be combined with FSA)
• Health advocacy and services
• Company paid life insurance
• Company paid short term disability insurance
• Paid Vacation and Holidays
• Employee Assistance Program
• Other company paid programs including identity theft resolution, travel assistance, will preparation, discounts on gym membership and equipment, massage therapy, nutrition programs and smoking cessation.

EOE AA M/F/Vets/Disabled -- http://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf