Laboratory Technician (Contingent Upon Contract Award)

Get Hands-On With the Testing That Keeps Wildland Firefighters Safe

Genex Systems is looking for a Laboratory Technician to support the U.S. Forest Service's National Technology & Development Program (NTDP) at the Wildland Fire Chemical Systems (WFCS) Lab in Missoula, Montana. This lab has run the government's quality-control and field-support program for wildland fire chemicals since 1962: the foams, gels, and long-term retardants used on wildfires nationwide. If you like hands-on bench work, careful data collection, and knowing your results directly inform which products firefighters can rely on, this role is built for you.

About the Lab

The WFCS Lab evaluates wildland fire chemical products for possible inclusion on the federal Qualified Product List (QPL) and performs the ongoing quality-assurance testing required once a product is qualified. Testing follows current Forest Service specifications for foams (FS 5100-397b), gels (FS 5100-306b), and long-term retardants (FS 5100-304d), with support from outside laboratories for tests the WFCS Lab isn't equipped to run in-house.

As a Laboratory Technician, you'll be the one preparing samples, running the instruments, and generating the data sets the lab's scientists and the Forest Service rely on: routine, disciplined bench work where precision and documentation matter as much as the science itself.

What You'll Do

• Perform routine laboratory procedures and prepare test equipment and samples.

• Select and operate appropriate analytical instruments; maintain and calibrate laboratory equipment.

• Conduct scientific experiments on wildland fire chemicals, adhering to test protocols and procedures outlined in specifications, standard test procedures (STPs), project study plans, and other written documents.

• Identify acceptable and unacceptable outcomes of test results.

• Use various tools and computer programs for data collection, analysis, and report writing.

• Generate data sets for specification testing of foams, gels, and retardants, and complete quality-assurance test data and reports.

• Perform laboratory safety checks and track hazardous waste in accordance with laboratory protocols.

• Conduct inventory evaluations and maintain the incoming samples log.

• Build combustion-retarding-effectiveness fuel beds; perform initial and final acid cleaning of corrosion test samples; measure, mark, and track corrosion coupons.

What You'll Need (Required)

• Bachelor's degree in a scientific discipline or a related technical field, plus a minimum of 1 year working in a chemistry laboratory setting, OR a minimum of 5 years of experience working in a laboratory setting. (Graduate or undergraduate coursework with associated laboratory time may count toward the experience requirement).

• Proficiency with basic lab equipment and standard operating procedures.

• Strong attention to detail and strong written and oral communication skills.

• Strict adherence to all laboratory safety rules and practices.

• Able to lift 50 lbs and spend extended periods standing or walking.

• Able to pass a federal background investigation to obtain USDA facility and IT system access

Nice to Have (Preferred)

• Familiarity with wildland firefighting chemicals (foams, gels, and retardants).

• Prior experience with specification/compliance testing, sample chain-of-custody, or hazardous-materials handling and tracking.

Location & Work Arrangement

Missoula, MT: full-time, on-site at the Missoula Technology & Development Center (5785 Highway 10 West).

Additional Information

Work Authorization: Must be a U.S. citizen or otherwise authorized to work in the U.S., and able to complete the background investigation required for USDA facility and computer-system access.

This position is contingent upon contract award and funding. Employment will not commence unless and until the contract is awarded and funding is confirmed.

Genex Systems, LLC is an equal opportunity employer. Genex Systems does not discriminate in employment on account of race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship status, ancestry, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.