Metals Analyst

Job Title: Metals Analyst Job Description
This role focuses on preparing and analyzing environmental samples for metals testing using advanced instrumentation in a high-throughput laboratory. You will operate ICP-OES, ICP-MS, and mercury analyzers, follow established EPA methodologies, and contribute to reliable, high-quality analytical results in a modern, state-of-the-art lab environment.
Responsibilities
- Start up analytical instruments and ensure they are properly configured before each run.
- Prepare and extract environmental samples for metals testing using established laboratory techniques and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
- Perform metals analysis utilizing applicable EPA methodologies, particularly EPA 6010 / 200.7 for ICP-OES and EPA 6020 / 200.8 for ICP-MS.
- Operate ICP-OES and/or ICP-MS instrumentation and mercury analyzers to perform routine and specialized analyses.
- Conduct routine instrument setup, calibration, and analytical runs to ensure accurate and reliable data.
- Review, calculate, and interpret analytical data, ensuring that all results are accurately documented.
- Identify and communicate unusual test results, anomalies, or analytical issues to the appropriate team members.
- Troubleshoot basic instrument and method issues to minimize downtime and maintain workflow.
- Follow laboratory quality procedures and adhere to applicable GMP/GLP practices to maintain compliance and data integrity.
- Maintain organized records, logs, and documentation for all tests and instrumentation activities.
- Work efficiently in a high-throughput environmental testing environment, running a large volume of samples.
- Collaborate with a team of analysts to meet turnaround times and support overall laboratory productivity.
Essential Skills
- Hands-on experience in an environmental laboratory performing metals analysis.
- Proficiency with ICP instrumentation, including ICP-OES and/or ICP-MS, and familiarity with starting up instruments.
- Experience preparing and analyzing environmental samples for metals testing.
- Working knowledge of EPA methodologies for metals analysis, particularly EPA 6010 / 200.7 (ICP-OES) and EPA 6020 / 200.8 (ICP-MS).
- Ability to perform routine instrument setup, calibration, and analytical runs.
- Strong data review skills, including the ability to calculate, interpret, and document analytical results accurately.
- Familiarity with high-tech analytical instrumentation and basic troubleshooting of instruments and methods.
- Ability to follow laboratory quality procedures and applicable GMP/GLP practices.
- Dependability and reliability in managing a high volume of samples in a fast-paced environment.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Degree in chemistry, environmental science, or a related field is preferred but not required.
- Experience working in a high-throughput environmental testing lab.
- Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot analytical issues and instrument performance.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail when maintaining records and documentation.
- Comfort working with advanced laboratory technologies in a modern, state-of-the-art facility.
Work Environment
This position is based in a new, state-of-the-art environmental testing laboratory that utilizes advanced instrumentation such as ICP-OES, ICP-MS, and mercury analyzers. You will work a flexible shift five days per week, with a required Sunday shift and a flexible start time between 9:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m., finishing between 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. The team consists of approximately four to five other analysts, fostering a collaborative and supportive environment. The workload is seasonal, with a busy period in the summer and fall and a typically slower first quarter. You should be comfortable working overtime when needed, though it is described as reasonable and not excessive.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Frankfort, IL.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $23.00 - $28.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job
classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be
subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits
available for this temporary role may include the following:

Medical, dental & vision
Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
Short and long-term disability
Health Spending Account (HSA)
Transportation benefits
Employee Assistance Program
Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Frankfort,IL.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Oct 14, 2026. About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without
regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability,
sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected
by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or
adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability,
please email [email protected] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the
city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants
with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a
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shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
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