Lab Technician

Job Title: Lab Technician Job Description
The Lab Technician performs a variety of chemistry-based tests and wet chemistry techniques in a busy contract laboratory, supporting quality and environmental testing activities. This entry-level role offers a strong pathway for career growth within the lab, with opportunities to learn additional scientific methods and expand responsibilities over time. The position is ideal for individuals with a background in chemistry, biology, or environmental science who bring a strong work ethic, positive attitude, and desire to grow in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
Responsibilities
- Perform chemistry-based testing on a daily basis, including monograph testing, heavy metals testing, environmental testing, and other routine analyses.
- Conduct wet chemistry techniques such as titrations, gravimetric analyses, and other standard laboratory procedures.
- Perform chromatographic testing and related analytical methods as required for various sample types.
- Carry out Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) testing and other environmental chemistry tests as assigned.
- Utilize techniques such as atomic absorption, ICP, and ICP-MS in accordance with established laboratory protocols, where applicable to the role.
- Assist chemists and other laboratory technicians with additional test methods and projects as needed to support overall lab operations.
- Accurately document daily laboratory data, maintain clear records, and complete all required forms and documentation in a timely and compliant manner.
- Clean, maintain, and prepare laboratory equipment, workstations, and related areas on a daily basis to ensure a safe and organized work environment.
- Receive and handle samples from couriers and internal teams, ensuring proper labeling, tracking, and routing within the laboratory.
- Communicate regularly with sample couriers, lab technicians, supervisors, and other team members to coordinate testing and workflow.
- Interact with clients primarily via email, and occasionally by phone, to address sample-related questions or clarify testing information.
- Maintain composure and effectiveness in a fast-paced, sometimes hectic environment with high sample volumes.
- Demonstrate strong drive, good character, and a positive, outgoing attitude that contributes to a collaborative and supportive lab culture.
- Learn additional scientific duties and advanced laboratory methods after becoming proficient in core responsibilities, building toward long-term career growth.
Essential Skills
- background in chemistry, biology, environmental science, or a related scientific discipline.
- Degree or coursework in Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Science, or closely related fields; candidates with associate degrees, chemistry minors, or similar scientific education are encouraged.
- Experience or education in chemistry-based testing, including wet chemistry techniques and titrations.
- Ability to perform and understand monograph testing, heavy metals testing, and environmental testing, or willingness to learn these methods.
- Familiarity with BOD testing, atomic absorption, ICP, and ICP-MS, or the ability to learn and apply these techniques under guidance.
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy in documenting laboratory data and completing required paperwork.
- Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, high-volume laboratory environment while maintaining quality and composure.
- Solid work ethic, reliability, and discipline, with a demonstrated drive to learn and take on new responsibilities.
- Strong interpersonal skills and an outgoing, team-oriented attitude that fits well with a collaborative lab culture.
- Comfort communicating with clients, colleagues, and supervisors via email and phone in a professional manner.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Experience in quality control laboratories, particularly as a lab technician or quality chemist performing raw material or quality testing.
- Prior hands-on laboratory experience in contract labs, industrial labs, or academic settings.
- Demonstrated involvement in activities that reflect discipline and commitment, such as competitive sports or similar pursuits.
- Interest in developing a long-term career in a chemistry or environmental testing laboratory.
- Ability to adapt to changing priorities and sample volumes while maintaining a positive attitude.
- Willingness to work some overtime when needed and when performance supports expanded responsibilities.
Work Environment
This role is based in a contract laboratory setting, with work primarily performed in an office area and regular movement into laboratory spaces and front/back areas to receive and handle samples. The position starts on a first-shift schedule, typically 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with a training period of approximately two months, Monday through Friday. After training, the schedule transitions to Sunday through Thursday, maintaining full-time hours of about 40 to 45 hours per week, with potential overtime available based on performance and business needs. The environment is fast-paced and can become hectic when sample volumes are high, requiring the ability to stay organized, focused, and composed. You will work closely with at least one other person in this part of the business and collaborate daily with sample couriers, other lab technicians, chemists, and supervisors. Regular interaction with clients, mainly through email and occasionally by phone, is part of the role. The laboratory emphasizes a supportive, flexible culture with approachable supervisors, opportunities for career growth, and an employee activities committee that organizes monthly activities and holiday events, contributing to a friendly and engaging workplace.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Waukesha, WI.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $22.00 - $26.00/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)
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Waukesha, WI.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Nov 27, 2026.
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Waukesha,WI. 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
condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law
shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process,
including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications
and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you
acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.