Job Description

VLS Environmental Solutions, LLC, is a recognized leader in providing sustainability solutions, with three divisions providing industry-leading services. With a mission to innovate solutions to meet clients' sustainability goals, VLS has over 1,200 employees in 40+ locations across North America.

Waste Services

VLS Waste Services provides customized waste processing solutions for hazardous and non-hazardous industrial and commercial waste, including landfill diversion and sustainability programs, solidification of liquid waste, recycling, wastewater treatment, and waste sequestration.

Railcar Services

VLS Railcar Cleaning and Repair Services division provides specialty cleaning services for difficult-to-clean products, including chemicals, hardened materials, and pressurized gases, and comprehensive repair services for certified full-service repairs, tank car qualifications, and maintenance.

Marine Services

VLS Marine Services division offers state-of-the-art barge cleaning, repair, and gas-free facilities for various chemical solvents and downstream petroleum products.

Qualifications

This role is responsible for performing wet lab analysis and characterization/profiling of routine samples, as well as setting up and conducting experiments under the direction of senior research chemist(s). The ideal candidate is self-directed and capable of working independently with minimal supervision. Prior experience in a chemical plant or industrial lab environment, including hands-on experimental setup and design, is preferred. A strong analytical background in the operation, calibration, and troubleshooting of major laboratory instrumentation is expected.

Job Duties:

• Work independently with minimal supervision
• Availability to work outside of normally scheduled hours and weekends on short notice if needed
• Run all samples generated from experiments using appropriate analytical techniques (GC, HPLC, titration, etc.)
• Perform both routine and preventative maintenance on major and common pieces of laboratory equipment
• Apply knowledge of experimental setup and design in accordance with basic laboratory safety principles
• Proficient in the use of common laboratory glassware and apparatus, including pH meters, balances, titration burettes, and similar equipment
• Perform basic housekeeping, including washing and cleaning of glassware and apparatus
• Maintain detailed, organized, and reproducible records of all experiments in a laboratory notebook such that work can be repeated by someone unfamiliar with the original procedure
• Working knowledge of basic chemical compatibilities
• Proper handling and disposal of spent reagents, chemicals, and products with awareness of specific hazard classes, including flammable liquids, pyrophoric catalysts, chlorinated solvents, and corrosives
• Maintain accurate laboratory records in compliance with applicable regulatory and quality standards, including chain of custody documentation, instrument logs, and sample tracking
• Ensure strict adherence to company policies while minimizing hazards, risk, and maintaining continuous compliance with RCRA and other legal requirements.

Requirements:

• Associate's or Bachelor’s degree in chemistry or a related science field, with a minimum of 8 credit hours in Chemistry
• Two to five years of experience in a chemical plant lab environment, with a strong aptitude in the use, troubleshooting, and maintenance of common laboratory equipment
• Ability to communicate effectively with clients, supervisors, and peers in a professional manner
• Ability to clearly present information to internal and external stakeholders, including supervisors, peers, and customers