Sample Control SpecialistJob Summary / Objective
The Sample Control Specialist (SCS) plays a critical role in WETLAB’s purpose of providing Data for Environmental Solutions by ensuring samples are received, documented, handled, preserved, stored, and transported accurately and efficiently.
The SCS is responsible for sample intake, bottle kit preparation, sample filtration and preservation, and assisting with sample storage and disposal, along with other duties in laboratory, office, and warehouse environments. The position may also require driving a company vehicle to pick up samples from clients and deliver sampling supplies.
As a client-facing member of the WETLAB team, the SCS provides professional, responsive, and helpful service to clients and coworkers. The SCS performs work using established laboratory concepts, practices, procedures, pre-established guidelines, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and works under general supervision.
Success in this position means demonstrating WETLAB’s Core Values every day:
- Trust & Respect: Build positive relationships with clients and coworkers through professionalism, reliability, honesty, and respectful communication.
- Innovation: Look for opportunities to improve processes, solve problems, and make our work more effective.
- Fun: Contribute to a positive, collaborative workplace where people enjoy working together.
- Flexibility: Adapt to changing priorities, client needs, schedules, and workload while supporting the team.
- Precision: Maintain exceptional attention to detail and accuracy because the quality of our environmental data begins with proper sample handling.
Essential Functions
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.
- Perform duties and assignments as directed by the Sample Control Manager.
- Welcome clients entering WETLAB facilities and provide professional, courteous assistance.
- Respond to client questions and requests in person, by telephone, and by email.
- Answer and appropriately route incoming telephone calls.
- Receive client samples and accurately log sample information into the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
- Record sample temperatures and conditions upon receipt.
- Measure and document sample pH, as required.
- Scan, organize, and save Chain of Custody (COC) documentation.
- Split, filter, preserve, and otherwise prepare samples according to applicable procedures and analytical requirements.
- Prepare bottle kits and sampling supplies for clients.
- Assist with sample organization, storage, and disposal according to established procedures.
- Participate in the daily Sample Control huddle with WETLAB offices via Zoom.
- Drive for extended periods, potentially up to eight hours per day, to pick up client samples, return samples to the laboratory, and deliver supplies.
- Maintain Sample Receiving areas, including emptying garbage and transporting waste to designated dumpsters.
- Follow Sample Control opening and closing procedures.
- Maintain a clean, safe, and organized workspace.
- Follow WETLAB Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Quality Assurance requirements, and safety procedures.
- Communicate sample issues, discrepancies, or unusual conditions promptly to the appropriate team member.
- Work collaboratively with laboratory and administrative teams to support timely and accurate sample processing.
- Demonstrate WETLAB’s Core Values of Trust & Respect, Innovation, Fun, Flexibility, and Precision in interactions with clients and coworkers.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Desired Skills / Abilities
- Strong commitment to accuracy and Precision, particularly when handling samples, documentation, and client information.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to communicate professionally with clients and coworkers in person, by telephone, email, and virtual meeting.
- Well-developed interpersonal and customer service skills.
- Ability to build relationships based on Trust & Respect with clients, coworkers, and cross-functional teams.
- Ability to manage multiple responsibilities, priorities, and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong organizational and planning skills.
- Keen attention to detail and commitment to accurate documentation.
- Strong critical-thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to follow written procedures, SOPs, Quality Assurance Plans, and Safety Plans.
- Ability to recognize problems and communicate concerns promptly and appropriately.
- Flexibility to respond to changing workloads, client needs, schedules, and operational priorities.
- An innovative mindset and willingness to identify opportunities for process improvement.
- Collaborative, results-driven approach and willingness to contribute to a positive and fun team environment.
- Dependable, punctual, and accountable team player.
- Ability to maintain high standards of client service and work quality.
- Ability to function effectively in a fast-paced and, at times, stressful environment.
- Ability to comply with company policies and applicable state and federal requirements.
- Proficiency with Google Workspace and/or Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Excel, and Word.
Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, environmental science, or another science-related field preferred; OR
- High school diploma or equivalent with one to two years of customer service or related professional experience.
- Previous laboratory, environmental, or sample receiving experience preferred.
- Previous experience working with a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) preferred.
- Valid driver’s license and ability to meet WETLAB driving requirements required.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to sit and/or stand for eight or more hours per workday.
- Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer may be required.
- Ability to perform tasks requiring sitting, standing, bending, twisting, grasping, walking, climbing and descending stairs, and lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds.
- Ability to safely handle sample containers, coolers, bottle kits, and related materials.
- Ability to attend in-person and virtual meetings and participate in conference calls.
- Ability to perform driving duties for extended periods when required.
Work Environment and Schedule
- Work is primarily performed in office, laboratory, sample receiving, and warehouse environments.
- Indoor work areas are generally temperature controlled.
- Outdoor work may occasionally be required when picking up samples or delivering supplies to clients.
- Typical schedule is five days per week, eight hours per day, during the day shift, Monday through Friday.
- Schedule flexibility may occasionally be required to accommodate operational or client needs.
Travel Required
Travel may be required throughout WETLAB’s service area and potentially throughout the state to pick up samples, deliver supplies, support other WETLAB locations, or meet other operational needs.
Additional Requirements
- Must be able to successfully complete applicable pre-employment requirements, including a criminal background check and drug screening.
- Must be authorized to work in the United States.
Why This Role Matters
Every environmental result WETLAB produces begins with a sample. The Sample Control Specialist helps protect the integrity of that sample from the moment it reaches WETLAB, ensuring our laboratory teams have accurate, properly documented, and properly prepared samples for analysis.
By combining exceptional client service with careful sample handling and documentation, the Sample Control Specialist directly supports WETLAB’s purpose:
Data for Environmental Solutions.
At WETLAB, how we accomplish that purpose matters just as much as what we accomplish. We expect every team member to bring Trust & Respect, Innovation, Fun, Flexibility, and Precision to their work each day.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $18.00 - $25.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
