Support Specialist 1

Overview

The primary role will be to participate in the preparation of samples for chemical analysis and various tasks associated with fundamental operation of a chemistry laboratory. Samples may be soils, sediments, or plant tissues. In addition to research of NRS scientists, the laboratory supports analysis for the NRS Forest Inventory and Analysis Program, the Air Resource Monitoring Program, other cooperating federal agencies, and academic partners.

Must annually review all Forest Service job hazard analyses (JHAs) associated with the work activities and complete required trainings as minimally specified in section 8. Participates in the local 1-day employee information, safety, and CPR/first aid refresher training with the entire staff of the Grand Rapids Forestry Sciences Laboratory.

Documents samples arriving for Forest Inventory and Analysis, and Air Resource Monitoring Projects. Catalog, label, and store samples and transfers data logs to PC computer spreadsheets. There are typically 1,000 to 1,700 samples per year.

Air and oven dries, sorts, homogenizes on a vial rotator, subsamples, weighs on a benchtop laboratory balance, and transfers samples into labelled and organized storage containers for analysis and archiving.

Grinds air-dried samples using Wiley mills and oversees student workers who assist in the sample preparatory rooms. Operates, maintains, and trains student workers to use the air filtration system in the sample preparatory rooms. Contributes to the safe and effective use of soil preparation rooms and chemistry laboratory areas. Enters data related to grinding of samples.

Measures pH using a benchtop pH probe and meter for all FIA mineral soil samples and other soil projects.

Prepares mineral soils samples for measurement of and measure plant available (Bray and Olsen) phosphorus concentration. Mixes reagents for those soil extractions. Soil preparation includes addition of colorimetric reagents, mixing of soils with reagents on shaker tables, gravimetric filtering of soil slurries, and spectroscopic analysis on a Thermo Genesys 30 visible spectrometer of resultant solutions. Disposes of reagents and soil slurries according to laboratory protocol.

Prepares samples for cation analysis, including reagent preparation, mixing of soils with reagents on shaker tables, and gravimetric filtering of mineral soil samples for exchangeable cation analysis.

Uses a Mars 6 microwave to digest plant samples in preparation for cation analysis.

Maintains consumables and material supplies in grinding rooms to ensure smooth, efficient, and uninterrupted operation. Maintain grinding room cleanliness.

Cleans laboratory equipment and surfaces. Cleans glassware using an automatic dishwasher or acid bath. Cleaning is done on a “clean as your go basis” to assure that equipment and glassware are available to other chemistry laboratory staff as needed.

Daily collects written data sheets in the appropriate folders, then collates and properly files in assigned file cabinet at the completion of the task/project/year. Periodically, throughout course of project, paper data sheets are entered into the project electronic spreadsheets, to be uploaded and stored in the assigned shared virtual drive.

Places in and retrieves samples from the archive as needed for laboratory analysis, further processing, or other research purposes.

Participates in weekly laboratory meetings and monthly staff meetings.

Two years experience or an Associate Degree, Chemistry and Materials Sciences: Analytical Chemistry, Chemistry (General), Inorganic Chemistry, Environmental and Marine Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Environmental Studies, Soil Science.

Open to US citizens, 18 years or older.

A person with science support skills is needed for sample preparation and chemical analysis.