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Laboratory Associate - Soil, Plant, & Water Analysis Laboratory Bookmark this Posting Print Preview | Apply for this Job

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

Desired start date is June 1, 2025.

Application materials will include current CV, undergraduate and where applicable also graduate transcripts (unofficial copy is sufficient for the application), contact information for three references, and a cover letter.

The CV’s education section will highlight any coursework relevant for the position. Under CV’s work experience section, list any analytical techniques for chemical, physical, and microbiological characterization of soil, water, plant tissue, forage, and agricultural waste samples that you have used in the past. Also in this section, please list any analytical instrument that you have used. For each analytical technique and instrument, identify your proficiency level as (select one): a) used in class; b) used a few times; c) used regularly under supervision; or d) used regularly independently.

For the cover letter, in addition to discussing your educational background and job-related experience as related to the posted position description, please discuss your experience with lab quality assurance / quality control and ability to interpret results of soil, water, plant tissue, forage, and agricultural waste samples analyses.

Posting Details

Position Information

Job Title Laboratory Associate - Soil, Plant, & Water Analysis Laboratory

Full Time/Part Time Full Time

FLSA Exempt

General Job Description

This is a professional position responsible for coordinating and overseeing the activities of the Soil, Plant, and Water Analysis Laboratory. Responsible for overseeing the receipt of samples; coordinating and conducting laboratory analyses; and overseeing the generation of results and reports of findings. Works under general supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Reports to the Director of the Soil, Plant, and Water Analysis Laboratory.

Essential Job Functions

1. Oversees the routine analysis of soil, plant, water, and other materials submitted by the general public to the laboratory.

2. Oversees the gathering of laboratory results and the generation of reports to the public.

3. Conducts research and carries out advanced, non-routine analyses of samples.

4. Manages research data generated in the laboratory.

5. Hires, trains, supervises, and evaluates assigned staff, including student assistants.

6. Develops analytical laboratory procedures, including quality assurance and control.

7. Supervises sample preparation, laboratory research planning, and implementation.

8. Maintains and operates laboratory equipment. Conducts minor repairs, as needed.

9. Maintains inventory of laboratory supplies, chemicals, and waste.

10. Maintains deposits of payments for laboratory services.

Non-Essential Job Functions

1. Receives and supervises the receipt of payments from students and others for departmentally sponsored activities.

2. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

The individual must possess the following knowledge, skills, and abilities or be able to explain and demonstrate that the individual can perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation.

1. Knowledge of, or the ability to learn, university policies and procedures.

2. Knowledge of chemistry, geology, soil science, animal (ruminant) nutrition, and plant biology.

3. Organizational skills in managing projects simultaneously while maintaining a satisfactory work product.

4. Skill in the use of computer applications including spreadsheet, database, and word processing software.

5. Skill in utilizing sophisticated laboratory equipment to conduct analyses.

6. Skill in the maintenance and repair of applicable equipment.

7. Ability to solve laboratory and analysis problems.

8. Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written form.

9. Ability to maintain effective interpersonal relationships.

10. Ability to accurately prepare and maintain records, files, and reports.

11. Ability to train and supervise others.

12. Ability to learn office and university-specific software.

13. Physical condition adequate to permit full performance of duties.

Physical Demands

Required Education

Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, soil science, plant biology, environmental science, animal science, or a related field is required.

Required Experience and Training

Two years of experience in a laboratory setting is required. Experience in the preparation and analyses of soil, water, and plant tissue samples is required.

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s degree is preferred. Experience in the preparation and processing of water samples for microbiological screening and processing dietary requirements for ruminants is preferred. Supervisory experience is preferred.

Special Conditions for Eligibility

This is a security-sensitive position subject to criminal record check.

This is a safety-sensitive position subject to drug and alcohol testing.

This is an IT-sensitive position subject to Computer and Network Security policy.

Min Pay Rate

Mid Pay Rate

Salary Information Commensurate with Experience

Specific Job Requirements/Duties for this Posting

Is Background Check Required? Yes

Benefit and Retirement Eligibility

This position is eligible for participation in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas ( TRS ) retirement plan, subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.

EEO Statement

Stephen F. Austin State University, an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer and Educator, is committed to excellence. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, creed, color, age, national origin, religion or physical or mental disability as required by law. If, because of an impairment or disability, you need accommodation during any part of the employment process, please contact Human Resources at 936-468-2304.

Posting Detail Information

Posting Number S2025-070

Candidates Eligible to Apply Open to all qualified applicants

Number of Positions Available 1

Posted Date 05/14/2025

Review Start Date

Close Date

Work Schedule Monday - Friday, 8AM - 5PM

Open Until Filled Yes

Special Instructions to Applicants

Desired start date is June 1, 2025.

Application materials will include current CV, undergraduate and where applicable also graduate transcripts (unofficial copy is sufficient for the application), contact information for three references, and a cover letter.

The CV’s education section will highlight any coursework relevant for the position. Under CV’s work experience section, list any analytical techniques for chemical, physical, and microbiological characterization of soil, water, plant tissue, forage, and agricultural waste samples that you have used in the past. Also in this section, please list any analytical instrument that you have used. For each analytical technique and instrument, identify your proficiency level as (select one): a) used in class; b) used a few times; c) used regularly under supervision; or d) used regularly independently.

For the cover letter, in addition to discussing your educational background and job-related experience as related to the posted position description, please discuss your experience with lab quality assurance / quality control and ability to interpret results of soil, water, plant tissue, forage, and agricultural waste samples analyses.

Posting Quick Link https://careers.sfasu.edu/postings/12877

Contact Information

Contact Name Aakriti Sharma

Contact Phone (936)468-4390

Contact Email [email protected]

Contact Information Applicants will be contacted by the hiring department if selected for an interview If you have specific questions about this job posting, please contact HR at (936) 468-2304.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

+ * Will you have earned a bachelor's degree prior to the start date of this position?

+ Yes

+ No

+ * What is your academic major/minor?

(Open Ended Question)

+ * Will you have obtained a Master's degree by the start date of the position?

+ Yes

+ No

+ * How many years' experience do you have in a laboratory setting?

+ 0-1

+ 1-2

+ 2-3

+ 3-4

+ 4-5

+ 5+

+ * Do you have experience in the preparation and analyses of soil, water, and plant tissue samples?

+ Yes

+ No

+ * Do you have supervisory experience?

+ Yes

+ No

+ * Have you worked on the SFA campus before?

+ Yes

+ No

+ * Are you a current employee of the university?

+ Yes

+ No

Documents Needed To Apply

Required Documents

+ Curriculum Vitae

+ Cover Letter

+ Transcript(s)

+ List of References

Optional Documents