The Lead Lab Technician is responsible for supporting daily laboratory operations, overseeing lab functions, and providing leadership to Lab Technicians while ensuring compliance with environmental, safety, and regulatory requirements. This role combines hands-on analytical work with leadership responsibilities, serving as a key link between laboratory operations and facility performance.

The Lead Lab Technician is expected to operate with a high level of technical expertise, situational awareness, and accountability, ensuring all incoming waste streams are properly analyzed and approved in accordance with regulatory and company standards.

Additionally, the Lead Lab Technician serves as a mentor and trainer for new team members, supporting onboarding, reinforcing best practices, and helping to develop technical proficiency across the lab team.

Essential Functions

Laboratory Operations

Perform sampling from incoming tankers and materials for analysis
Conduct laboratory testing (wet bench chemistry, analytical testing) to determine waste acceptance
Evaluate samples to ensure compliance with site permits and regulatory requirements
Operate laboratory equipment and instrumentation safely and accurately

Maintain accurate laboratory logs, manifests, and required documentation in compliance with regulations

Leadership & Oversight

Lead and support daily activities of Lab Technicians
Provide guidance, coaching, and training to ensure consistency, accuracy, and safety
Assist Lab Manager in coordinating workflow and prioritizing lab operations
Serve as a technical resource for troubleshooting and decision-making

Safety & Compliance

Ensure all laboratory operations comply with local, state, and federal environmental regulations
Maintain strict adherence to company safety policies, PPE requirements, and chemical handling procedures
Identify and address potential safety hazards within the lab environment
Support a safety-first culture aligned with LES standards

Operational Support

Support plant operations by providing timely and accurate analytical results
Assist with reducing turnaround time for sample analysis to improve facility throughput
Communicate results and operational impacts to plant leadership and operations teams
Serve as a liaison between laboratory, operations, and customers when needed

Administrative & Reporting

Maintain accurate records in accordance with regulatory, compliance, and internal requirements
Support audits, inspections, and regulatory reporting as needed

Ensure proper documentation of all waste acceptance decisions

Knowledge and Skills

Knowledge of the environmental services industry is advantageous.

Strong understanding of laboratory practices, analytical testing, and chemical handling
Working knowledge of environmental compliance and regulatory requirements
Ability to interpret lab results and translate findings into operational decisions
Strong leadership, communication, and coaching skills
Ability to prioritize tasks and manage workflow in a fast-paced environment
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and data entry systems

Results-driven mindset with a track record of meeting or exceeding sales targets.
Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.

Education and Experience

High school diploma or equivalent required
Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Environmental Science, or related field preferred
2–4 years of laboratory or environmental/waste management experience
Prior lead, mentoring, or supervisory experience preferred x

Working Environment:

Ability to work in laboratory and plant environments with exposure to odors, chemicals, and varying temperatures
Ability to stand for extended periods and perform repetitive sampling/testing tasks

May require working indoors and outdoors in various weather conditions x

This job description in no way states of implies these are the only duties to be performed by the employee incumbent in the position. Employees will be required to follow any other legal or ethical job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. A review of this position has excluded the marginal functions of the position that are incidental to the performance of fundamental job duties.

This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise. Liquid Environmental Solutions has an “at will” relationship with team members.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

Liquid Env Solutions of Alabama jobs

Lead Laboratory Technician