Join our team and begin a rewarding career with Itafos!

Laboratory Lead 

Conda Phosphate Operations 

Soda Springs, Idaho

Reporting to the Process Engineering Supervisor, the Laboratory Lead is a working lead with workload split approximately 20% supervisory and 80% hands-on analytical work. The Laboratory Lead is responsible for managing day to day operation of the quality control laboratory, including supervision of laboratory personnel, procurement of operating supplies and equipment, coverage for sick leave and vacation, and performance of laboratory analysis.

Lead Responsibilities Include:

• Champion safety improvement, environmental stewardship, and analytical excellence in the laboratory.
• Supervise operation of the laboratory and six full time technicians, including performance reviews, scheduling coverage for vacation and sick leave, and providing coverage as necessary.
• Ensure QA/QC standards are met, and safe work practices are followed.
• Manage laboratory operation to the budget.
• Manage inventory and procurement of laboratory supplies and equipment.
• Manage collection, neutralization, and disposal of laboratory waste streams.
• Manage maintenance schedule of laboratory equipment and instrumentation.
• Manage development of new analytical methods and procedures.
• Maintain the Laboratory information Management System (dataPARC).
• Monitor and Maintain Ion-Exchange resins and Reverse Osmosis water treatment system.

Laboratory Analytical Responsibilities Include:

• Work safely and responsibility, following laboratory procedures and site safe work practices.
• Analyze routine plant and mine samples in a timely manner and be responsive to non-routine analytical needs of the plant and mine.
• Prepare consumable reagents and standards for the main laboratory and operations’ field laboratories.
• Maintain, calibrate, and service all laboratory equipment.
• Use computer tools to record data and prepare reports.

Qualifications for the position include:  

• Possess a BS degree in chemistry, or other related field, and 2+ years of laboratory experience, or
• Possess a minimum of 5 years of directly related laboratory experience.
• Experience with ICP,ICP-MS preferred.
• Possess excellent problem solving, trouble-shooting, and diagnostic skills.
• Previous supervisory experience is a plus.
• Computer skills (Excel, Word, Outlook, SAP, dataPARC).
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Self-motivated, and able to work with minimal supervision in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrate behaviors and attitudes that support high-performance team-oriented culture.
• Able to lift up to 50 pounds and stand at a work bench for long periods.

 Work Schedule & Environment:  

• 4-day x 10-hour work week, typically Monday through Thursday.
• Requirement to be responsive to plant needs, including production upsets, outages, and turnarounds, during normal and off shift hours.
• Performing work in a combination of office/indoor and manufacturing/outdoor settings.
• Typical manufacturing/processing environment working near moving equipment and mechanical parts, varying levels of noise, and near fumes or airborne particles.
• Performing work outdoors in a variety of environmental conditions including elevated temperatures, cold, rain, snow, etc.
• Performing work from elevated heights, platforms, and/or ladders.
• Performing work using a variety of types of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) including hard hats, safety glasses/goggles, gloves, hearing protection, respirators, protective suits, fall protection, etc.
• Requires frequent standing, walking, and ascending/descending stairs.

** Itafos Conda, LLC is committed to creating an inclusive workplace and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.**