Labortory Technician

This role is located in NRM, within the Cawood Scientific Agriculture Division. NRM, part of the Cawood Scientific Group, are the UK’s largest independent provider of agronomic and environmental waste analysis for land-based industries. We offer water, soil, manures, fertilisers and plant tissue analysis to farmers, growers and agronomists for improved farm productivity, as well as land-based environmental services including composted waste, anaerobic digestate, effluents and industrial renewables. Learn more about NRM by clicking here.

Job Description

JOB ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Preparation and extraction of mineral nitrogen’s (Minn-N) paying high attention to the workload and workflow, to meet customer expectation
• Grain grinding, requires a pre-grind and a fine grind with a high level of attention to detail
• Scoop/ weigh/ aliquot, prepared of Manure – slurry - Minn-n samples into appropriate containers. High attention to detail is required to ensure no errors while working with high-volume workload.
• Ensure samples that have extra analysis requested (late requests) are located and aliquoted accordingly.
• Locate Manure and slurry samples from the storage areas and re-weigh/ scoop/ aliquot when a QC failure has occurred.
• Locate Manu and slurry samples from the storage areas and reweigh/ scoop/ aliquot when a recheck ‘blue form’ has been raised and ensure the sample’s prepared in duplicate.
• Monitor and problem solve unlocated, absent, insufficient samples.
• Reweighing samples when requested from the General, ICP and Environmental departments.
• Lift trays containing agriculture samples to be prepared and move trolleys of Samples around the laboratory and into storage.
• Weekly stock control of consumables.
• Fill in the SQPR board with up-to-date information in relation to delivery and performance
• Daily checking of KPI to ensure samples are not late.
• Ensure all balances used are cleaned, maintained and record books are kept up to date; highlighting to compliance any anomalies.
• Understand and follow the Standard Operating Procedures provided.
• Support routine operations, staff and analysis by mentoring, training, and ensuring compliance with NRM Quality and UKAS requirements.
• Work as a team and maintain morale and actively offer help and assistance wherever possible.
• Work must be completed efficiently and effectively to minimise waste and time used, therefore maximising the productivity and profitability of the laboratory.
• Maintain Cawood credibility by always portraying a positive image, keeping equipment and PPE clean.
• Keeping safety at the forefront of laboratory work and being proactive ensuring accidents and near misses are always reported straightaway to managers in line with our company accreditation and policy.
• When required, assist with on-site training of new employees providing proactive support ensuring their onboarding into the company is friendly, engaging, and inspiring.
• Support the Manager in the process of managing the recruitment of the team and be involved in the analysts on-going development.
• Leasing closely with the Manager to report any unusual occurrences or instances that require recording and alerting them of any HR issues that may arise. Including, but not limited to absence, annual leave, and misconduct.
  
  

CORE COMPETENCIES – Use those appropriate for the role

Diligence

• Comply with Cawood ways of working, policies, and procedures.
• Maintain safe, compliant, and effective working standards.
  
  

Efficiency

• Constantly review & optimise your ways of working.
• Share good practice and be prepared to suggest better ways of working.
• Be able to work in a fast-paced environment while keeping quality of work to a high standard.
  
  

Communication

• Understand and utilise the structural reporting lines provided.
• Report problems in the lab effectively and promptly.
  
  

Continuous Improvement

• Grasp opportunities to broaden your own horizons and development. Embrace change and seek clarity when required.