650 W. 83rd Street, Chicago, IL Reports to: Operations Manager About Green Era Green Era operates one of the nation's most innovative organics recycling and renewable energy campuses, transforming inedible food waste into renewable natural gas (RNG), nutrient-rich compost, and healthier soils. Our campus combines biology, chemistry, engineering, sustainability, and data to solve real-world environmental challenges while delivering measurable community impact. We are building a best-in-class analytical laboratory to support plant optimization, research, and innovation. We're looking for a motivated Founding Laboratory Technician who wants to help build that laboratory while developing technical skills that are rarely available early in a career. The Opportunity This is more than a traditional laboratory technician role. As Green Era's Founding Laboratory Technician - Renewable Energy & Process Analytics, you'll work alongside our Chemical Engineer and Operations Team to establish our in-house analytical laboratory. Rather than simply following established procedures, you'll help develop them. Your analyses will directly influence the operation of one of the Midwest's leading anaerobic digestion facilities. Why This Role Is Different Help launch Green Era's in-house analytical laboratory from the ground up which includes working closely and training engineers, operators, and plant leadership. Gain experience in anaerobic digestion, renewable natural gas, environmental chemistry, microbiology, and industrial process optimization. See your laboratory work directly influence daily operating decisions. Develop highly marketable technical skills in one of the fastest-growing sectors of the clean energy economy. Key Responsibilities Laboratory Testing & Analysis Perform analyses of incoming feedstocks, digester biology, biomass, and digestate. Conduct pH, Total Solids (TS), Volatile Solids (VS), COD, Alkalinity, VFA, Ammonia, Conductivity, Moisture Content, Temperature, and additional analytical methods as capabilities expand. Collect, prepare, preserve, label, document, and interpret samples. Laboratory Development Help establish Green Era's in-house analytical laboratory. Assist with SOP development, QA/QC procedures, method validation, instrument calibration, preventive maintenance, and laboratory organization. Support implementation of laboratory reporting and data management systems. Data & Process Improvement Prepare daily, weekly, and monthly laboratory reports. Track performance trends and communicate unusual results. Collaborate with engineering and operations teams to improve digester performance. Laboratory Operations Maintain a clean, organized, and safe laboratory. Manage laboratory inventory, chemicals, and consumables. Operate and maintain analytical laboratory equipment. Qualifications Bachelor's degree or working on receiving BS in chemistry, biology, environmental science, engineering, wastewater, agriculture, or a related discipline. Experience with analytical laboratory instrumentation preferred. OSHA certification preferred. Strong attention to detail and documentation. Interest in renewable energy, the circular economy, and industrial process optimization. Excel proficiency; QA/QC experience is a plus. AI and visualization tools (Tableau, Power BI) proficiency is a plus for data analysis and reporting. Ability to work independently in an active industrial environment. What Success Looks Like in Your First 90 Days Become proficient in Green Era's routine analytical testing program. Help launch and organize the in-house analytical laboratory. Support development of SOPs, QA/QC procedures, and instrument calibration. Generate reliable laboratory data that supports plant optimization. Why Green Era? Build a laboratory instead of simply working in one. Learn directly from engineers and renewable energy professionals. Develop highly marketable analytical and industrial process skills. Make a measurable environmental and community impact every day. Career Growth This role is designed for someone who wants to build a career—not just fill a position. As Green Era grows, there will be opportunities to expand into laboratory management, process engineering, research and development, operations, technical services, and project leadership.
Pay:
$25.00 - $30.00 per hour
Benefits:
Dental insurance Health insurance Vision insurance
