Organics Technical Specialist

Organics Technical Specialist 2.9 2.9 out of 5 stars Kelso, WA $32 an hour - Full-time

ALS 1,016

reviews $32 an hour - Full-time At ALS, we encourage you to dream big. When you join us, you'll be part of a global team harnessing the power of scientific testing and data-driven insights to build a healthier future. Imagine your future with us! At ALS, we encourage you to dream big. When you join ALS, you become part of a purpose‑ and values‑driven organization that empowers innovation, collaboration, and professional growth. Our global team brings passion and commitment every day—continually challenging conventional thinking to solve some of the world's most complex problems and contribute to a safer, healthier world.

Hourly Rate:

$32 Position Summary The Organics Technical Specialist is a site‑based technical leader providing regional support for organic analytical methods and instrumentation across ALS laboratories. This role is responsible for supporting method development, optimization, and implementation while ensuring consistent analytical performance, regulatory compliance, and technical alignment across the region. The Specialist serves as a subject‑matter expert across multiple organic platforms, including GC‑MS, GC‑MS/MS, GC‑ECD, GC‑FID, and LC‑MS/MS. This position leads method modernization efforts, supports troubleshooting and training, and coordinates execution of technical initiatives. During periods without active development projects, the Specialist provides hands‑on analytical and data review support to maintain laboratory productivity and quality. Primary Responsibilities Site & Regional Technical Leadership Serve as the primary technical resource for organic analytical methods across the site and assigned regional laboratories Provide day‑to‑day technical guidance to laboratory management, supervisors, and analysts Act as an escalation point for complex analytical, method, and instrumentation issues Support deployment and implementation of ALS technical and quality initiatives at the regional level Identify and communicate opportunities for method improvement, standardization, and efficiency Method Development & Implementation Lead and support development, modification, and implementation of organic analytical methods across GC and LC platforms Focus on modernization and expansion of capabilities including emerging contaminants, low‑level detection, and improved throughput Design and execute method validation, verification, and equivalency studies in compliance with EPA, client, and accreditation requirements Evaluate new technologies, columns, extraction techniques, and workflows to enhance laboratory capabilities Document method development efforts through validation summaries, SOP updates, and technical reports Method & Instrument Ownership Own assigned organic methods and instrumentation, including GC‑MS, GC‑MS/MS, GC‑ECD, GC‑FID, and LC‑MS/MS systems Ensure methods are maintained, optimized, and consistently executed across laboratories Monitor instrument and method performance metrics to identify trends and implement corrective actions Support configuration optimization including chromatography conditions, ionization parameters, detector settings, and acquisition methods Troubleshooting & Technical Performance Lead advanced troubleshooting efforts for chromatographic, mass spectral, and method performance issues Address challenges related to sensitivity, interferences, carryover, calibration performance, and compound identification Provide technical support for complex data interpretation and reprocessing decisions Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance data quality, robustness, and efficiency Analytical & Data Review Support Perform organic analyses during periods without active technical projects to support laboratory throughput Assist with data review, QC evaluation, and technical validation for GC and LC‑based methods Provide expert judgment for complex identification, integration, and QC issues Ensure all analytical work meets quality system, regulatory, and client requirements Training & Staff Development Deliver technical training across organic platforms, including GC‑MS, GC‑MS/MS, GC‑ECD, GC‑FID, and LC‑MS/MS Support onboarding and skill development of analysts and technical staff Provide hands‑on coaching in troubleshooting, method execution, and data interpretation Promote standardization and best practices across laboratories Quality, Compliance & Accreditation Support Ensure all organic methods comply with EPA, state, client, and accreditation requirements (TNI/NELAC, DoD ELAP, etc.) Support internal audits, external assessments, and client data package reviews Assist with technical root cause analysis, corrective actions, and audit responses Partner with QA to maintain data integrity and consistent application of quality standards Collaboration & Communication Work closely with Laboratory Operations, QA, and regional leadership Communicate technical risks, progress updates, and implementation plans clearly and effectively Document technical decisions, deviations, and corrective actions in a defensible and transparent manner Foster a collaborative, technically rigorous environment across the region Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Advanced knowledge of organic analytical chemistry and environmental laboratory practices Strong expertise across multiple platforms: GC‑MS, GC‑MS/MS, GC‑ECD, GC‑FID, and LC‑MS/MS Deep understanding of EPA organic methods (e.g., 8270, 8081/8082, 8015, 625, PFAS methods, pesticides, VOC/SVOC) Demonstrated ability to lead method development, validation, and troubleshooting efforts Strong chromatographic and mass spectral interpretation skills Ability to balance technical leadership with hands‑on laboratory support Excellent documentation, analytical reasoning, and communication skills Required Education and Experience Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or a related scientific discipline (Master's preferred) Minimum of six (6) to eight (8) years of experience in organic analytical chemistry within a regulated laboratory Demonstrated expertise across multiple GC and LC‑based platforms Proven experience with method development, optimization, and technical leadership Preferred Experience and Certifications Experience supporting multiple laboratories or regional operations Direct involvement in method innovation or emerging contaminant analysis (e.g., PFAS, trace‑level pesticides) Experience with high‑resolution or advanced MS systems (triple quadrupole, tandem MS) Familiarity with DoD ELAP and other highly regulated programs Experience delivering formal training and mentoring technical staff Physical Demands Ability to work in laboratory environments and travel periodically within the region Ability to stand, walk, or sit for extended periods Manual dexterity required for instrument evaluation and analytical support Ability to interpret chromatograms, spectra, and detailed analytical reports Working at ALS Our people are our greatest asset and the foundation of our success. ALS is a diverse, inclusive community of professionals united by a shared purpose to make a meaningful difference. We recognize and reward excellence, invest in continuous learning, and provide career development opportunities across our global organization. At ALS, you will find a supportive environment that values safety, flexibility, and professional fulfillment—allowing you to build a rewarding career while making a positive impact on our people, our planet, and our communities. About ALS ALS is a global leader in scientific testing, delivering comprehensive analytical solutions across more than 60 countries. Serving industries including environmental, food and beverage, mining, pharmaceutical, healthcare, personal care, and equipment reliability, ALS combines state‑of‑the‑art technologies with local expertise. Our teams transform data into actionable insights—supporting safer, healthier, and more sustainable outcomes worldwide. Everyone matters ALS is proud to be an equal opportunity employer committed to achieving and maintaining a workforce which reflects and affirms the diversity of our society ALS is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor. EOE AA Minority, Female, Veteran, Individuals with Disabilities Click Here to view the EEO is the Law poster Click Here to view the FMLA Law poster Click Here to view the EPPA Law Poster Click Here to view the Pay Transparency Provision Click Here to view company E-Verify Participation Poster ALS also welcomes applications from people with all levels of ability. Accommodation is available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. How to apply Please apply on-line with your resume and outline your motivation and ability to meet the requirements of this role. Not the right fit? Set up email alerts as new job postings become available that meet your interest! Working at ALS The ALS team is a diverse and dedicated community united by our passion to make a difference in the world. Our values are important to us, and shape how we work, how we treat each other and how we recognise excellence. At ALS, you'll be supported to develop new skills and reach your full potential. We invest in our people with programs and opportunities that help you build a diverse career with us. We want everyone to have a safe, flexible and rewarding career that makes a positive impact on our people, the planet and our communities. Everyone Matters ALS is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment where the strengths and perspectives of each employee are both recognised and valued. Qualified candidates will be considered without regard to race, colour, religion, national origin, military or veteran status, gender, age, disabilities, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information and any other characteristics protected by the law. We invite resumes from all interested parties, including women, members of minority groups, and persons living with disabilities. ALS also welcomes applications from people with all levels of ability. Reasonable adjustments to support candidates throughout the recruitment process are available upon request. Eligibility To be eligible to work at ALS you must be a Citizen or Permanent Resident of the country you are applying for, or either hold or be able to obtain, a valid working visa. How to apply Please apply on-line and provide a resume & cover letter that best demonstrate your motivation and ability to meet the requirements of this role.