Chemist I

Job ID:  509552

Sapphire Americas, a CRH Company, provides environmental services to industrial and municipal waste generators by converting their byproducts into fuels and materials that can be used in the cement manufacturing process. Converting waste into alternative fuels and materials and then recycling them into cement uniquely positions Ash Grove and Sapphire Americas to deliver unique zero landfill solutions to waste generators while lowering carbon footprint of our manufacturing activities and creating brighter future for our communities.
 

Sapphire Americas supports the Ash Grove Cement business by providing alternative fuels and alternative raw materials to facilitate the cement plants’ goals regarding commercial excellence, carbon footprint, and future developments. 

Ash Grove Cement, a CRH company, provides Portland and masonry cements to help build the foundation and infrastructure for the world around us.  We ship millions of tons of cement from our plants and network of terminals located across North America. When you work for Ash Grove, you are connecting to something bigger. We stand together to reinvent the way our world is built. Join our team and help Ash Grove build America. 

At Ash Grove Cement, people are our first priority. We offer a complete benefits package to include: 

• Health Insurance 

• Dental Insurance  

• Vision Insurance 

• Retirement Plan 

• Paid Time Off, Paid Holidays 

• Tuition Reimbursement 

• Employee Assistance Program  

• Disability Pay 

• Life Insurance 

• Growth Opportunities and more! 

Summary: 

The Chemist I, under the guidance of the Shift Supervisor and/or Laboratory Manager, sample and analyze hazardous and non-hazardous waste samples in accordance with the facility Waste Analysis Plan. Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

 What you’ll be contributing: 

• Promote and follow all plant safety guidelines.

• Observe all required safety rules including but not limited to those in the company Chemical Hygiene Plan.

• Use safety equipment including, but not limited to, air purifying respirators, safety goggles and glasses, protective clothing such as tyvek suits and rubber boots and gloves.

• Read and become familiar with the facility Waste Analysis Plan and Quality Manual.

• Sample solid and liquid fuel shipments as needed.

• Ensure a timely, thorough, cost-effective, and accurate analysis of each sample following all Waste Analysis Plan requirements.

• Notify the immediate supervisor if any problems arise.

• Ensure the overall cleanliness of all laboratory areas with special attention to the position work area.

• Perform any duties as assigned by the Laboratory Manager, as needed, to ensure a timely, thorough, cost-effective, and accurate analysis of laboratory samples.

• Monitor laboratory supply inventory and alert the appropriate purchasing personnel when levels become low.

• Initiate and/or complete chain-of-custody forms as necessary.

• Attend required training classes.

• Demonstrate an attitude of cooperation, concern and interest toward other employees and the company by performing, as needed, unassigned tasks for which there is time and ability.

• Additional duties as assigned by supervisor.

BTU Position Responsibilities:

• Generate a log-in entry into the appropriate log-in book for each sample which enters the laboratory for analysis.

• Initiate a sample analytical sheet and Ready-to-Burn sheet, each labeled with the log-in number.

• Perform sample analysis according to the Waste  Analysis Plan using the calorimeters, pH unit, Orion 960/940, Fisher Coloumatric titrator, gieger counter, muffle furnace and water bath.

• Perform all calibrations/standardizations, duplicates, check standards, matrix spikes, matrix spike duplicates, method blanks and any other Waste Analysis Plan required QC control checks on the calorimeters, pH unit, Orion 960/940, Fisher Coloumatric titrator, geiger counter, muffle furnace and water bath.

GC Position Responsibilities:

• Receive, appropriately extract (prepare) and analyze each sample for PCBs according to the facility Waste Analysis Plan.

• Log all data into PCB logbooks to be used for future reference.

• Perform all calibrations, check standards, matrix spikes and matrix spike duplicates, surrogate spikes, method blanks or other Waste Analysis Plan required QC control checks on the gas chromatographs.

Metals Position Requirements:

• Receive, appropriately digest (prepare), and analyze each sample for metals analysis according to the facility Waste Analysis Plan.

• Log all data into appropriate logbooks for future reference.

• Perform all calibrations, check standards, matrix spikes, matrix spike duplicates, method blanks, or any other Waste Analysis Plan required QC control checks on the ICP, AA, CEM microwave and the water bath.

To succeed in this position, you will need: 

• 2 Year Degree in Chemistry, Math, or related field preferred

• Minimum of 2 years of experience in a laboratory setting preferred.

• Ability to read, write and understand warning labels, instructions, signs, etc. 

• Proficient in analytical and problem-solving skills with close attention to detail and accuracy

• Ability to work within tight timeframes and meet strict deadlines.

• Knowledge of chemical laboratory testing procedures and guidelines, including well-defined analytical approaches and methods, as well as the interpretation of research results.

• Ability to read and follow testing procedures described in the standard specifications by various agencies, such as ASTM, AASHTO, American Concrete Institute (ACI), EPA, and Department of Transportation (DOT) specs.

• Ability to be customer centric.

• Proficient in commitment to work ethics and attention to detail.

• Ability to work in a team environment with a positive attitude.

• Ability to be self-motivated, learn fast, and committed to growing with the technical services team.

• Ability to maintain confidential information with discretion.

• Ability to be exposed to toxic and corrosive laboratory chemicals daily.

• Ability to make sound independent judgments regularly.

• Ability to safely handle chemicals following the established guidelines.

• Ability to complete routine assignments with minimal supervision.

• Ability to refer all questionable items to the lab supervisor.

• Ability to follow American Society of Testing & Materials (ASTM) test procedures which may involve the use of x-ray diffraction (XRD), x-ray fluorescence (XRF), atomic absorption (AA), isothermal calorimeter, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP), microwave and fused bead sample preparation, and a wide array of wet chemistry analytical techniques.

• Ability to work following guidelines, methods, and standard operating procedures.

 What to expect in a cement environment

• Work to be performed in a shop environment as well as outdoor exposure throughout the plant. Mild exposure to cement dust, heat, cold, and noise requires compliance with specified safety guidelines and procedures. Exposure to high elevations of up to 250 feet in height. Exposure to all weather conditions. Normal operation of mobile equipment may result in jarring and vibratory exposure.  

What’s next for you? 

We provide stability and advancement opportunities across North America. Use our tuition reimbursement program to help you meet your career goals. 

The above duties and responsibilities are representative of the nature and level of work assigned and are not necessarily all-inclusive. The physical demands, working environment, and other conditions of employment listed in this document are representative of but are not intended to provide an exhaustive list of the requirements for positions in this classification. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.  

What CRH Offers You

• Highly competitive base pay
• Comprehensive medical, dental and disability benefits programs
• Group retirement savings program
• Health and wellness programs
• An inclusive culture that values opportunity for growth, development, and internal promotion

About CRH

CRH has a long and proud heritage. We are a collection of hundreds of family businesses, regional companies and large enterprises that together form the CRH family. CRH operates in a decentralized, diversified structure that allows you to work in a small company environment while having the career opportunities of a large international organization.

If you’re up for a rewarding challenge, we invite you to take the first step and apply today! Once you click apply now, you will be brought to our official employment application. Please complete your online profile and it will be sent to the hiring manager. Our system allows you to view and track your status 24 hours a day. Thank you for your interest!

Sapphire Americas, a CRH Company, is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer.

EOE/Vet/Disability