Lab Technician - Microbiology (2nd Shift) in Reading, Pennsylvania at SOUTHERN PETROLEUM LABS

At SPL, the work you do matters. Our teams provide trusted energy and environmental testing and measurement solutions that protect communities, support critical infrastructure, and safeguard the environment. With a nationwide footprint and opportunities for growth across multiple locations and disciplines, SPL is a place where you can build a career while making a real-world impact.

We’re searching for a motivated Laboratory Analyst to join our environmental laboratory team in Reading, PA.

In this role, you’ll support the microbiological analytical testing of drinking water, wastewater, biosolids, and other environmental samples. You’ll prepare samples, media, and reagents and perform routine testing for total coliform, fecal coliform, E. coli, and other microbiological indicators. You’ll gain hands-on experience with testing methods, including Colilert, Enterolert, and Quanti-Tray enumeration, while supporting accurate documentation, quality control, laboratory safety, and regulatory compliance.

This is an excellent opportunity to develop practical laboratory expertise, learn from an experienced team, and build a career in environmental microbiology while contributing to reliable results that protect public health and the environment.

Please note: This position follows a 2nd shift schedule Monday - Friday from 2 PM - 10:30 PM EST with a monthly Sunday rotation.

• Prepare drinking water, wastewater, biosolids, and other environmental samples for microbiological testing in accordance with approved methods and holding-time requirements
• Prepare culture media, reagents, standards, controls, and other materials used in environmental microbiology testing
• Perform testing for total coliform, fecal coliform, E. coli, enterococci, and other microbiological indicators using Colilert, Enterolert, and IDEXX Quanti-Tray enumeration methods
• Operate Quanti-Tray sealers, incubators, autoclaves, membrane filtration systems, colony counters, and other microbiology laboratory equipment
• Complete equipment checks, calibrations, quality-control procedures, and routine maintenance to ensure accurate and reliable test results
• Enter, review, and maintain sample information, test results, and supporting documentation in the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS)
• Follow approved analytical methods, standard operating procedures, Good Laboratory Practices, and applicable quality, safety, and regulatory requirements
• Support laboratory audits, proficiency testing, corrective actions, quality investigations, and continuous-improvement initiatives
• Monitor laboratory supplies and assist with inventory management, laboratory housekeeping, and cross-training
• Perform other related duties as assigned

What We're Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology, Biology, Environmental Science, Chemistry, or a related scientific discipline
• Demonstrated hands-on analytical laboratory experience, preferably within an environmental laboratory setting
• Previous experience performing microbiological testing and preparation of samples, culture media, reagents, and controls for the analysis of drinking water, wastewater, biosolids, or other environmental samples
• Experience with environmental microbiology methods and equipment, including Colilert, Enterolert, IDEXX Quanti-Tray, membrane filtration, incubators, autoclaves, and colony counters strongly preferred
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint
• Experience using a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) is a plus

• Competitive compensation
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k) with company match
• Employer-paid life, accidental death and dismemberment, and disability insurance
• Paid time off, sick leave, and paid holidays
• Paid parental leave
• Employee Assistance Program
• Tuition reimbursement and professional development support

• Full-time, onsite position following 2nd shift schedule Monday - Friday from 2 PM to 10:30 PM EST
• Must be able to temporarily work 8 AM– 4:30 PM EST for the first 90 days of training
• Flexibility to work beyond standard hours, including rotating weekends to meet operational or workload needs

At SPL, we believe that a diverse team is a strong team. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive environment where all employees can thrive. We make all employment decisions based on qualifications, merit, and business needs without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic. We are also committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities or sincerely held religious beliefs in accordance with applicable laws. If you need assistance or an accommodation during the application process, please let us know.

At this time, SPL is unable to offer visa sponsorship for this position. We sincerely appreciate your interest and understanding, and we encourage you to explore other opportunities with us that may be a fit in the future.