PPL LAB TECHNICIAN

Position Details

Position Information

Recruitment/Posting Title

PPL LAB TECHNICIAN

Job Category

AFSCME 1761 (COLT)

Department

Soil Testing & Plant Diagnosti

Overview

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, is a leading national research university and the State of New Jersey’s preeminent, comprehensive public institution of higher education. As one of the largest employers in the State of New Jersey, Rutgers University is committed not only to the students and the State that we serve, but also to the faculty and staff who work on our campuses.

For two consecutive years, Rutgers is ranked on Forbes’ list of America’s Best Large Employers. Rutgers holds #64 of 500 employers and is the #1 New Jersey employer on the publication’s 2023 list. Rutgers’ commitment to its employees includes maintaining and fostering a safe, diverse, and respectful workplace environment, creating employment opportunities for our nation’s military veterans, and ensuring accessibility and accommodation for individuals with disabilities.

Posting Summary

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey is seeking a PPL Lab Technician for the Rutgers Soil Testing Laboratory. The Rutgers Soil Testing Laboratory (STL) is a service unit of Rutgers Cooperative Extension that performs chemical analysis of soils, plant tissue, and water for the public (including farmers, landscape professionals, and residential clientele, etc.) and university research personnel. Under direct supervision of the STL Director and/or Laboratory Researcher, the Principal Laboratory Technician position is primarily responsible for the preparation, extraction/digestion, and analysis of soil samples (approximately 8000/year) for plant nutrients, operation and maintenance of ICP-OES analytic equipment, quality control practices, conversion and import of data values to the Soil Testing Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) database.

Other agricultural/horticultural analyses to be conducted include extraction and analysis of inorganic nitrogen with automated continuous flow analyzer, extraction and analyses of compost and potting media samples, digestion and analysis of plant tissue, etc. Other laboratory procedures must be mastered as well to ensure continuity of laboratory operations and support the evolving needs of the Soil Testing Laboratory.

Among the key duties of the position are the following:

• Oversees the logging and initial handling and preparation of samples, data management and input to LIMS, and development and performance of other special soil tests as required.
• Functions as the group leader and instructor for laboratory technicians, laboratory assistants, and students of a large university laboratory and/or teaching program.
• Maintains proficiency in all laboratory analytical operations.
• Supports the NJAES mission of education and outreach with professional contact with students and members of the general public.
• Provides professional-level laboratory technical support involving the application of scientific research methods and techniques.

FLSA

Nonexempt

Grade

18

Salary Details

Minimum Salary

50166.450

Mid Range Salary

59082.220

Maximum Salary

68367.120

Offer Information

The final salary offer may be determined by several factors, including, but not limited to, the candidate’s qualifications, experience, and expertise, and availability of department or grant funds to support the position. We also take into consideration market benchmarks, if and when appropriate, and internal equity to ensure fair compensation relative to the university’s broader compensation structure. We are committed to offering competitive and flexible compensation packages to attract and retain top talent.

Benefits

Rutgers provides a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. The specific benefits vary based on the position and may include:

• Medical, prescription drug, and dental coverage
• Paid vacation, holidays, and various leave programs
• Competitive retirement benefits, including defined contribution plans and voluntary tax-deferred savings options
• Employee and dependent educational benefits (when applicable)
• Life insurance coverage
• Employee discount programs

Position Status

Full Time

Working Hours

Standard Hours

35.00

Daily Work Shift

Day

Work Arrangement

This position requires a fully on-site work arrangement.

Union Description

AFSCME - Local 1761 COLT

Payroll Designation

PeopleSoft

Seniority Unit

Terms of Appointment

Staff - 12 month

Position Pension Eligibility

PERS

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in a scientific discipline. A combination of two years college-level science curriculum plus two years laboratory technician or relevant laboratory research-study experience carrying out research protocols and tests may be substituted for the degree.
• An additional equivalent amount of college-level study in an appropriate science curriculum may take the place of the experience in the above combination.

Certifications/Licenses

• A valid driver’s license would be required for this position.
• Two years of driving experience.
• Successful completion of the Rutgers’ Defensive Driving Course.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of scientific empirical procedures.
• Ability to understand the fundamentals of the science.
• Ability to read and understand technical documents.
• Ability to perform complex scientific routines, protocols, and tests.
• Ability to articulate data to researcher and give clear directions to others.
• Ability to operate and maintain sophisticated equipment.
• Ability to group lead.
• Ability to record and maintain data in computerized and non-computerized formats.
• Ability to communicate effectively.
• Will be required to participate in required occupational health and safety programs.

Preferred Qualifications

• A Bachelor and/or Master’s of Science degree in soil science, environmental science, or inorganic chemistry discipline, or equivalent experience in soil sample preparation, handling chemicals, and use of analytic equipment.
• Knowledge and understanding of the Land Grant University system and Cooperative Extension.
• Interest and experience in agronomic or horticultural fields.

Equipment Utilized

• This position will be required to operate Inductively coupled plasma spectrometer and Autoanalyzer using proprietary software, accurately utilize pipettes, and safely handle hazardous materials (primarily acids).
• PC-based software (MS-Windows operating system, MS Office, and custom-developed database).

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Must work with hazardous chemicals.
• Routine use of personal protective equipment and compliance with all REHS safety training is expected.
• Suspended colloidal soil particles (dust) are unavoidable in the STL; dust masks are available with training.
• Ability to lift and carry trays of soil samples and related materials or buckets of excess/discarded soil (30-50 pounds).
• Office space is shared.

Special Conditions

• Skill preparing analytical calibration standards is necessary.
• Knowledge of theory and operation of analytical equipment and ability to troubleshoot and adjust/maintain instruments is essential.
• Familiarity with MS Office programs and its use with related software is necessary.
• Regular workweek may include evening and/or weekend work.
• Regular 5 days/week lab schedule; no remote work option.
• Shift hours/Schedule: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
• Safe Driving Record.

Posting Details

Posting Number

26ST1837

Posting Open Date

09/24/2026

Special Instructions to Applicants

Message to AFSCME Local 1761 (COLT) members ONLY: To apply, an application or resume must be submitted no later than 9:00 a.m. on Friday, 10/02/2026. Although AFSCME Local 1761 (COLT) members have priority consideration, outside applications are accepted as well.

Regional Campus

Rutgers University-New Brunswick

Home Location Campus

Off Campus

City

New Brunswick

State

NJ

Location Details

Pre-employment Screenings

All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all pre-employment screenings.

Immunization Requirements

Under Policy 100.3.1 Immunization Policy for Covered Individuals, if employment will commence during Flu Season, Rutgers University may require certain prospective employees to provide proof that they are vaccinated against Seasonal Influenza for the current Flu Season, unless the University has granted the individual a medical or religious exemption. Additional infection control and safety policies may apply. Prospective employees should speak with their hiring manager to determine which policies apply to the role or position for which they are applying. Failure to provide proof of vaccination for any required vaccines or obtain a medical or religious exemption from the University will result in rescission of a candidate’s offer of employment or disciplinary action up to and including termination.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

It is university policy to provide equal employment opportunity to all its employees and applicants for employment regardless of their race, creed, color, national origin, age, ancestry, nationality, marital or domestic partnership or civil union status, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, disability status, liability for military service, protected veteran status, affectional or sexual orientation, atypical cellular or blood trait, genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing), or any other category protected by law. As an institution, we encourage all qualified applicants to apply. For additional information please see the Non-Discrimination Statement at the following web address: http://uhr.rutgers.edu/non-discrimination-statement

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• Do you have a bachelor’s degree in a scientific discipline? A combination of two years college-level science curriculum plus two years laboratory technician or relevant laboratory research-study experience carrying out research protocols and tests may be substituted for the degree. An additional equivalent amount of college-level study in an appropriate science curriculum may take the place of the experience in the above combination.

• Yes

• No

• Are you currently a member of AFSCME 1761 (COLT)?

• Yes

• No

• Do you have any experience with Soil Science, Environmental Science in a Soil Testing Laboratory?

(Open Ended Question)

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

• Resume/CV

Optional Documents