Sample Preparation Technician in Stanley

Role Overview

At Chemtech Environmental, we like to think of ourselves as an extension of your team — the kind that adds value without adding hassle. We keep things simple, personal and practical, offering tailored solutions and responsive support through our network of regional laboratories. With years of industry experience behind us, we help clients get the answers they need, make smart decisions and keep projects moving — all while sweating the small stuff so they don’t have to.

Position Details

Department: Laboratory
Location: County Durham
Compensation: £25,000 / year

Job Details

You’ll be at the heart of the lab, making sure samples are prepared correctly and ready for testing or subcontract analysis. Working alongside colleagues across the business, you’ll help keep our operations flowing smoothly and deliver the top‐notch service our clients expect.

O‑weekend overtime rota (1 in 4), extra overtime up for grabs, and a performance‑based bonus for exceptional results.

Responsibilities

• Prepare samples and subsamples (soils, solids, water, leachates, etc.) and maintain accurate logs and documentation.
• Keep the sample preparation area tidy, maintain supplies and order stock when needed.
• Champion health & safety by promoting good practices, ensuring PPE is used properly, and identifying ways to improve lab safety.
• Manage samples from receipt to storage, preparation for testing, subcontracting, and disposal.
• Maintain equipment, conduct checks, troubleshoot issues, and ensure all equipment, such as soil drying cabinets, functions properly.
• Support quality across the lab, assist with internal and external quality checks, monitor materials, and raise potential issues.
• Work collaboratively with other departments, support sampling activities on client sites, and set a positive example for the team.

Qualifications

• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Excel and ability to learn lab systems, processes, and procedures quickly.
• Organised, detail‑focused, and able to meet deadlines in a busy environment.
• Comfortable working independently or as part of a team, using good judgement.
• Reliable, proactive, self‑motivated, with a strong work ethic and positive attitude.
• Strong communicator, confident speaking with colleagues and listening to instructions or feedback.
• Experience in manual, operational, or laboratory‑style work; thrives in fast‑paced environments.
• Solid foundations: GCSEs (or equivalent) in English and Maths; a chemistry‑related degree or scientific qualification beneficial.

Benefits

• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing with tenure.
• Performance bonus.
• Free on‑site parking.
• Health and wellbeing programme.
• Life insurance (2× salary).
• Referral bonus of £1,000.
• Sick pay and enhanced maternity & paternity pay.
• Christmas shutdown.

Important Information

Celnor Group and its businesses manage recruitment directly. We do not require agency support for this role and will only engage with recruitment partners from our preferred supplier list where necessary. We may use technology, including AI‑enabled tools, to support parts of the recruitment process. AI is not used for candidate screening, scoring or hiring decisions. All hiring decisions are made by people. Our recruitment systems are ISO 42001 accredited, reflecting our commitment to ethical, transparent and responsible use of technology.