Western Environmental Testing Laboratory announced Cheyenne Holter has been promoted to sample
control manager.

With nearly three years of experience, Holter was previously the sample control lead at WETLAB. In this
position her duties included processing the intake of samples, sample control systems, personnel, and
assisting clients.

Holter earned a Bachelor of Science in geoscience at Pacific Lutheran University in Washington. In her new
role, Holter will manage sample control infrastructure that supports WETLABs daily operations.
This includes supervising sample control personnel and couriers, scheduling courier routes, and ensuring
samples are properly received and processed for analysis.

See full article here.

Western Environmental Testing Laboratory (WETLAB) with locations in Sparks, Elko, and Las Vegas, Nevada is a full service, fun, and fast-paced client-oriented environmental testing laboratory. WETLAB sets itself apart from the usual environmental laboratory by providing superior customer service and we pride ourselves on developing lasting client relationships. WETLAB is currently accepting resumes for a Client Services Specialist in our Sparks, NV laboratory. We ask that all potential candidates reply to this posting and include their resume.

Job Title: Sample Control

Reports to: Sample Control Lead

Job Description:

This position is part of a flexible and dynamic team that works together to meet challenging demands that are essential to our clients’ operations. Primary duties include: processes sample receiving, sample login, sample splitting/preservation, constructs bottle kits, makes acid vials, maintains coolers, assisting with Project Management functions including (but not limited to) issuing of reports, database uploads, invoicing, and pre-project planning. corresponds with clients via email, phone, and in-person to ensure client satisfaction. Candidate also assists with receiving inventory, driving courier routes, and will answer basic client questions, as needed. The ideal candidate will have great attention to detail, will be friendly, flexible, and team-oriented. Must be able to lift up to 50lbs frequently and willing to work overtime when required. Final candidate must pass a pre-hire background check and must have and maintain a clean driving record.

Performance Measures:

Meet Daily/Weekly/Monthly Standards

Performs and completes assigned task by due date

Excellent client feedback

Completes assigned duties as described by SOP

Maintain supply stock in working area(s)

Keep a clean or orderly workspace

Follow Quality Assurance Plan

Follow Safety Program

Experience Requirements:

This is an entry level position requiring a high school diploma and 0-2 years of experience in a Customer Service, Chemistry, or another related field. A B.S. degree in Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Science, or related subject is preferred, but not required. Must have and keep a clean driver’s license, pass a drug test and background check. Must be able to lift up to 50lbs frequently. Stand, sit walk or drive for extended periods. Some weekend work or over time may be required.

$17.00 – $18.00 per hour D.O.E. (Non – Exempt Employee)

Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance $15/month! (*)

401 K with Company Match (*)

(*) Full-Time Employees only. Full-time employes are defined as permanent, non-seasonal staff who are scheduled and work 32 or more hours per week.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $17.00 – $18.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 10 hour shift
• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Sparks, NV 89431: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

POSITION SUMMARY: This is an Entry to Mid- level position performing a variety of laboratory procedures using established methods and techniques under general guidance. This position is part of a flexible and dynamic team that works together to meet challenging demands that are essential to our clients’ operations. Previous work or education in chemistry, environmental science, microbiology, or a related field is preferred but we will happily train an enthusiastic and promising candidate.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & BASIC DUTIES:

• Wet Chemistry Scientists are responsible for testing and/or preparation activities and other tasks as necessary in a laboratory environment.
• Must be able to perform a variety of laboratory procedures using established methods and techniques under general guidance.
• Primary duties include the analysis of water and soil samples with microbiological and bench/wet chemistry tests and the proper maintenance and operation of the laboratory equipment.
• Secondary duties include assisting other team members in inorganic procedures.
• Data logbooks must be maintained and data is also entered into our LIMS.
• Wet Chemistry Scientists clean, disinfect and maintain laboratory workspace and equipment.
• Prepare samples for analysis using distillation and digestion techniques. May include soil prep using sample crushers.
• Analyzing samples for contaminants using various laboratory equipment (analytical balances, pipettes, filtration, pH meter, FIA, UV-VIS Spectrophotometer, etc.)
• Setting and reading samples for microbiology tests (BOD, various coliforms, SRB and IRB, etc.)
• Ensuring QC passes and data is properly recorded and entered into the computer LIMS
• Maintaining and operating laboratory equipment
• Training on bench methods and assisting other team-members

WET CHEMISTRY METHOD/TEST RESPONSIBILITIES (Example):

• Acidity; auto-titrator
• Alkalinity; auto-titrator
• MBAS
• FDS
• Settleable Solids
• TDS

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITY:

Knowledge of commonly used lab concepts, practices and procedures and relies on instructions, pre-established guidelines and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s) to perform functions of the job.

• Ability to perform and complete assigned task by due date
• Ability to complete assigned duties as described by SOP
• Passes internal quizzes
• Able to achieve acceptable recovery in quarterly blind QC (PE) samples
• Ability to keep a clean and orderly workspace
• Ability to follow Quality Assurance Plan
• Ability to follow Safety Program
• Positive staff feedback, collaborative, respectful
• MS Office Suite

EDUCATION AND WORK EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biology, environmental science or related field (preferred)
• 0-1 years of experience or non-degreed with 1-3 years of experience.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL DEMANDS:

Physical Demands:The essential functions of the position may require frequent sitting, finger dexterity in both hands, near/far visual acuity, depth perception, field of vision accommodation and color vision; occasional bending, lifting/carrying of 10lbs or less, light grasping with non-dominant hand, firm/strong grasping with both hands; requires seldom reaching overhead, crouching, kneeling, climbing, pushing/pulling, and lifting/carrying up to 25 lbs. *Examples Only.

Mental Demands: The essential functions of the position require the ability to read and write simple material, have simple math skills, and the ability to perform simple and complex tasks; complete forms, perform clerical tasks, compile, information, work with precision, follow instructions, meet time requirements, memorization and problem-solving skills, and use of independent judgment.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Overtime and occasional weekend or holiday work may be required. The ideal candidate will have great attention to detail and will be friendly, flexible, team-oriented, and able to multi-task. Final candidate must pass a pre-hire background check and drug testing. The Wet Chemistry Scientist I is responsible for recording observations and measurements and reporting results.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $17.00 – $20.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 10 hour shift
• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Supplemental pay types:

• Bonus pay

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Sparks, NV 89431: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

Experience:

• Laboratory experience: 1 year (Required)

Work Location: In person

In Our WETLAB World

WETLAB’s 22nd Birthday

Our team had a blast on May 6th for WETLAB’s 22nd Birthday! Thank you to our amazing employees and to all those who have supported us over the last 22 years. We appreciate all of you!

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Garry’s Retirement 

While we are sad to see Garry go, we all consider ourselves lucky to have been able to work with such a great human being. For the past eight years, Garry has been an integral part of WETLAB and we will miss his friendship and amazing sense of humor dearly!

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Kara – Woman of Achievement

Congratulations to the Nevada Women’s Fund’s 2024 Woman of achievement, Kara Ansell. We are so proud to have her as a member of our team and look forward to seeing what accomplishments she achieves next!

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Stampede Lake Camping Trip 

While WETLAB’s Environmental Club focuses on establishing ways we as a company can become sustainable, they are also responsible for planning outings that facilitate our team spending more time in nature. At the beginning of August, 13 of WETLAB’s team members and their families spent a beautiful weekend camping at Stampede and Boca Resevoirs.

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Safety Training 

Maintaining and continuously improving our safety procedures is paramount to ensuring the well-being of our staff. WETLAB’s Sparks facility recently worked with Legacy Fire Services for a fire drill to ensure all systems in the facility are functioning optimally in the event of an emergency. As our service offerings increase and our teams grow, we are expanding our training offerings to provide staff more frequent equipment training with our vendors and refresher safety protocol trainings.

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Summer BBQ 

During WETLAB’s monthly BBQ, our Business Office Manager Keith Schwartz showed off his grill skills. 

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Aces Game 

WETLAB’s teams exceeded reporting goals for the second quarter. To thank our hardworking staff the whole crew, family, and friends were invited out to a night at a Reno Aces game! Some of the staff at our Elko facility even made the journey to Reno. 

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In Our Industry

Elko Mining Expo Recap 

WETLAB returned to exhibit at this year’s Elko Mining Expo in June.  Held each summer, the Elko Mining Expo is one of the oldest and most notable events in the mining industry. A cornerstone of the mining industry and Northern Nevada, the expo attracts hundreds of exhibitors and thousands of community members. 

Since opening Western Environmental Testing’s second laboratory in Elko in 2006, WETLAB has been dedicated to contributing to the safety and well-being of the area by providing data for environmental solutions. It is always a pleasure for our team to engage with students and families attending the Elko Mining Expo, providing education on the environmental testing that supports their communities and local mines. 

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Tri State Seminar 

Mckenna, Jill, and Nick made their way from Sparks to Las Vegas to exhibit at Tri-State Seminar August 6-7, 2024. Each year, Tri-State Seminar brings together thousands of water and wastewater professionals from California, Nevada, and Arizona. The team had a blast at the opening showcase, enjoying some classic Elvis Presley and country music by Sam Riddle. Congrats to WETLAB’s raffle winner, David from JBS Tolleson!

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In Our Community

Employee Volunteer Spotlight: Lauren Craig/Kicks for a Cause 

WETLAB was proud to have the opportunity to be a sponsor of Kick for a Cause kickball tournament again this year. Lauren, our Invoicing and Reporting Coordinator, invited us to support this great organization which provides resources to families of special needs children.

McClelland Golf Recap

WETLAB’s teams had a ball at the 34th Annual McClelland Literacy Foundation Golf Tournament on July 13, 2024. Garry Gray may have recently retired as WETLAB’s Business Development Manager, but he has returned to ensure we keep up our reputation in the golf game.  

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GOTR Breakfast 

In July, Girls on the Run held their Limitless Potential Breakfast. It was a morning of fun, inspiration, and delicious, healthy breakfast food. At this event, GOTR was able to raise $17,050 to further support the young girls of our community. 

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Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), otherwise known as ‘forever chemicals’, are a large group of human-made chemicals that have been used in various industrial and consumer products since the 1940s. These substances have been used in a wide range of applications, including:

• Firefighting foam: PFAS are used in some fire-suppressing foams because they can form a barrier that smothers flames.
• Nonstick cookware: PFAS are used to create a nonstick surface on cookware like frying pans.
• Stain-resistant fabrics: PFAS can be found in stain-resistant treatments for carpets, upholstery, and clothing.
• Water-repellent coatings: Used in products to make them resistant to water and grease.

These wide-spread occurrences are cause for real concern. Current scientific evidence indicates that exposure to PFAS can lead to various adverse health effects in humans, such as elevated cholesterol levels, immune system impacts, certain cancers, thyroid hormone disruption, and lower birth weights in infants.

Therefore it’s crucial to monitor and understand the levels of exposure affecting both humans and the environment. A holistic approach to observing PFAS is necessary seeing as they can be released into the air, earth, and water. Not even drinking water is safe from potentially harmful exposure. 

While testing for PFAS takes highly specialized equipment and lab processes, Enthalpy Analytics has been pioneering methods to not only identify the presence of PFAS, but also treat them accordingly. Wetlab is proud to work with Enthalpy Analytic by offering PFAS testing to our clients. Continuing our pursuit of the very best environmental testing possible, Wetlab is dedicated to the health and safety of our community.

Meet Kara, System Administrator at WETLAB. She enjoys gaming, gardening, and sanitized databases.

 

With over a decade of experience honing skills in the dynamic world of IT and Information Systems, both as a professional and a hobbyist, Kara brings a wealth of knowledge to our team. Holding a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and an Associate’s Degree in Information Systems, she is committed to pushing the boundaries of technological possibilities. 

 

As a proud member of both the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM), Kara is dedicated to bridging the gap between businesses and technology. Whether it’s coding, delivering data analytics, or implementing new processes through software, she thrives on the excitement of enhancing business operations. 

 

Kara brings her passion to WETLAB by creating time-saving automations, such as the new proprietary client portal, MyWETLAB. This portal revolutionizes the way you can engage with our services and streamline your experience. This allows you to easily track orders, access documents, and to eventually have the capabilities to view real-time results, meaning you don’t have to wait for the full report to start seeing testing results. In May 2024, Kara was honored as one of Nevada Women’s Fund’s 2024 Women of achievement. We are so proud to have her out in the community, representing WETLAB! 

On May 23, 2024, at the Downtown Reno Ballroom, our very own Kara Ansell was celebrated at the Women of Achievement Awards. Originally from Winslow, Arizona, Kara holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and an Associate of Science in Information Technology. With nearly six years at WETLAB, Kara has been instrumental in crafting user-centric software and innovative automations. Her blend of quirkiness and creative thinking drives her to devise smart tech solutions for business challenges, with Java as her go-to language. Kara’s recognition at this event, Reno’s largest business luncheon, highlighted her outstanding contributions to our organization and the broader community. Known as a huge (self-proclaimed) fantasy nerd, Kara’s passion and dedication have made a significant impact, inspiring all of us at WETLAB.