Laboratory Supervisor and Terminal Administrator

Vertex Energy is a leading energy transition company that specializes in producing high-purity refined fuels and products. Our innovative solutions are designed to enhance the performance of our customers and partners while also prioritizing sustainability, safety, and operational excellence. With a commitment to providing superior products and services, Vertex Energy is dedicated to shaping the future of the energy industry.

At Vertex, our administrative professionals are the backbone of our organization. We’re seeking detail-oriented individuals to manage critical processes in a dynamic, collaborative environment. You’ll coordinate essential functions, support team initiatives, and drive operational excellence while embracing a culture of continuous improvement. If you’re ready to put your organizational expertise to work and make a tangible impact on our business, your pathway Forward starts with Vertex.

The Laboratory Supervisor and Terminal Administration role will report to the Facility Manager. This person will work an hourly paid day shift to include weekends, holidays, overtime, and on-call, as required by the business.

Main Responsibilities - Essential Functions

Laboratory Supervisor

• Provide supervision to the laboratory personnel including new hire training, refresher training, etc., overseeing and coordinating daily laboratory activities.
• Run daily calibration to ensure the equipment is ready for the testing.
• Receive, document, and perform laboratory testing on samples (both internal and external companies), process streams, and finished products ensuring standard operating procedures (SOP’s) and methods are followed using the following instruments:

o ASTM D93: Flash Point by Pensky-Martens Closed Cup Tester

o ASTM D4294-16/ASTM D6481-14/EPA SW846-9075: Sulfur and Total Halogen Analysis by using Oxford X-Supreme Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence (EDXRF) spectrometer.

o Prepare samples and operate Gas Chromatography (GC) analysis for contaminants.

o ASTM E203-08: Standard Test method for Water Using Volumetric Karl Fischer Titration.

o Prepare sample composites daily for analysis.

o ASTM D4052: – Standard Test Method for Density, Relative Density, and API Gravity of Liquids by Digital Density Meter.

o ASTM D-95: Determination of Water by Distillation

o Additional sample analysis, bench testing as required.

• Review and reconciliate daily logbooks for completeness and quality control.
• Report laboratory results for distribution daily, weekly and monthly as required or on demand to management.
• Support the laboratory’s quality management system by maintaining accurate records.
• Monitor and review to ensure all testing data is captured into the required logbooks, test sheets and the test results are reviewed for variations or trends that need to be reported.
• Troubleshoot and maintain instruments and equipment, supply materials and test reagents.
• Support plant operations to achieve quality and production goals.
• Participate in internal assessments and regulatory audits.
• Prepare samples for analysis by extraction, dilution, blending, etc.
• Perform daily housekeeping to ensure safe laboratory operations.
• Follow the Material Acceptance Plan (MAP) for the handling and disposing of residual sample materials from daily testing.
• Assist Operations with documenting storm water sample.
• Monitor all shore tank containment water discharge area by testing pH and odor before approving discharge activities and ensure the tracking log are updated.
• Mix and manage chemicals for the mosquito fogger as required.
• Manage inventory to ensure sufficient inventory of reagents, gases, and consumables for laboratory operations.
• Attend and participate in routine laboratory specific operations meeting through Teams.
• Complete necessary training for the position and training required by other departments (EHS, Corporate, HR, etc.) .
• Perform other related duties as assigned by Management.

Terminal Administration

• Manage and prepare payroll for the facility. Submit payroll numbers to the Terminal Manager for approval.
• Monitor and correct time sheets for accuracy.
• Monitor the requests for time off, sick days, or PTO for direct reports only.
• Manage the scheduled shifts for all laboratory staff.
• Be available and accessible to your direct reports as the main point of contact for staff assistance and advice, to support other managers if requested in several personal, HR, Disciplinary, Payroll and Benefits areas.
• Train and share of HR and company directives, benefits renewals, 401K activities, other coverage related communications for direct reports only or as requested by others.
• Work one-on-one with direct reports or in a group with other supervisors to ensure comprehension and understanding; and ensure they meet the deadlines for required activities.
• Maintain Personnel Files (HR) for accuracy and sustain confidentiality and security of those files.
• Gather daily truck off-loading logs for comparison with lab logs as a quality control measure of accuracy of reporting.
• Pull various data, as requested, for reporting purposes to accounting or management.
• Manage credit cards expense reporting for various staff, including ensuring it meets deadlines for accounting.
• Review and code vendor invoices in the company accounting system for various terminal expenses as required.
• Package and ship samples and other materials from CMT as required.
• Assist in maintaining daily, weekly, monthly, and annual logs for regulatory compliance.
• Manage and purchase office supplies, disposable kitchen supplies, cleaning supplies for the facility through either on-line vendors or in person at Sams Club/Costco or other.
• Coordinate the issuance and tracking of PO for the Terminal.
• Work with the Operations Supervisor managing all two-way radios (VHF) for purchase, repair, and maintenance, including inventory logs.
• Attend terminal meetings, training, and conferences as required.
• Facilitate the monitoring and purchasing, in conjunction with the Operations Supervisor for ordering terminal PPE for all staff.
• Participate in company reviews of new directions, acquisition of other terminal operational related equipment, pricing, new vendor setup, as required.

Education and/or Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry is preferred or sufficient related field experience would be considered.
• Relevant petroleum laboratory methodology, standard test methods and experience with GC, ICP and XRF and other laboratory equipment are important.
• Strong abilities for troubleshooting equipment and routine issues found in the laboratory.
• Computer proficiency with MS 365 applications, Teams and with various ERP and control systems is preferred.
• Strong mathematical, observation and analytical skills.
• Able to follow written, verbal procedures, instructions, and scientific test methods.
• Capability for prioritizing and multitasking in a dynamic working environment, meeting testing goals, while maintaining quality-controlled results and reporting.
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment when interacting with all staff and management.
• Strong time management and troubleshooting skills.
• Safety oriented and demonstrated supervisor leadership skills.

Qualification Requirements

• Language Skills: Ability to effectively read, write, and speak the English language.
• Reporting: Ability to convey laboratory results thoroughly and accurately through several mediums.
• Decision Making: Ability to make critical decisions while following company procedures.
• Self-Confident: The trait of being comfortable in making decisions for the department.
• Detail Oriented: Ability to pay attention to the minute details of a project or task.
• Supervisory Skills: Ability to organize and direct oneself and effectively supervise others.
• Business Acumen: Ability and flexibility to think outside the box and to understand business concepts as the bigger picture.
• Dexterity: Laboratory technicians work with their hands and will need dexterity to work with small vials, test tubes, and delicate lab equipment.
• Stamina: Ability to work overtime and for long periods standing on your feet.
• Eye, Ear, Smell and Vision: - Ability to identify and distinguish colors, smells, watchful for testing conditions or reactions during analysis.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid parental leave
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 12 hour shift
• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Holidays
• Monday to Friday
• On call
• Overtime
• Weekends as needed

Education:

• Bachelor's (Preferred)

Experience:

• relevant: 2 years (Preferred)

Work Location: In person