Job Opening: Microscopist/Chemist- Overland Park, KS

Job ID: 145359

Ash Grove Cement, a CRH company, provides portland and masonry cements to help build the foundation and infrastructure for the world around us. We ship millions of tons of cement from our plants and network of terminals located across the Midwest, Texas and Western United States. When you work for Ash Grove, you are connecting to something bigger. Join our team and help Ash Grove
build America.

Summary
Performs physical and chemical analyses of clinker, cement, and raw materials following in-house, ASTM, and AASHTO methods.
Prepares reports on findings for internal review before submission to management. May be exposed to confidential information which may have a competitive or patentable value to the company or its customers. Uses independent judgment in performing daily activities. Safely handles chemicals following the established guidelines. Completes routine assignments with minimal supervision.
Refers all questionable items to the lab supervisor.

Responsibilities
Primarily responsible for monthly clinker characterization and AGC proficiency samples (CO-OP) programs. Prepares and analyzes samples of clinker, cement, and related materials. Follows in-house SOP’s and American Society of Testing & Materials (ASTM) test procedures that define the use of optical microscopy, x-ray diffraction (XRD), x-ray fluorescence (XRF), Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP), SEM/EDS, and wet chemistry analytical techniques.
Prepare written reports based on analytical results using existing templates.
Travel to plants for training purposes, presentation of results/discussion, and support of engineering testing and trials.
Receives, logs, and labels incoming samples. Maintains a laboratory notebook of all original data for reference purposes.
Maintain proficiency in testing techniques and evaluates/adopts advances in technology associated with kiln feed, clinker, and cement. Assembles, calibrates and maintains equipment and instruments used in the analyses of materials. Prepares,standardizes, and maintains chemical reagents used in test methods.
Supports the petrographic lab on clinker microscopy analysis of routine samples. Embraces cross-training at the Technical Center on various instrument operations and analytical skill development. Performs back-up analyses and assumes responsibilities of other chemists and petrographers as needed.
Applies problem-solving techniques to analyze samples sent to the Technical Center from Ash Grove manufacturing facilities and customers.

Additional Skills and Abilities
Ability to read and follow testing procedures described in the standard specifications by various agencies, such as ASTM,AASHTO, ACI, and DOT specs.
Sound chemistry and/or geology knowledge.
Primarily plant focus, some customer focus.
Proven aptitude for hard work and smart work.
Adaptability to handle routine but challenging work and deliver satisfying results dependably.
Demonstrated teamwork attitude, and strong time-management skills.
Self-motivated, with fast learning potential, and committed to grow with the technical services team.

Experience
Experience in microscopy and chemical analysis of clinker and cement. (Preferred)

Education
Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry, Geology, or a related field. (Required)

About CRH Americas CRH Americas has a long and proud heritage as one of North America’s largest corporations. We are a proud reflection of the hundreds of family businesses, local and regional companies and mid to large sized enterprises that together form the CRH Americas family. CRH Americas operates with a decentralized, diversified structure, letting you work in a small company environment while having the career opportunities of a large enterprise.

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