JAMES DURBIN
Tulsa,OK
Summary
Laboratory Technician with expertise in managing lab operations and ensuring quality control. Achievements include a flawless ISO 9001 audit record over 10 years and reducing batch approval timelines through standardized testing. Focused on optimizing processes and maintaining a safe, efficient work environment.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Laboratory Technician
Sterling Specialty Chemicals
Sand Springs, OK
08.2025 - Current
- Conduct daily laboratory operations in quality control and compliance for formulation and analysis.
- Performed standardized testing on over 3,000 products to ensure reliability and accuracy.
- Maintained lab equipment while fostering a safe and efficient work environment.
- Provided critical feedback to mitigate hazards, ensuring facility-wide safety.
- Optimized laboratory processes to enhance workflow and instill leadership confidence.
- Refined SOPs and methods, both manual and automated, improving operational efficiency.
- Prepared retired lab equipment for sale, optimizing disposal processes and achieving cost savings.
Laboratory Technician
Tulco Oils Inc.
Tulsa, OK
12.2014 - 02.2025
- Executed day-to-day laboratory operations across R&D, quality control, and compliance for high-precision lubricant formulation and analysis.
- Conducted advanced testing on finished products and oil samples to support field diagnostics and optimize customer performance.
- Managed temporary staffing to ensure accuracy and safety in laboratory settings.
- Developed and implemented standardized testing procedures aligned with ASTM and ISO 9001 standards, reducing batch approval timelines.
- Reverse-engineered competitive formulations to create in-house alternatives that matched or exceeded leading brands.
- Resold used lab equipment during upgrades, recovering assets and optimizing ROI on investments.
- Maintained a flawless ISO 9001 audit record over 10 years through continuous improvement initiatives.
- Partnered with global vendors to evaluate and acquire lab technologies enhancing testing precision and throughput.
Shop Manager & CNG Technician
CNG2GO
Tulsa, OK
12.2012 - 12.2014
- Oversaw daily operations of high-volume CNG conversion shop, leading team of 6-8 technicians and 4-5 sales associates to consistently achieve production and service targets.
- Streamlined inventory management and developed conversion schedules while ensuring efficient staffing to align with business demands.
- Led payroll processing, negotiated with vendors, and managed supplier relationships to reduce operational costs and guarantee timely deliveries.
- Enforced safety protocols and compliance with licensing standards while maintaining best practices to mitigate risk and create a safe, regulatory-compliant environment.
- Resolved complex customer issues and maintained high customer satisfaction levels, contributing to positive client relationships.
- Supported sales efforts by assisting with client consultations and contributing to revenue growth during peak periods.
Cabinet Shop Manager
Northwest Building Supply
Oklahoma City, OK
06.2008 - 12.2012
- Managed a team of 10-16 employees, overseeing daily operations, production efficiency, and strict quality control in a high-volume cabinet manufacturing environment.
- Developed and maintained production schedules ensuring timely order fulfillment and optimal resource utilization.
- Slashed operating costs by consolidating suppliers, negotiating bulk purchase agreements, and implementing strategic inventory management.
- Transformed an underperforming division into profitability within 18 months, the first time since its inception.
- Upgraded shop equipment, procured new machinery, and enforced safety protocols to reduce downtime and ensure compliance.
- Collaborated with customers to identify optimal cabinetry solutions tailored to project requirements and end-user needs.
Coil Rework Technician
AAON Inc.
Tulsa, OK
12.2007 - 06.2008
- Pioneered the development of the Coil Rework Department, serving as the sole technician overseeing the inspection, diagnosis, and repair of damaged HVAC evaporator and condenser coils.
- Streamlined process for replacing damaged coils on production lines with functional units, diverting faulty coils to rework department for repair and minimizing production downtime.
- Improved production output by eliminating on-production-line coil repairs.
- Reintegrated repaired coils into inventory for future use, supporting continuous production flow.
Education
High School Graduate -
Sapulpa High School
05-2004
Skills
- Analytical testing methods
- Quality control
- Quality assurance
- Lab compliance
- Safety compliance
- Lab safety protocols
- Formulation engineering
- Research and development
- Sample management
- Process optimization
- Instrument calibration
- Equipment calibration
- Laboratory information systems
- Data analysis tools
- Root cause analysis
- Waste management
- Petroleum analysis
- Polymer analysis
- Lab maintenance
- Safety training initiatives
- Team leadership
- Office Suite
Professional Volunteer Affiliations
- Masonic Lodge, Charity Golf Tournament Organizer, Founded and organized a charity golf tournament for over 5 years, raising tens of thousands of dollars for The Coffee Bunker, a local veteran's charity in Tulsa. Gained media attention through local news coverage, raising awareness for The Coffee Bunker and its support of veterans.
- Shriners International, Volunteer, Active member of the Shriners, transporting children to Shriners Hospitals for Children in Texas and Louisiana for medical care.
- Bikers Backing the Blue, Co-Founder, Co-founded Bikers Backing the Blue, raising tens of thousands of dollars to support the families of officers killed in the line of duty.
Timeline
Laboratory Technician
Sterling Specialty Chemicals
08.2025 - Current
Laboratory Technician
Tulco Oils Inc.
12.2014 - 02.2025
Shop Manager & CNG Technician
CNG2GO
12.2012 - 12.2014
Cabinet Shop Manager
Northwest Building Supply
06.2008 - 12.2012
Coil Rework Technician
AAON Inc.
12.2007 - 06.2008
High School Graduate -
Sapulpa High School