Robert Carnes
Rock Hill,SC
Summary
Dedicated professional skillful in sample collection, data recording and instrument calibration. Resourceful and adaptable individual with extensive experience developing and conducting experiments to document results for studies. Comfortable handling complex issues, meeting strict deadlines and adjusting to rapidly changing conditions.
Overview
32
32
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
R&D Laboratory Technician
BASF The Chemical Company
10.2003 - 04.2022
- Conducted routine maintenance on laboratory instruments to ensure optimal functionality during experiments, preventing costly delays due to equipment malfunctions.
- Prepared comprehensive reports detailing experiment findings, clearly communicating key insights to senior researchers for further evaluation.
- Contributed to the successful completion of multiple R&D projects by providing reliable experimental data and supporting documentation.
- Assisted in the development of new testing methods, leading to more accurate results and faster turnaround times for clients.
- Reduced cross-contamination risks through rigorous adherence to sterilization procedures and proper handling of sensitive materials.
- Provided technical support to colleagues, resolving instrumentation issues promptly and minimizing downtime in the lab.
- Collaborated with researchers and scientists to design and execute experiments.
- Interpreted laboratory results to provide technical advice to scientists.
- Kept abreast of current industry, scientific and regulatory developments and issues.
Environmental Health & Safety Technician
Meco Metal Finishing
04.1993 - 06.2000
- Identified workforce safety violations and issued violations to maintain integrity of safety program.
- Championed safety initiatives by modeling safe behaviors, leading by example, and fostering a culture of accountability among all employees.
- Assisted in accident investigations to determine root causes, prevent future occurrences, and maintain a safe work environment.
- Served as a resource for employees seeking guidance on specific safety-related issues or concerns within their respective roles.
- Conducted ongoing job safety analysis for conformity to personal protective equipment guidelines and occupational safety procedures.
- Maintained accurate records of all incidents, near misses, and safety observations to track trends and identify areas for improvement.
- Collaborated with OSHA and regulatory agencies to discuss citations, accidents and claims to discuss corrective action plans.
- Served as primary backup to officer in charge with various responsibilities related to compliance, operations management, and staff supervision.
- Assisted in the development of safety procedures for new processes or equipment, reducing potential risks and ensuring a safe work environment.
- Coordinated annual mock drills to test emergency preparedness plans, leading to more effective responses during real-life events.
- Investigated and reported on hazardous materials spills, fires and other emergencies.
- Directed record keeping and paperwork preparation in line with OSHA well as DHEC and city officials for waste water permit compliance
Pipe Fitters Helper
Plumbers Pipe Fitters & Mechanical Contractors
04.1992 - 05.1994
- Measured, cut, threaded and assembled new pipe to place assembled pipe in hangers or other supports.
- Improved pipefitting efficiency by assisting in the assembly, installation, and maintenance of piping systems.
- Followed safe work practices, which included fall protection and personal protective equipment.
- Set sleeves or inserts to provide support for pipes.
- Tested piping systems for leaks by increasing pressure in pipes and observing gauges attached to pipes for indication of leaks.
- Facilitated effective communication between team members, contributing to successful project outcomes.
- Mounted brackets and hangers on walls and ceilings to hold pipes in place.
- Streamlined workflow by maintaining a clean work environment and ensuring all tools were properly stored after use.
- Ensured proper alignment of pipes through precise leveling and positioning during installation processes.
- Assisted in accurate measurements and marking of pipes for cutting or threading using various measuring instruments.
- Installed valves, hangers, supports, and flanges inside piping systems.
- Measured, cut and assembled new pipe and placed assembled pipe in hangers or other supports.
- Selected type and size of piping required for each project.
Laboratory Technician
Meco Metal Finishing
04.1993 - 04.1993
- Maintained a high level of accuracy in test results by following strict quality control procedures.
- Cleaned and sterilized tools and equipment to maximize purity of specimens.
- Operated basic laboratory equipment such as balances, pH meter, colorimeter, spectrophotometer, autoclave and evaporator.
- Performed testing and quality control using approved laboratory procedures and instrumentation.
- Maintained documentation on tests performed in lab.
- Calibrated and maintained instruments to keep equipment fully operational.
- Collected and performed analytical testing on in-process product.
- Trained junior technicians on laboratory techniques and safety protocols, enhancing overall team proficiency.
- Completed quality documents and input and saved quality data in appropriate locations.
- Performed complex analyses using various instrumentation, delivering reliable data for informed decisionmaking.
- Functioned as primary data generator to record and calculate data and sign assay sheets.
- Kept abreast of current industry, scientific and regulatory developments and issues.
Production Operator
Meco Metal Finishing
04.1992 - 04.1993
- Monitored machinery to identify concerns, make corrections, or report complex problems.
- Used equipment properly to avoid workplace hazards or injuries.
- Supported workplace safety through strict adherence to safety protocols and regular inspections of machinery.
- Set up and adjusted machines for day-to-day operations.
- Participated in training sessions to enhance skills and knowledge.
- Took on additional shifts during peak work periods to keep projects on schedule.
- Improved production efficiency by optimizing machine settings and conducting routine maintenance.
- Loaded supplies into machines by hand or by hoist.
- Weighed and measured items to prevent waste and meet quality standards.
- Monitored machinery in operation to identify concerns and make corrections or report complex problems.
- Provided valuable input into the development of standard operating procedures, helping to establish best practices across the organization.
- Displayed good knowledge of safe operating and emergency procedures development and implementation.
- Enhanced product quality by implementing rigorous quality control measures and identifying areas for improvement.
- Handled raw materials efficiently, minimizing waste during the production process.
- Operated top-of-the-line equipment while adhering to safety procedures and effectively generated results.
- Collaborated with management to develop strategies for continuous process improvement in production operations.
- Handled 8 product lines and chemicals.
- Updated daily production logs and informed management of production incidents or non-conformance issues.
- Calibrated, tested, and adjusted machine settings or controls in preparation for production operations.
- Calibrated machines to maintain required productivity levels and adherence to quality standards.
Grocery Stock Clerk
Harris Teeter
01.1990 - 03.1992
- Maintained safety standards in aisles, promptly addressing spills or hazards to prevent accidents or injuries.
- Prioritized tasks during high-traffic hours, ensuring shelves remained stocked and well-organized despite increased customer volume.
- Optimized end cap displays to highlight seasonal items or special promotions, driving increased sales for key products.
- Maintained product knowledge to better assist customers with dietary restrictions, preferences, or inquiries about specific items.
- Supported store initiatives for promotional displays by assembling fixtures and arranging products effectively.
- Maximized storage space efficiency with organized backroom practices, allowing for quicker product retrieval when needed.
- Rotated stock correctly to prevent out-of-date products and removed aging items from main shelving to build special promotional displays.
- Consistently lifted materials weighing as much as 50 pounds.
- Managed timely and effective replacement of damaged or missing products.
- Executed regular inventory counts and supply audits to monitor shrinkage and generate insights into purchasing decisions.
- Volunteered to assist with projects, demonstrating willingness to learn new tasks and increase skill levels.
Education
Associate of Science - Science Education
York Technical College
Rock Hill, SC01.2026
Skills
- Biological sample processing
- Lab equipment maintenance
- Chemical Handling
- Materials Testing
- Hazardous waste disposal
- Chemical Inventory Management
- Experimental design
- Data Collection
- Lab result interpretation
- Equipment Calibration
- Materials sampling
- Chemistry
- Sample Preparation
- Operation and maitanance/troubleshooting of 1/2 gallon acrylic reactors
- Operation and maintenance/troublrshooting of 1gallon of Styrene Butadiene pressurized reactors
- Particle size analyzation
- Stripping Column operation and maintenance/trouble shooting (VOC) physical stripping of reactor polymers
- % solids testing
Accomplishments
- Achieved Developement And Commercial Launch Of STYRONAL APEX 4391 through effectively working with my scientist on project completion.
Certification
- Licensed Class "D" Waste Water Physical/Chemical - 08/01/1995 until 06/02/2000
Timeline
R&D Laboratory Technician
BASF The Chemical Company
10.2003 - 04.2022
Environmental Health & Safety Technician
Meco Metal Finishing
04.1993 - 06.2000
Laboratory Technician
Meco Metal Finishing
04.1993 - 04.1993
Pipe Fitters Helper
Plumbers Pipe Fitters & Mechanical Contractors
04.1992 - 05.1994
Production Operator
Meco Metal Finishing
04.1992 - 04.1993
Grocery Stock Clerk
Harris Teeter
01.1990 - 03.1992
Associate of Science - Science Education
York Technical College