Job ID #30441: Laboratory Technician I

at  City of Hamilton

Contribute to the City of Hamilton, one of Canada’s largest cities - home to a diverse and strong economy, an active and inclusive community, a robust cultural and dining scene, hundreds of kilometers of hiking trails and natural beauty just minutes from the downtown core, and so much more. Join our diverse team of talented and ambitious staff who embody our values of sensational service, courageous change, steadfast integrity, collective ownership and being engaged empowered employees. Help us achieve our vision of being the best place to raise a child and age successfully. #BeTheReason

• Job ID #30441: Laboratory Technician I
• Union: CUPE Local 5167
• Job Description ID #: 2485
• Close date: Interested applicants please submit your application online at www.hamilton.ca/city-council/jobs-city by 4:00 p.m. on October 23, 2024
• Duration: Periodic Posting - This periodic posting is for all upcoming vacancies. Applications will be considered from November 4, 2024 to May 4, 2025.
• Internal applicants should apply with your work e-mail address. External applicants are considered only after the internal posting process has been completed. Only applicants chosen for an interview will be contacted.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Demonstrated proven knowledge of the theories and principles of laboratory analysis normally acquired through the completion of a College Diploma or University Degree in chemistry, biology or related science or an equivalent combination of education and work-related experience in an ISO17025 accredited and MOE licensed laboratory. Having taken courses in both chemistry and microbiology is an asset.
• Previous demonstrated experience working in an ISO17025 accredited environmental laboratory.
• Previous demonstrated experience and proficiency in performing laboratory analysis related to the work g., Biochemical Oxygen Demand, Total Suspended Solids, automated chemistries, gas chromatographs, ion chromatographs, spectrophotometers, ICP, microbiology.
• Previous demonstrated experience in analyzing and evaluating test results, operating laboratory equipment/instruments and following quality control and documentation protocols as required by an ISO17025 accredited and MOE licensed laboratory.
• Must have excellent knowledge of Excel spreadsheets and proven demonstrated knowledge of Word. Ability to work with other laboratory instrumental software an Experience with LIMS is preferred.
• Must have good verbal and written communication skills, initiative, organization and ability to work in a team environment.
• Demonstrated ability to manage a high volume of tasks and duties in an efficient manner in a deadline-oriented environment. Personal self-management skills to maintain professionalism, take initiative, and set priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Must have excellent attention to detail with an aptitude for figures. Possess the ability to receive and interpret information where accuracy and understanding is important. Good judgement and confidentiality are required.
• Ability to recognize unusual lab test results, to investigate, conduct further analysis for confirmation and to inform appropriate staff.
  NOTE: As a condition of employment, the successful applicant(s) will be required to obtain a satisfactory Criminal Record & Judicial Matters Check (CRJMC), at their own expense, prior to beginning work in this position.

SUMMARY OF DUTIES

Reporting to the Supervisor, Inorganic Chemistry/Organic Chemistry /Microbiology/Trace Metals. The Laboratory Technician I (LT1) performs routine and non-routine analysis on environmental samples, including water, wastewater, sludges, and biosolids samples using the appropriate technical equipment and instruments. The LTI performs QA/QC duties associated with an ISO17025 accredited MOE licensed environmental laboratory and contributes to troubleshooting/recording of trends, nonconformances, opportunities for improvement and implementing corrective/preventive actions.

GENERAL DUTIES

Performs chemical (inorganic, organic, metals) and bacteriological analysis on water, wastewater, industrial waste, landfill ponds, leachates, sludge, and biosolids as per standard operating procedures.
Performs chemical (inorganic, organic, metals) and bacteriological analysis on regulatory and process control samples from the Hamilton and Dundas Wastewater Treatment Plants and the City of Hamilton Drinking Water Systems.
Co-ordinate work with other technical staff.
Updates or sets up and validates new analytical methods under the direction of the Supervisors.
Prepares reagents and standards for the purpose of testing.
Operates, calibrates, maintains and troubleshoots laboratory equipment and instruments such as balances, pH/ISE meters, automated titrator, sample digesters, spectrophotometers, ICP, automated colorimetric analyser, mercury analyser, gas chromatograph, rotary evaporators, ion chromatograph.
Keeps detailed records ensuring full traceability in testing.; Maintains updated records of instrument performance.
Enters laboratory results in the computerized Laboratory Information Management System database (LIMS).
Evaluates quality control data for analyses performed.
Performs quality control activities for analytical testing such as method validation and verification, accuracy, precision, detection limits, control charts. Applies standard laboratory statistical concepts and performs trend analysis.
Evaluates data against regulatory guidelines and requirements and process control objectives. Advises supervisor of abnormal situations
Provide notification of adverse water quality incidents as required by the Ontario Safe Drinking Water Act.
Takes part in internal and external audits and inspections to maintain lab licensing and accreditation.
Participates in nonconformance investigations and corrective action implementation.
Perform all necessary tasks to maintain a tidy, safe work environment. Participates in general laboratory cleaning and disinfection activities.
Trains new staff and students on methods and procedures.
Performs analysis on evidentiary samples.
Maintains updated documentation and follows all technical, administrative and operational protocols to comply with requirements of ISO17025 accredited and MOE licensed laboratories.
Back-up for supplies reception and storage.
Provide assistance to sample reception.
Reviews inventory of chemical and laboratory supplies, identifies needs and request purchase of the items.
Reports pre-authorized results to clients who request immediate information.
Performs other duties as assigned which are directly related to the responsibilities of the job.
Works in accordance with the provisions of applicable Health and Safety legislation and all city of Hamilton corporate and departmental policies and procedures related to Occupational Health and Safety.