Laboratory Technician - WWTP Process Laboratory

Position Status: Full-Time Temporary (This position to last not later than September 30, 2027)

Department: Liquid Waste Services

Employee Group: Exempt

Location: Annacis Island Wastewater Treatment Plant, Delta

Salary Range/ Wage Rate: PG T22 $3,039.93 - $3,577.88 bi-weekly

Our Liquid Waste Services Department is seeking a Laboratory Technician who will support Metro Vancouver’s wastewater treatment operations by conducting routine chemical analyses of wastewater and sludge samples. Responsibilities include sample preparation, instrument operation, data recording, quality control, and maintaining a safe laboratory environment. Ideal candidates are detail-oriented, safety-focused, and committed to environmental protection.

You are detail-oriented and safety-focused, with a commitment to quality, accuracy, and regulatory compliance. You are experienced in laboratory testing and sample handling, and skilled in operating and maintaining analytical instruments. You are also a collaborative team player with strong organizational skills.

This role

• Performs a wide variety of the routine and standardized chemical and physical testing required of the WWTP Process Laboratories on air, soil, water sewage and waste disposal samples; checks test results against established norms and refers unusual results to a superior; organizes order of daily personal workload to meet pre-determined schedules and priorities.
• Performs all chemical and physical testing in a Sewage Treatment Plant Laboratory on influent, effluent, digester sludge and gas samples; organizes daily personal workload to meet established schedules and to accommodate special Plant process needs and Plant operating staff requests; produces, assesses and communicates laboratory test results and observations to a superior and to Plant staff; investigates, resamples, or re analyzes to check and confirm unusual test results, ensures that plant upsets and permit infractions are brought to the attention of a superior and the Plant manager and performs any required extra testing to monitor problems.
• Performs field sampling work related to the work of the Chemistry, Microbiology or Sewage Treatment Plant Laboratories.
• Prepares manual or computerized calculations, worksheets, statistics and other data and material related to the work; prepares standards and reagents, dispenses media, and maintains, operates and calibrates laboratory apparatus as required.
• Performs non routine WWTP Process Laboratory tests, analyzes unusual samples., and operates complex laboratory equipment under the direction of a superior.
• Assists a superior in carrying out special projects by collecting samples, conducting laboratory tests and preparing related data and graphs, as directed.
• May assist a superior in answering routine telephone calls from the public and in training new technical staff and liaises with internal contacts such as inspectional staff and Sewage Treatment Plant operating staff to exchange routine information on specific samples, tests or test results.
• Participates in general laboratory cleaning and disinfection activities.
• Performs related work as required.

To be successful, you have:

WWTP Process Laboratory

• Graduation from a recognized Institute of Technology with a Diploma of Technology in a Chemistry/Environmental option, preferably a University Degree in Chemistry, and some related experience in a chemistry or environmental laboratory OR an equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Thorough knowledge of standard laboratory physical and chemical analytical methods and procedures related to air, soil, water and waste disposal pollution control samples.
• Considerable knowledge of the laboratory testing and field sampling schedules, methods and priorities related to the work.
• Some knowledge of the Waste Management Act and of the functions of the M.V.R.D. as applied to water/sewage/air quality.
• Some knowledge of special test procedures to analyze unusual samples or to solve unusual or complex test problems.
• Some knowledge of complex laboratory instrumentation and of sewage treatment principles.
• Ability to perform a variety of routine chemical and physical tests and analyses, and to prepare and maintain manual and computerized calculations, data and material related to the work.
• Ability to perform non routine laboratory tests, to analyze unusual samples, and to operate complex instrumentation under the direction of a superior.
• Ability to perform field sampling work involving physical activity and effort in all weather conditions.
• Ability to recognize unusual lab test results, to investigate, conduct further sampling and analysis for confirmation and to inform superior and plant personnel regarding same.
• Ability to assist a superior in carrying out routine aspects of special projects, in answering routine telephone requests from the public and in training new staff.
• Ability to liaise with internal contacts to exchange routine information on specific tests and samples.
• Ability to organize workload to meet established schedules and priorities and to follow laboratory testing and sampling protocols.
• Skill in the maintenance, operation, calibration and simple repair of standard laboratory apparatus and equipment.
• Valid Driver's Licence for B.C.