Position Title: Environmental Monitoring Assistant (Laboratory Assistant II)
Position Status: Auxiliary (This position to last not later than December 31, 2026 with the possibility of extension)
Department: Liquid Waste Services
Employee Group: Teamsters Local 31
Location: 4515 Central Boulevard, Burnaby
Salary Range/ Wage Rate: PG T17 $34.25 - $40.26 hourly
Our Liquid Waste Services Department is seeking an Environmental Monitoring Assistant (Laboratory Assistant II) who will participate in the regional recreational water quality monitoring program and be responsible for collecting samples and recording field observations with the goal of protecting public health and the environment. You will also support a small team of environmental science professionals with various environmental monitoring programs related to Metro Vancouver wastewater discharges.
You are: a quick learner with keen eye for the details and an interest in protecting the environment supported by environmental science related courses and experience collecting environmental samples, who is interested in spending most of your days in the field, and willing and able to collect beach and wastewater samples outside regular business hours.
This role:
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Collects receiving water (i.e., beach water) samples on a daily basis from a variety of stations throughout the Metro Vancouver Regional District; visits sample sites according to schedule and aseptically fills pre labeled bottles according to prescribed sampling routines; may carry out specific projects such as Combined Sewer Overflow sampling; and collects and/or delivers other wastewater and receiving environment samples as required.
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Drives a Metro Vancouver corporate vehicle throughout the Greater Vancouver area to the sample stations and locations; performs routine vehicle maintenance such as checking fluid levels, washing vehicle, and taking vehicle for scheduled servicing.
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Plans work schedules, modifies routes and sampling areas to accommodate staff absences, sampling projects and other temporary changes to the work of the unit as required.
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Uses a chlorine kit, thermometer and dissolved oxygen and turbidity meters and other equipment; calibrates same and takes and records related measures in the field; fixes samples with chemicals and delivers them to the laboratory for analysis.
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Maintains records of meter readings, time samples taken, temperature, and field observations; enters related data into MS Excel or the Laboratory Information Management System; maintains and updates a section of a detailed field sampling operations manual.
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Delivers samples to Metro Vancouver laboratory to meet prescribed deadlines, makes periodic assigned trips to deliver samples to other laboratories, and prepares bottles, work sheets and other related items for collection trips.
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Maintains cleanliness and orderly arrangement of laboratory and field equipment and supplies related to the work; and periodically checks and cleans turbidity buoy probes.
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May provide orientation to new or temporary staff as required.
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Performs related work as required.
To be successful, you have:
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Completion of Grade 12 with courses in science; related laboratory work experience would be an asset; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
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Sound knowledge of various routines, schedules, procedures, apparatus and safety precautions related to the field sampling and collection of water samples throughout the Greater Vancouver Sewerage and Drainage District (GVS&DD) system.
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Sound knowledge of the location of various beach and GVS&DD sampling stations, sites and sampling points, of traffic routes in the Greater Vancouver area, and of the collection routes and schedules.
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Ability to use and calibrate specific fragile field test kits and equipment such as a dissolved oxygen meter and automatic sampler, and to exercise care in handling collection bottles and additive chemicals required for chlorine residual and dissolved oxygen test kits.
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Ability to drive a corporate vehicle throughout the Metro Vancouver area to sample stations, to modify routes and sampling areas to accommodate temporary changes to the work of the unit, and to follow routes and schedules and to perform routine maintenance of the vehicle.
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Ability to walk over distances, to lift and carry cases of bottles, to exert sufficient physical effort to remove and replace obstructions to sample points and to check turbidity buoy probes, to exercise agility to collect water samples, and to perform these activities in all weather conditions.
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Ability to maintain records and to follow aseptic procedures for the collection of water samples.
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Ability to adhere to schedules and procedures, to deliver samples on time, to prepare bottles, work sheets and other related items for collection trips, and to maintain cleanliness and orderliness of laboratory and field equipment related to the work.
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Good mechanical aptitude and manual dexterity.
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Skill in the operation of a light vehicle and in driving in all weather, on any road surface and in variable traffic conditions.
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Driver's Licence for the Province of British Columbia.
