Water Quality Monitoring - Research Assistant Technician I

University of Guelph • Full-time • Guelph, Ontario, Canada • 6h ago

Temporary full-time (09/08/2026 to 09/08/2027)

Guelph, ON

Are you passionate about water quality monitoring and interested in hands-on field research involving environmental sensors, water sampling, and data collection? The University of Guelph is seeking a Water Quality Monitoring – Research Assistant Technician I to join its Environmental Sciences team within the CERC in Waterborne Pathogens: Surveillance, Prediction and Mitigation research program.

In this role, you will support the installation, maintenance, and operation of water monitoring sensors at creek and stormwater sites. You will also assist with water sampling, field measurements, equipment maintenance, and data collection while following established research protocols and safety procedures.

As part of a collaborative research team, you will work closely with the supervisor and research staff to maintain monitoring equipment, document field activities, manage equipment records, and support quality checks of collected data. Depending on your experience, you may also contribute to the fabrication and optimization of low-cost, open-source water quality sensors.

The ideal candidate brings relevant post-secondary education and an interest in environmental monitoring, water quality, sensing technologies, or a related discipline. You have basic technical and mechanical aptitude, strong attention to detail, and the ability to work safely and effectively in outdoor field conditions. Experience with environmental field sampling, data loggers, Arduino or similar sensor platforms, or water quality monitoring would be considered an asset.

Join a dynamic research team at the University of Guelph and contribute to field-based research focused on water quality monitoring, environmental sensing, and the surveillance and mitigation of waterborne pathogens.

Your key responsibilities will include:

Installation of sensor packages at creek and stormwater monitoring sites, including sensors for electrical conductivity, temperature, depth, velocity, turbidity sensors, and low-resolution cameras.
Support the setup of data loggers, battery systems, and internet connectivity hardware at field sites.
Install secure equipment housing and ensure equipment is properly protected in field conditions.
Conduct water sampling using grab and automatic water samplers and analyze these samples for physical and chemical parameters
Follow site access protocols and coordinate with supervisor regarding site security requirements.
Document equipment installation with photographs and written records.
Routine Equipment Maintenance: schedule and perform maintenance visits to sensor sites, following prescribed timelines, including calibration and cleaning of sensors according to standard operating procedures.
Maintain inventory of field equipment and supplies; flag when consumables or replacement parts are needed.
Field work may include coordination with water sampling technicians and assisting with weekly grab sampling, and/or collection of field measurements using portable probes (dissolved oxygen, temperature, electrical conductivity, pH, turbidity) following established protocols.
Data and Record Keeping: maintain organized, accurate field logbooks and equipment records; assist with basic quality checks on collected data, flagging anomalies to the supervisor; support preparation of equipment performance reports and data quality documentation.

Working Environment

This position involves a combination of outdoor fieldwork and office/laboratory work. Field activities take place at creek and river sites, urban stormwater sites, and agricultural settings around the City of Guelph and surrounding area, often in variable weather conditions. The position requires the ability to safely access field sites including creek banks and stormwater infrastructure. Travel to field sites (ranging from 5- 300 km) will be required.

Requirements

Completion of at least 1 year of post-secondary education in a relevant field (e.g., environmental science, biology, engineering technology, computer science, or a related discipline).
Exposure to sensing and monitoring of water concepts, including basic understanding of sensors, data transmission, and connected devices (e.g., through coursework, self-directed learning, or hobby projects).
Demonstrated ability to assemble sensor housing and wire sensor components, with basic mechanical aptitude, comfort with hand/power tools, and the ability to follow technical drawings.
Demonstrated ability or willingness to learn to work safely outdoors in variable weather conditions.
Basic familiarity with spreadsheet software (e.g., Excel) for data entry and review.
Experience handling scientific equipment carefully and following equipment maintenance routines.
Ability to follow detailed written and verbal instructions carefully.
Physical ability to carry field equipment and access outdoor monitoring sites on foot.
Valid driver's license.

Preferred qualifications

Familiarity with data loggers or sensor hardware platforms (e.g., Arduino or similar).
Familiarity with automatic water samplers would be an asset.
Experience or coursework involving environmental field sampling, water quality monitoring, or laboratory procedures.
Confined space entry certification would be considered an asset
Candidates should live within a short, reliable commute of the University of Guelph campus, as the role requires on-site presence and involves early starts and frequent same-day field travel. This is not a role suited to a long or unpredictable commute or hybrid work.

How to apply

Interested applicants should submit the following materials as a single PDF using the “Apply Now” option on this advertisement.  

A cover letter (maximum 2 pages) describing your relevant experience and your interest in the role.
A document that outlines how you meet each of the “Requirements” listed above and how you possess the “Preferred qualifications” (if applicable).  
A current curriculum vitae or resume.
The hiring committee will begin assessing submissions August 21st but will continue to accept applications until the position is filled.

The University of Guelph (www.uoguelph.ca) is one of Canada’s leading research-intensive comprehensive institutions, with a record of outstanding scholarship in the arts, humanities, social sciences, life sciences, physical and engineering sciences, agriculture, and veterinary sciences. This is your chance to join us in our endeavor to improve life.  

To view a detailed posting for the role of Water Quality Monitoring - Research Assistant Technician I, please go to our website at https://careers.uoguelph.ca/.  Please include a cover letter along with your resume in your application.

At the University of Guelph, fostering a culture of inclusion is an institutional imperative. The University invites and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in employment, who may contribute to further diversification of our Institution.  