Student, Environmental Laboratory; Biological

Student, Environmental Laboratory (Biological)

Job Number: 3817
Job Type: Student
Vacancy Reason: Net New
Temp Contract Length: 4 Months
Location: 80 Maple Grove Rd - Laboratory
Job Category: Other
Number of Positions: 1
Department: Biological
Division: Engineering and Environmental Services
Hours of Work: 35
Union: OTHER
Grade: Student Grade 09
Salary Range: $22.33-$24.81

About Us! The Region of Waterloo is a thriving, diverse community committed to fostering opportunities for current and future generations. Waterloo Region is part of the Dish with One Spoon wampum, a treaty guiding our commitment to taking only what we need, leaving some for others, and keeping the dish clean. This agreement underpins our vision, mission, and core value, and reinforces our dedication to meaningful reconciliation and equity.

Waterloo Region is home to over 674,000 residents and expected to grow to nearly one million by 2051. Guided by our  Strategic Plan, “Growing with Care,” we prioritize homes for all, climate aligned growth, equitable services and opportunities and a resilient and future ready organization. Our mission is to provide essential services that enhance the quality of life for all residents, while our core value emphasizes caring for people and the land we share.

Join us and be part of a team dedicated to making a meaningful difference in our community.

• Prepares various types of media, reagents and solutions required to perform biological test methods as directed.
• Prepares, sterilizes, and disinfects equipment, including glassware and filter funnels.
• Performs routine maintenance on analytical instruments in the Biological section, including autoclaves, fume hood, biological safety cabinet, water purification system, balances, incubators, fridges, microscopes, stomacher, and pH meters.
• Under the direction of a qualified analyst, assists with analytical test methods, including Presence/Absence, analytical procedures, and glassware/pipettes volume verification.
• Assists in sample disposal following completion of analysis. Treats and disposes of chemical and biological wastes generated during analysis as per internal procedures and legislated requirements.
• Assists in the clean-up of laboratory glassware, lab-ware and supplies following analysis.
• Assists with general lab housekeeping in all laboratory sections.
• Maintains inventories of supplies and checks for expiration dates.
• Under the direction of a qualified analyst, performs sample receiving duties.
• Prepares supplies for field staff and external Regional staff.
• Uses personal protective equipment and takes steps to mitigate risks with working around/with biologicals and designated materials in the Containment Level II Laboratory (e.g., ATCC bacterial cultures, bio-waste materials, flammable materials); odour, heat/cold and potential electrical hazards from equipment (e.g., walk-in refrigerator, autoclaves, hot plates, open flames); media preparations containing possible carcinogens (mEndo-Les agar).
• Assists in the Inorganic, Organic and Administration sections as required.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

• Knowledge of biological science, microbiology and/or chemistry, and methods and procedures employed in environmental analysis, acquired through current enrolment in a related University or College program (e.g., Biology, Microbiology).
• Knowledge of and ability to follow policies, procedures, and related legislation (e.g., health and safety).
• Ability to read and apply information contained in analytical procedures, health and safety manuals, quality documents, and instrument manuals.
• Knowledge of and skill in the operation of analytical equipment such as incubators, biological safety cabinet, fume hood, autoclaves, and balances.
• Ability to perform several tasks simultaneously and adapt to a rapidly changing environment.
• Communication skills to review, understand, and discuss detailed analytical procedures with other staff and to participate as an effective team member.
• Computer skills with ability to use software such as Microsoft Office and a laboratory information management system.
• Ability to support and demonstrate…