ICP-OES Lab Technician​/Operator; FIFO

Overview

Posted Tuesday, January 27, 2026 at 11:00 AM

Based in Western Canada for over 110 years, McElhanney offers innovative and practical engineering, surveying, mapping, planning, landscape architecture, and environmental services. As a 100% employee-owned and operated firm, with over 1,400 staff members in 31 locations, we are proud to offer qualified staff with shareholding options in our company. At McElhanney, we work in teams to build strong connections with our staff, clients, and local communities.

Our employees enjoy working here because of our varied projects, high levels of autonomy, opportunities for career development, excellent total compensation and benefits package, and collaborating with a team of great professionals.

The Opportunity

McElhanney has a new opportunity for an ICP-OES Lab Technician/Operator to join our growing analytical team focused on providing rapid onsite acid rock drainage (ARD) preliminary screening results. The successful candidate will have experience operating ICP-OES instrumentation (i.e. Agilent 5800 Series) to measure the sulfur content of geological materials. The successful candidate must also be willing to operate on a 2-week on / 2-week off shift rotation working on project sites located North of Terrace, BC.

This fly-in / fly-out (FIFO) position will not require you to relocate from your current location. This is a full-time, permanent position offering approximately 2 years of committed work with the opportunity to extend. This position will work closely with our on-site Shift Supervisors and off-site Geochemical Team Leaders to deliver construction related environmental quality control and quality assurance services.

This role is designated as a safety-sensitive position and completion of a pre-employment drug & alcohol and fitness for work testing is required.

• Maintenance and operation of our Agilent 5800 series vertical dual view ICP-OES.
• Following established standard operating procedures for measuring the sulfur content of construction materials.
• Following established procedures for routine daily, weekly and as-needed calibrations and verifications using certified reference materials to ensure accurate, reliable results.
• Recording data following established procedures.
• Performing routine and scheduled maintenance, such as torch maintenance and alignments necessary to maintain accuracy and efficiency.
• Troubleshooting and performing common repairs as necessary.
• Following established laboratory safety protocols, especially regarding the handling of chemical reagents such as strong acids.
• Other lab duties or analysis as required.

• Post-secondary education with a Technical Diploma or Degree in a relevant field (e.g. chemistry, physical sciences, environmental science/geology, geochemistry, etc.) and significant analytical chemistry skills.
• Minimum 5 years previous laboratory experience related to the use and theory of ICP-OES instrumentation, instrument calibration, data interpretation, maintenance and troubleshooting.
• Wet chemistry experience and/or expertise.
• Fluency in English, both verbal and written.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks within a fast-paced work environment.
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment with a mature work ethic.
• Problem solving, communication, organization, and time management.
• Ability to lift 25+ pounds on a consistent basis and perform work in various environmental conditions.
• Willing to work in remote locations.
• Curiosity and a desire to learn and apply new skill sets and concepts as needed.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license is required at the time of hire.

• Familiarity with common ARD analytical testing and screening procedures.
• P.Chem. designation or ability to register with the Association of the Chemical Profession of British Columbia.
• Desire to train and mentor other team members as needed.

The wage range for this position is $40-$50 per hour. McElhanney offers fair compensation that is commensurate with the individual’s education, experience, skills, and professional qualifications. The posted base salary/wage…