Lab Attendant - Wash-up Attendant

Department: LSD Agriculture and Food Laboratory
Position covered by the Collective Agreement with USW Local 4120

Temporary full-time from 11/14/2025 to 11/20/2026

If you are a current employee of the University of Guelph you must apply on the internal Career Page in order to be considered as an internal applicant. 
Career Opportunities (sapsf.com)

General Purpose

The Dairy Analysis (DA) laboratory, Analytical Biology Section, is seeking an individual to support the analysis of milk samples under OMAFA's Fluid Milk Quality Program. The DA lab analyzes milk samples by accepted and approved methodologies for raw milk quality analysis following ISO 17025 requirements. The results for milk composition, somatic cell count, total bacteria count, antibiotic residue and added water are used to the support the quality standards set by OMAFA and the Dairy Industry. Samples from all 3200 dairy producers in Ontario are tested on a daily basis to meet the industry and regulatory needs. This regulated testing schedule is enforced by OMAFA under the Ontario Milk Act. These results are used for calculation of payments and penalties to producers who do not meet the quality standards. Raw goat milk and sheep milk from Ontario producers are also tested with regular schedules.

Duties and Responsibilities

Duties include: receiving, inspecting, routing and shipping samples; preparing/printing various types of sample labels; monitoring lab supply inventory and preparing requests for ordering the supplies to ensure maintenance of sufficient supplies at all times; preparing reagents and controls; preparing samples for analysis; assisting in operation of automated analytical instruments; entering results in Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) and maintaining accurate records; performing QA/QC checks; properly disposing of samples and laboratory wastes; performing general laboratory housekeeping duties including cleaning laboratory benches and lab-ware, and handle items that may contain bio-hazardous waste, including general lab-ware and fragile glassware; other tasks as assigned.

Requirements

• Secondary school diploma plus related laboratory experience in handling/preparing perishable samples, or an equivalent combination of education and experience;
• Excellent organization skills with proven experience in setting/meeting priorities and deadlines;
• Proven self-motivation skills to work independently or in a team;
• Proven interpersonal and communication skills to work effectively as part of a team;
• Demonstrated attention-to-detail skill and understanding of laboratory QA/QC requirements;
• Demonstrated understanding of laboratory safety practices and WHIMS for handling and storage of chemicals, reagents and supplies;
• Computer skills to use common software programs and LIMS.

Work schedule: weekend shift - 5 days a week, including Saturdays and Sundays

Employee Type: Temporary 
Position Number: 10924056 
Classification: USW, Local 4120 Salary: Band 1  
USW Local 4120 Wage Grid

*Tentative evaluation; subject to final review.

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.

Posting Date: 10/30/2025  
Closing Date: 11/06/2025