Laboratory Technician - Soil and Nutrients

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

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

Working in the Soil & Nutrient Laboratory of the Agriculture and Food Laboratory (AFL), the successful candidate will be responsible for a wide range of agricultural and environmental analyses of soil, plant, industrial waste, manure and other sample types.

Duties and Responsibilites

Duties include: receiving and preparing samples; extracting, performing analysis and confirming results; performing instrument maintenance; method development and validation; reporting data into the laboratory information management system (LIMS); and general laboratory activities including inventory tracking, preparation of reagents and standards, storage and disposal of samples. This position requires the ability to work positively with other people and provide training as necessary.

Requirements

• Two year community college program with a strong background in the agricultural and environmental analysis of soils, plants, waste and related sample types.
• One year experience in the sample preparation of soil, plant tissue and waste sample for analysis or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Demonstrated working knowledge and experience using ICP-OES, combustion analyzers, colorimetric analyzers and pH/EC meters, related analysis, maintenance and method development/validation;
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving ability and a strong chemistry background;
• Proven experience with quality control including appropriate trouble-shooting activities;
• Experience working with a recognized quality management system (ISO/IEC 17025);
• Exceptional self-motivational skills combined with strong communication skills to work effectively in both a team and individual environment; with an ability to train and guide staff including other technicians, assistants and student employees;
• Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced, client-focused environment with an emphasis on producing quality results;
• Must be proficient using Microsoft Excel and Word to produce standard operating procedures and supporting documentation;
• Knowledge and understanding of WHMIS and Occupational Health and Safety in a laboratory environment;
• Hours of work are 35 hours per week, Tuesday to Saturday and/or Monday to Friday.  

Employee Type: Regular 
Position Number: 10483080 
Classification: USW, Local 4120 Salary: Band 5  
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: 07/16/2025  
Closing Date: 07/23/2025