Student, Environmental Laboratory (Biological)

Duties/Responsibilities

• 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, Skills, and Abilities

• 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 the Region’s values

Additional Information

To be considered for employment as a student, a person must be: registered as a full-time secondary or post-secondary student in an accredited institution, or currently recognized as having full-time status by the academic institution but applying for a school vacation, practicum or work term, or returning to full-time studies in the next academic term. Students who are in their final year of academic study and who are not intending to return to full-time studies are eligible for student employment up until the time they convocate. Students participating in education and retraining programs at the post- secondary level, though not full-time students, are eligible for related student employment opportunities, where appropriate.