Departmental Assistant, Civil, Geological and Environmental Engineering

Departmental Assistant, Civil, Geological and Environmental Engineering

Primary Purpose: The departmental assistant provides advanced technical expertise and operational support for the rock mechanics and mining engineering laboratories within the department. This position supports the development and delivery of undergraduate laboratory programs, provides specialized technical support for research activities, and coordinates laboratory infrastructure, equipment, and safety programs. This role contributes to curriculum development, student training, laboratory operations, and industry engagement activities. The assistant applies specialized technical knowledge to support teaching, research, and contract testing services while maintaining current knowledge of industry practices, emerging technologies, and safety requirements.

Nature of Work:

• Supports the design, delivery, and continuous improvement of undergraduate and graduate laboratory programs.
• Provides advanced technical expertise and support for experimental, applied, and computational research programs.
• Evaluates, procures, installs, configures, and maintains specialized laboratory and research equipment.
• Develops and maintains laboratory safety programs, procedures, and operating standards for rock mechanics and mining engineering laboratories.
• Maintains compliance with university, regulatory, environmental, and occupational health and safety requirements.
• Conducts hazard assessments and implements risk mitigation strategies to support safe laboratory operations.
• Coordinates and delivers laboratory safety training for students, faculty, staff, and researchers.
• Overseas hazardous materials handling, storage, and disposal in accordance with applicable regulations.
• Develops, updates, and enhances laboratory exercises, instructional materials, and experiential learning opportunities in collaboration with faculty members.
• Provides technical instruction, guidance, and troubleshooting support to students, teaching assistants, and research personnel.
• Prepares, calibrates, operates, and maintains specialized laboratory equipment and testing systems used in teaching and research activities.
• Advises faculty members, researchers, and students on laboratory methodologies, testing procedures, instrumentation, and technical solutions.
• Trains laboratory users in the safe and effective operation of equipment, software, and data acquisition systems.
• Supports the development and expansion of laboratory infrastructure, research capabilities, and technical resources.
• Oversee laboratory operations, facilities, equipment maintenance programs, and resource utilization.
• Develops recommendations for equipment renewal, replacement, upgrades, and long-term laboratory planning.
• Coordinates the procurement of laboratory equipment, supplies, and consumables and manages laboratory inventories.
• Maintains laboratory quality standards, calibration programs, technical records, and operational documentation.
• Administers laboratory operating budgets and monitors expenditures related to assigned facilities and activities.
• Supports accreditation requirements, continuous improvement initiatives, and departmental strategic priorities.
• Provides specialized testing, consultation, and technical services to internal and external stakeholders, including industry and research partners.

Typical Duties or Accountabilities:

• Build collaborative relationships with faculty, staff, students, industry representatives, and external organizations to support teaching, research, and service objectives.
• Communicates and acts in a respectful and professional manner, collaborates effectively, abides by policy, and contributes to a positive and productive work and learning environment.
• Engages in continuous learning by participating in activities, training, and events related to Indigenous engagement, reconciliation, equity, diversity, and inclusion.
• Demonstrates respect and dignity for all members of the community, actively contributes to an environment of acceptance and inclusion of others, and responds to different perspectives from a place of curiosity, respect, and non-judgement.
• Undertakes related duties, as assigned, consistent with the nature of the position.

Education: Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in engineering, preferably in civil, geological, or environmental engineering; a master’s degree is preferred.

Licenses: Registration as a Professional Engineer ( with the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Saskatchewan (APEGS) or equivalent Canadian body is an asset.

Experience:

• Minimum of two years of directly related professional experience supporting laboratory instruction, research activities, or fieldwork.
• Knowledge of rock mechanics, mining engineering, geotechnical testing, or related engineering disciplines.
• Knowledge of laboratory safety standards, occupational health and safety practices, and regulatory requirements.
• Knowledge of laboratory instrumentation, testing procedures, calibration practices, and data acquisition systems.

Skills:

• Ability to provide technical instruction, training, and guidance to students and researchers.
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Ability to analyze technical issues and develop practical solutions.
• Capacity to maintain multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a complex technical environment.
• Strong problem-solving, troubleshooting, and analytical skills.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively in a team.
• Knowledge of laboratory testing, instrumentation, research equipment, or related technical fields is an asset.
• Ability to perform moderate physical work, including moving and handling laboratory materials and equipment.