EESC Lab and Field Technician

Job Summary

The purpose of this position is to support the smooth operation of the teaching laboratories and undergraduate student experiential learning opportunities within the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences (EESC). The position will provide technical and operational support for the teaching laboratories, and assistance with experiential learning opportunities, such as student field courses and trips. Key duties for this position include the set-up and take-down of teaching equipment associated with a variety of undergraduate EESC courses, the maintenance of lab rooms and equipment, assistance with field excursions and associated equipment and materials required, and general technical guidance and assistance for EESC faculty, staff, and teaching assistants.

Organizational Status
This position works under the general supervision of the EESC Department and Lab Program Manager. This position interacts directly with undergraduate and graduate students, staff, faculty, and people external to UBC (such as equipment suppliers).

Work Performed

• Prepares reagents, chemicals, materials, and instruments for laboratory experiments
• Prepares samples for a variety of undergraduate teaching labs
• Assists instructors with preparing materials required for teaching laboratories
• Sets-up and takes-down materials needed for undergraduate teaching labs
• Coordinates and manages schedules for set-up, take-down, and the use of shared material and equipment with instructors, teaching assistants, and others

• Facilitates access to stored equipment for faculty, graduate, and undergraduate students
• Catalogues equipment, maintains inventory of equipment and materials, and carries out purchasing of equipment for both new and restock purposes
• Maintains the equipment in teaching spaces and storage areas
• Trouble-shoots equipment failures and arranges for repair of equipment
• Assists teaching assistants in the labs with equipment operation
• Ensures safe working conditions are followed and promotes safe work practices in compliance with UBC, WorkSafeBC and WHMIS in the undergraduate teaching labs
• Conducts annual reviews of teaching labs with UBC, WorkSafeBC, and WHMIS
• Attends relevant safety and/or licencing courses

• Models and enforces safe field practices for students and teaching assistants
• Prepares and maintains equipment for field schools and excursions
• Signs out equipment to instructors, teaching assistants, and students, and maintains an up-to-date inventory; including repairing and/or replacing equipment as necessary
• Provides technical assistance in advance of, and/or during, field excursions
• Provides in-the-field support and coordination for field schools, including SCIE 100

• Oversees equipment located in the science shed and EESC sea container
• Coordinates booking and maintenance of department vehicles (two trucks)
• Assists with various technical issues that are within a reasonable skill-set
• Coordinates mineral and rock kit loans with middle and high schools in the Okanagan

Performs other tasks as assigned by the EESC Department and Lab Program Manager

Consequence of Error/Judgement
Student, staff, faculty, and visitor safety is paramount in the EESC labs and experiential learning opportunities. Failure to follow and/or enforce safety guidelines could result in personal injury or loss of equipment. Improper time management could lead to delays in labs or field trips, and result in an adverse effect on student learning. Failure to properly manage equipment, and/or keep the equipment in operational state, could result in personal injury and/or have a negative effect on the outcome of experiments and activities conducted by students.

Frequently, quick decisions must be made to make accommodations and adjustments to labs and student experiential learning opportunities. Lack of judgement in these scenarios will have a negative impact on teaching effectiveness, and may have budgetary consequences.

Supervision Received
This position works under the supervision and guidance of the EESC Department and Lab Program Manager in order to provide day-to-day support tasks. This position carried out familiar phases of work independently and in accordance with established procedures; however, is expected to be able to take initiative, problem-solve, determine course of action, and then follow through independently without supervision.

Supervision Given
The EESC Laboratory and Field Technician may provide instruction to instructors, teaching assistants, and others concerning proper safety protocols and the use of equipment and materials; however, this position is not responsible for the supervision of others.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline, such as: earth science, environmental science, geology, freshwater science, or physical geography.
• Minimum of three years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one’s own.
• Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one’s one awareness, knowledge, and skilled related to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
• Intermediate proficiency in MS Office software which includes Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint, and proficiency using Adobe PDF.
• Experience with UBC Workday is an asset.
• Class 5 (or better) driver’s licence and a clean driving record; experience driving pick-up trucks and/or off-road vehicles is preferred.
• Experience working in a lab and/or a field setting is an asset.
• Demonstrated organizational skills are required, including: the ability to prioritize, maintain accuracy, manage multiple tasks, and work under pressure to meet deadlines.
• Able to take initiative, exercise good judgement, and resolve technical problems.
• Knowledge of the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS)
• Familiarity with the safe handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous chemicals and biological materials, including pathogens.
• Sufficient physical capacity to support daily laboratory operations, including frequent setup and teardown of teaching labs, movement and storage of supplies, and inventory distribution. The role involves a combination of standing and walking for extended periods, as well as seated bench work requiring repetitive and precise tasks.
• Strong organizational, time management, and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in both independent and team environments.
• Flexibility to accommodate variations in the work schedule, including modified work weeks and adjustments to daily hours based on lab scheduling requirements.