Drug Checking Technician

Interior Health; Kelowna; Remote; CAD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A public health organization in Kelowna is seeking a permanent full-time Drug Checking Technician to provide drug checking services and support harm reduction initiatives. The ideal candidate will have strong technical skills and experience in public health. This role involves traveling to remote sites and delivering training. Benefits include competitive salary, employer-paid vacation and training, and a balanced lifestyle.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Employer paid training/education

Employer paid vacation

Extended Health & Dental coverage

Contribution to Municipal Pension Plan

Balanced lifestyle

Qualifications

• 1 year of recent experience in public health overseeing a harm reduction program.
• Comfortable working with clients and communicating results.
• Ability to travel to remote sites.

Responsibilities

• Provide in-person drug checking services.
• Track data and facilitate proper collection of samples.
• Support training and assistance for remote sites.

Skills

Strong technical skills

Excellent communication skills

Ability to work with clients

Adaptability

Knowledge of substance use

Education

Diploma in Community Social Service

BCCSU Drug Checking Technician training certificate

Job description

Position Summary

Interior Health is seeking a permanent full-time Drug Checking Technician to join the Mental Health team at the Outreach Urban Health in Kelowna, B.C.

Who are we looking for?

We are seeking a detail-oriented and community-minded candidate who is committed to harm reduction and supporting people who use substances. The ideal candidate is comfortable working directly with clients, building trust, and communicating drug checking results in a clear and supportive way. The successful candidate brings strong technical skills and the ability to operate specialized equipment, while also maintaining accurate records and following established protocols for sample handling and data collection.

This role requires someone who can balance precision and professionalism with empathy and respect for clients’ lived experiences. The successful candidate will be adaptable, able to travel to remote sites, and confident in providing training, technical assistance, and guidance to staff and community partners. A strong awareness of local resources, excellent communication skills, and the ability to remain calm and responsive in dynamic environments are essential. This position is well-suited for someone who values collaboration, community engagement, and contributing to safer, healthier communities through innovative harm reduction services.

What we offer

• Competitive salary and an attractive remuneration package
• Career Growth
• Employer paid training/education
• Employer paid vacation (per collective agreement)
• Employer paid insurance premiums
• Extended Health & Dental coverage
• Contribution to Municipal Pension Plan
• Balanced lifestyle

What will you work on?

This position provides in-person drug checking services using FTIR spectroscopy and immunoassay testing strips to determine the composition of drugs. The role of the Technician reaches beyond the Kelowna worksite, contributing to the success of remote drug checking services across the region. They support sites in the Interior by analysing FTIR drug checking spectra and report back results, answer client questions and collaborate with all parties involved.

The Drug Checking Technician is responsible for performing in-person drug checking and providing virtual and occasional on-site technical assistance to remote drug checking sites. Services are provided under the direction of the Manager, Clinical Operations and support harm reduction by testing non-clinical, client-provided drug samples to help clients understand results, learn about safer drug use and connect to community resources. This is distinct from clinical drug testing. The Technician also supports training to staff at other sites providing drug checking services.

The Technician receives client feedback and inquiries and responds as appropriate. They meticulously track data in an electronic data capture system and facilitate proper collection, storage and transportation of samples for additional analysis. They are involved in promoting, enhancing, and expanding drug checking services to increase reach in their home community. Under the direction of Population and Public Health (PPH), the Technician reviews drug checking results from remote sites, provides operational help and assists with orientation and demonstrating work procedures to remote sites and assists in result delivery in a timely manner.

This position requires travel.

Scheduling information

Shift types are days and shift times are from 13:00 to 21:00 hours. Days of work are Monday to Friday.

Reasons to Apply at Interior Health

We offer a work environment conducive to growth and development of strong skills and a work environment that supports psychological health and safety for all. We offer a balanced lifestyle that allows you to maintain the quality of life you desire. This position offers the opportunity to truly make a difference in someone’s life through outreach services. If you’re passionate about working in mental health services and meet our qualifications, apply today!

Qualifications

Education, Training and Experience:

• Diploma in Community Social Service
• One (1) year’s recent, related experience in a public health or health services area overseeing a harm reduction program and knowledge of substance use or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
• Successful completion of BCCSU Drug Checking Technician training certificate.
• Valid B.C. Driver’s License (Class 5).

“Please note that travel is a requirement for this position and transportation arrangements must meet the Employer’s requirements. You are required to hold a valid BC Driver’s License and may be required to drive a personal car on mileage and/or be assigned a fleet vehicle as a condition of employment.”

As part of your application, please ensure to

• Upload your resume, cover letter (if Out of Province indicate if you are relocating to the area and when)
• Upload a copy of your Diploma
• Upload copy of your BCCSU Drug Checking Technician training certificate (Must be valid prior to starting the position)