Environmental Laboratory Assistant - Co-Op

Geosyntec Consultants; Guelph; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading environmental consultancy in Guelph is seeking an Environmental Laboratory Assistant Co-Op Student for a full-time role. This position is ideal for a university student pursuing a degree in environmental science, chemistry, or a related field. The role includes sample preparation, support for laboratory studies, and general lab duties. Candidates must coordinate their own transportation to the office and contribute to impactful environmental work over a 8-12 month term.

Qualifications

• Currently registered in a Bachelor's university degree program.
• Degree focus areas in chemistry, biology, biosystems, or environmental science/engineering.
• Experience with Microsoft Office preferred.

Responsibilities

• Reception of environmental and chemical samples.
• Sample preparation for analytical testing.
• Set up and support for bench-scale treatability studies.
• Support for DNA extraction analysis by qPCR.
• Preparation of passive samplers.
• General laboratory duties including inventory and housekeeping.

Skills

Sample preparation for analytical testing

Laboratory duties

Organization

Education

Bachelor's degree in applicable field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Overview

Do you want to build an impactful career to change the world for the better?

SiREM, the laboratory division of Geosyntec Consultants, Inc., is the place for you! As an Environmental Laboratory Assistant - University of Guelph Co-Op Student in our Guelph, Ontario location, you will have the opportunity to apply your technical (science or engineering) academic knowledge to real-world situations. We are seeking a full-time (40 hours/week) university co‑op for approximately 8 to 12 months during the Winter and Spring/Summer semesters of 2026. Candidates are responsible for coordinating their own transportation to and from the office.

SiREM (www.siremlab.com), a division of Geosyntec Consultants International Inc., requires an Environmental Laboratory Assistant – Co‑Op at our Guelph, Ontario facility. SiREM provides specialized products and services focusing on the application of leading‑edge technologies for the environmental remediation industry.

SiREM is looking for an outstanding candidate, who as part of a team of scientists, will support laboratory treatability studies, the growth of bioaugmentation cultures, and assist in the analysis of microorganisms critical to bioremediation of contaminated sites.

The successful applicant is an organized self‑starter able to work in a fast‑paced team‑oriented environment working toward a degree in environmental science, chemistry, microbiology, biotechnology or other related field.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Reception of environmental and chemical samples;
• Sample preparation for analytical testing (i.e. pH, redox, anion analysis by ion chromatography, volatile compound analysis by gas chromatography)/molecular genetic analyses;
• Set up and support for bench‑scale treatability studies;
• Support for DNA extraction from environmental samples and analysis by qPCR;
• Preparation/assembly of passive samplers; and
• General laboratory duties including inventory, ordering supplies and general housekeeping.

Skills, Experience and Qualifications

• Currently registered in a Bachelor’s university degree program in an applicable field. (required)
• Degree focus areas are chemistry, biology, biosystems and environmental science/engineering. (preferred)
• Experience with Microsoft Office. (preferred)