Geotechnical Engineering Laboratory Technician (Student)

WSP in Canada; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 29,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Wellness programs

Flexible work options

Career development

Employee assistance program

Job summary

WSP is seeking a detail-oriented laboratory assistant in Ottawa to perform routine soils testing and sample management in a geotechnical lab. You will operate standard lab equipment and support senior technologists while ensuring safety and quality in a fast-paced environment.

The role requires strong organization and communication skills, with opportunities to develop technical geotechnical testing abilities and hands-on experience.

Qualifications

• Candidates perform repetitive testing procedures in a lab with high attention to detail.
• Ability to safely lift up to 50 lbs and work with standard lab equipment.
• Commitment to safety, quality, and teamwork is essential.
• Experience in geotechnical materials testing is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Conduct testing in accordance with procedures and standards.
• Perform routine lab testing on soils according to methods and project requirements.
• Prepare, label, log and manage samples for tracking and traceability.
• Operate lab equipment including balances, ovens, and sieves.
• Record observations and results in logs and systems.
• Support senior technicians with test setup, calibration checks, and organization.
• Report non-conforming samples per quality procedures and store until resolved.
• Maintain safe, clean lab and protect confidentiality of records.

Skills

Laboratory testing

Attention to detail

Safety awareness

Communication skills

Physical stamina

Tools

Balances

Ovens

Sieves

Job description

Job Description

you could redefine what’s possible?

With us, you can.

You want purpose. Growth. Opportunity. People who get it.

We are the home of ambitious, passionate, and innovative world shapers. With an unmatched breadth and depth of engineering, advisory, and science-based expertise, our global minds unite to power local solutions. We are pathfinders and impact makers. We are Visioneers. We are WSP.

The Opportunity

Your Impact Starts Here.

What You'll Do At WSP

• Conduct testing in accordance with company processes and applicable national standards.
• Perform routine laboratory testing on soils in accordance with standard methods, specifications, and project requirements.
• Prepare, label, log, and manage samples to ensure accurate tracking and traceability throughout the testing process.
• Operate standard materials laboratory equipment, including balances, ovens, and sieves.
• Accurately record observations, measurements, and test results in laboratory logs, templates, and digital systems.
• Support senior technicians and technologists with test setup, equipment cleaning, calibration checks, and general laboratory organization.
• Report all non-conforming product test samples in accordance with quality procedures and ensure samples are stored until related issues are resolved.
• Ensure the laboratory is maintained in a safe, clean, and organized condition and that equipment remains in good working order.
• Uphold laboratory security requirements and maintain the confidentiality of laboratory records and testing information.
• Follow all health, safety, environmental, and quality procedures and policies.
• The Skills That Set You Apart
• Ability to work in a laboratory environment performing repetitive testing procedures with a high level of attention to detail.
• Ability to safely lift, carry, and move materials weighing up to 50 lbs as part of routine laboratory duties.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to safety, quality, and teamwork.
• Interested in developing technical skills and gaining hands-on experience in geotechnical materials testing.

Why Choose WSP?

• We exist to shape communities to advance humanity.
• Proudly Canadian and part of one of the world’s leading professional services firms.
• A collaborative culture where innovation, inclusion, and learning are encouraged.
• Meaningful work that helps improve infrastructure, protect the environment, and strengthen communities.
• Opportunities to learn from experienced technical professionals and develop practical industry skills.
• Flexible work options, wellness programs, and employee-focused support.
• Limitless opportunities to grow your career and discover your potential.

Compensation

• AB, BC, NT, NU, SK & YT: $22 - $32.25
• MB & ON: $20.50 - $30.25
• NB, NL, NS, PE & QC: $19.50 - $30.25

Disclosure: The final salary awarded for this role may vary from the above range based on several factors including, but not limited to, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, and business or organizational needs. The wage range provided in this job posting may be subject to change for business purposes.

About Us

At WSP, we exist to shape communities to advance humanity.

It’s why we bring people together who are wired to solve complex challenges - engineers, scientists, advisors, and technical experts who are driven by a common passion - to redefine what’s possible and shape what comes next. We are Visioneers.

As one of the world’s leading professional services firms, we partner with clients across transportation, infrastructure, environment, buildings, energy, water, mining and metals. We pair deep local knowledge with global insights to pioneer solutions designed to leave a lasting, positive impact.

At WSP, you’ll join a community of brilliant minds that push boundaries every day - applying deep expertise and fuelling innovation to help create a more connected and resilient future. Here, your ideas are valued, your growth is supported, and you are encouraged to bring your authentic self to work. We empower our people to collaborate across disciplines, challenge the status quo, and shape a career with purpose.

Join us.

Please Note: Health and Safety is a core paramount value of WSP. Given the importance of keeping one another safe it is expected that you comply with our Health, Safety & Environment (HSE) policy at all times as well as client HSE policies when working at client locations. Full details here . Some safety-sensitive positions involve fieldwork and may include work in a variety of environmental conditions, such as remote or isolated areas, working alone, and in inclement weather (within safe and reasonable limits). WSP welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. WSP is committed to the principles of employment equity. Only the candidates selected will be contacted. WSP does not accept unsolicited resumes from agencies. Full details here .