Lab Technician

Portage College; Hamlet of Lac la Biche; On-site; CAD 46,000 - 59,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Pension plan

Professional development fund

Job summary

Portage College is seeking a Lab Technician at Lac La Biche Campus to support Trades and Technology programs. You will prepare materials, equipment and workstations, assist with labs, and help maintain safe shop environments.

The role involves assisting with CWB testing, inventory, and safety compliance, with a strong emphasis on organization and timely support for program schedules. A journeyperson trade certification is preferred with relevant experience.

Qualifications

• Journeyperson certification preferred; Red Seal endorsement considered an asset.
• Minimum three years of relevant trades industry experience.
• Equivalent combinations of education, training and experience may be considered.
• Knowledge of shop/laboratory operations, tools, equipment, materials and safe work practices.
• Experience supporting practical shop/lab activities and CWB testing considered an asset.
• Knowledge of occupational health and safety requirements.
• WHMIS and First Aid certification required or obtained as a condition of employment.
• Relevant trade certifications, including forklift, overhead crane/rigging or CWB, considered assets.
• Physically capable of performing required shop duties and lifting materials and equipment.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Flexible schedule to accommodate program schedules and CWB testing.
• A Class V driver's license is required; police information check may be required.

Responsibilities

• Provide ongoing laboratory and shop support for Trades and Technology programs.
• Prepare materials, equipment and workstations, and assist with practical labs and shop activities.
• Monitor equipment, perform routine maintenance and minor repairs, identify safety concerns and coordinate repairs or servicing as required.
• Maintain inventory, assist with ordering and receiving materials and equipment, and complete required inventory and shop documentation.
• Prepare and facilitate CWB testing, including materials, equipment, testing logistics and required documentation.
• Maintain safe, clean and organized shop/lab environments and support compliance with health and safety requirements and applicable industry standards.

Skills

Lab safety

Time management

Organizational skills

CWB testing knowledge

Driver's license

Education

Journeyperson certification in applicable trade

Tools

Forklift certification

Overhead crane/rigging certification

CWB certification

Job description

Lab Technician

Trades and Technology

Location: Lac La Biche Campus

Job number: 26-010

Position type: Full-time term until June 30, 2027

Posting date: October 8, 2026

Salary: $4,089 to $5,302 per month

Closing date: We will begin reviewing resumes on October 15, 2026

ABOUT THE POSITION

Portage College is actively seeking to hire a Laboratory Technician to support our Carpentry, Steamfitter/Pipefitter, Welding, and Heavy Equipment Technician programs. This position prepares materials, equipment and shop/lab spaces, supports practical activities, equipment maintenance and inventory, and helps maintain safe, organized environments. The position also prepares and facilitates CWB testing through the College’s CWB Test Centre. Responsibilities include:

• Provide ongoing laboratory and shop support for Trades and Technology programs.
• Prepare materials, equipment and workstations, and assist with practical labs and shop activities.
• Monitor equipment, perform routine maintenance and minor repairs, identify safety concerns and coordinate repairs or servicing as required.
• Maintain inventory, assist with ordering and receiving materials and equipment, and complete required inventory and shop documentation.
• Prepare and facilitate CWB testing, including materials, equipment, testing logistics and required documentation.
• Maintain safe, clean and organized shop/lab environments and support compliance with health and safety requirements and applicable industry standards.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Recognized Journeyperson certification in an applicable trade preferred; Red Seal endorsement considered an asset.
• Minimum three years of relevant trades industry experience.
• Equivalent combinations of education, training and experience may be considered.
• Knowledge of shop/laboratory operations, tools, equipment, materials and safe work practices.
• Experience supporting practical shop/lab activities and CWB testing considered an asset.
• Knowledge of occupational health and safety requirements.
• WHMIS and First Aid certification required or obtained as a condition of employment.
• Relevant trade certifications, including forklift, overhead crane/rigging or CWB, considered assets.
• Physically capable of performing required shop duties and lifting materials and equipment.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Flexible schedule to accommodate program schedules and CWB testing.
• A Class V driver's license is required;
• The successful applicant will be required to submit a police information check that meets the satisfaction of the College.

As an employee at the College, you will benefit from generous paid time off, participation in the College pension plan and access to a strong professional development fund that allows employees to grow and develop professionally by taking college or university courses or attending conferences or workshops.

ABOUT THE COLLEGE

Portage College has been serving the region for over 50 years and is a first-choice post-secondary institution for learners in northeast Alberta. You will find that we are a college that combines quality with innovation. In fact, Portage College is considered a leader when it comes to providing students with a flexible first-class educational experience. We offer a wide range of programs in health and wellness, business, human services, university transfer, food sciences, trades and technology, native arts and culture, and in academics for career and education.

Portage College is committed to building a skilled, diverse workforce reflective of Canadian society.