Laboratory Sample Custodian

Paracel Laboratories; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading environmental laboratory in Ottawa is seeking a full-time Sample Custodian. This role serves as the frontline liaison between clients and lab operations, overseeing sample life cycles. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, has strong communication skills, and is proficient in data entry. The position provides full benefits, including profit-sharing, and requires physical capability for lifting samples. Training will be provided for lab experience.

Benefits

Full benefits

Employee Family Assistance program

Group RRSP plan

Profit-Sharing program

Qualifications

• Minimum High School Diploma - Post secondary education is desired, but not essential.
• Experience in Inventory Control or Materials Management would be considered an asset.
• Effective communication skills to support sample management process.
• Organized with keen attention to detail.
• Very good computer skills – MS Office. Data Entry experience an asset.
• Must be physically capable of lifting/moving boxes and/or coolers up to 50lbs.

Responsibilities

• Unpack and inspect client and courier-delivered samples.
• Greet client walk-ins and assist with inquiries.
• Communicate with clients regarding sample submissions.
• Use LIMS for sample management.
• Manage inventory of field supplies.
• Comply with company QA/QC protocols and Health & Safety policies.

Skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Data entry skills

Organizational skills

Customer service orientation

Education

High School Diploma

Post-secondary education (desired)

Tools

MS Office

Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS)

Job description

Who we are

Paracel Laboratories Ltd. is a full-service environmental and Indoor Air Quality laboratory. Our main laboratory facilities are located in Ottawa and are supported by an environmental lab in Hamilton and microbiology and asbestos laboratories in Mississauga. Additional service depots are located in Kingston, London, Niagara, Windsor, and Richmond Hill. We support a broad spectrum of projects for professional clients from across Canada. Our client base primarily consists of major environmental consultants, all levels of government and industrial manufacturers located predominantly in Ottawa, Toronto, Niagara, Eastern and Southwestern Ontario.

The Role

We are currently recruiting for a full-time Sample Custodian individual to be our frontline liaison between our clients and lab operations at our Ottawa Laboratory. Working within the Sample Management group, and in conjunction with our entire service team, the individual will oversee the life cycle of the samples. The ideal candidate for this role is detail-oriented, a strong communicator, and a team player with superb data entry skills. This is a full-time, permanent role.

Location

This role is on-site, at 2315 St Laurent Blvd., Ottawa, Ontario, K1G 4J8.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Unpack and inspect client and courier-delivered samples to ensure integrity and verify details (e.g., chain of custody, sample IDs, preservation, temperature, and hold times).
• Greet client walk-ins and answer incoming phone calls, providing assistance or directing inquiries as needed.
• Communicate with clients to assist with sample submissions, inquiries, and issues.
• Use the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) for sample login, label generation, work order reports, and sample tracking.
• Label sample containers accurately and distribute them to designated laboratory areas.
• Inspect and collect samples from after-hours sample lockers.
• Work closely with Account Managers to verify login information and resolve submission discrepancies.
• Perform sample pre-treatment as required.
• Prepare field supplies for clients (e.g., containers, sampling media, coolers, field QC supplies, chain of custody forms, sampling guidance documents).
• Manage inventory of field supplies, including containers, media, filters, preservatives, chain of custody forms, coolers, and ice packs.
• Handle shipping of sample containers to clients and the transfer of samples to other locations or subcontractors.
• Coordinate with lab supervisors regarding priority samples or those with special requirements.
• Manage sample storage, retrieval, and disposal as delegated by the Lab Manager.
• Comply with company QA/QC protocols and Health & Safety policies.
• Perform other tasks as assigned or dictated by the position.

Qualifications

• Minimum High School Diploma - Post secondary education is desired, but not essential.
• Experience in Inventory Control or Materials Management would be considered an asset.
• Effective communication skills with the ability to establish and maintain productive work relationships with various levels of staff, to support sample management process.
• Organized and keen attention to detail.
• Very good computer skills – MS Office. Data Entry experience an asset.
• Demonstrated initiative, detail-oriented with a positive attitude and ability to multi-task.
• A proven customer service orientation with a style that demonstrates timely response.
• Quick learner, effective problem solver and demonstrates ability to follow procedures.
• Ability to work effectively and independently in a fast-paced environment.
• Lab experience is not essential and training will be provided.
• Must be physically capable of lifting/moving boxes and/or coolers up to 50lbs on occasion.

Compensation Package

The compensation package includes full benefits including an Employee Family Assistance program, a Group RRSP plan, and a Profit-Sharing program.

Application Process

In addition to your resume, please include a cover letter in your application. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

We appreciate all applicants for their interest. However, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Paracel Laboratories is an equal-opportunity employer. If you require accommodation during the recruitment process, please let us know, and all efforts to provide the appropriate accommodation will be put into place.