Technician V - Chemistry/Biology

Socket.dev; Kelowna; On-site; CAD 47,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Okanagan College is seeking a Laboratory Technician to install and maintain lab equipment in the Science labs under limited supervision. You will troubleshoot, repair and optimize equipment, organize inventory, and ensure regulatory compliance including WHMIS and TDG.

The role involves setting up labs, preparing solutions and cultures, supporting student labs, coordinating shared equipment, and maintaining records. Travel to campuses may be required and safety is emphasised.

Qualifications

• Graduation from a related two-year technologist program is required.
• Must possess a valid Occupational First Aid - Level 2 certificate.
• A valid Class 5 driver's license is required.
• A minimum 2 years related experience is required.

Responsibilities

• Set up, take-down and clean-up of labs; supports student stations as needed.
• Prepare solutions, media, cultures and maintain live organisms.
• Ensure safe operation of equipment during labs and provide materials as required.
• Maintain lab equipment and coordinate with IT and Facilities when needed.
• Conduct lab safety inspections and maintain regulatory documentation (WHMIS/TDG).

Skills

Lab equipment repair

Inventory management

Safety compliance

Lift up to 30 pounds

Education

Two-year technologist program

Occupational First Aid - Level 2

Class 5 driver's license

Job description

Desired Start Date: October 26, 2026

Position End Date: October 29, 2027

Salary range: $33.93 - $38.77

Bargaining unit: BCGEU Support

Classification: Technician V

Type of appointment: Non-regular full-time

Closing date: September 20, 2026

Your Opportunity

Under the limited supervision of the Dean, Arts & Sciences, and the general supervision of the Science Department Chairpersons, the Laboratory Technician installs and maintains lab and general equipment in the Science labs; troubleshoots, repairs and optimizes equipment; organizes and maintains an inventory of supplies and equipment; maintains live organisms and cultures; complies with standard biosafety practices; maintains documentation for regulatory compliance (e.g. Workplace Hazardous Material Information System (WHMIS) and Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG)).

Functions and Duties

• Responsible for set-up, take-down and clean-up of labs; sets up student stations when required
• Under the direction of the College Professor, prepares solutions, media, cultures and maintains live organisms
• Is available during student lab periods to ensure there are adequate materials to perform the labs; ensures the safe and correct operation of equipment
• Maintain science equipment such as glassware, computers, microscopes and other science lab equipment
• Troubleshoots, repairs, upgrades and optimizes equipment and lab specific computers; places work requests to IT Services and Facilities when required
• Coordinates the use of shared lab equipment between Science departments
• Conducts and coordinates lab safety inspections
• Maintains appropriate records and documentation for regulatory compliance (e.g. Workplace Hazardous Material Information System (WHMIS), Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) and Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG))
• Complies with standard biosafety practices
• Ensure safe storage of chemicals and the safe collection, transportation, handling and disposal of hazardous and glass waste
• Procures laboratory materials by sourcing supplies and equipment including off campus purchases and samples
• Maintains inventory records of lab materials and equipment
• Perform other duties as required

Education and Experience

Graduation from a related two-year technologist program is required. Must possess a valid Occupational First Aid - Level 2 certificate. A valid class five driver's license is required. A minimum 2 years related experience is required.

Skills and Abilities

• Able to perform work of a routine nature with minimal or no direct supervision
• Proven ability to repair, operate and service science lab equipment
• Able to lift and move lab equipment (up to 30 pounds)
• Able to distinguish colour to maintain live organisms

Preferred Qualifications

Applicants with a BSc or MSc in Chemistry or Biochemistry preferred. Research and/or laboratory experience is an asset.

Schedule

Work schedule may vary to support demands of teaching labs. Schedule to be determined. Travel to Penticton, Vernon and Salmon Arm campuses will be required.

Our Values

Students first: Creating meaningful life-long educational opportunities of the highest quality for alumni, current, and future students is at the heart of everything we do.

Community: We are one College. We enthusiastically embrace the opportunity to work with, learn from, and support everyone we encounter collaboratively and collegially.

Respect: We welcome, embrace, and celebrate that which make us unique in creating an environment in which every individual is valued, affirming our commitment to human dignity for all.

Courage: We are courageous in our actions in areas that contribute to positive change in our communities and beyond. We have the courage to be vulnerable. We are truthful, sincere, and act ethically with honesty and fairness.

Relationships: We steward meaningful relationships built on a foundation of reciprocity. We are compassionate, empathic, and care for the holistic well-being of students, employees, community members, and the land.

Distinction: We choose activities in which we can achieve excellence and positively impact society.

Okanagan College is committed to increasing the equitable and inclusive participation of marginalized people in all aspects of college life. We welcome and encourage applications from Indigenous Peoples, Black People, members of racialized groups/visible minorities, people with disabilities and people with diverse gender identities or expressions. People with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application process may contact, in confidence, [e-mail].