Lab Technician

Job Summary
20/20 Seed Labs Inc is a full service agricultural laboratory with locations in Nisku, Alberta and Winnipeg Manitoba. Our labs conduct seed quality testing in the areas of physiology, microbiology, molecular biology and seed morphology. We currently have one Lab Technician position open for an exciting opportunity located at our Winnipeg Laboratory. This position is seasonal full time, 40 hours a week. The position ends May 1st and is available for re-hire seasonally in the same time frame the following year, from September 1st to May 1st.

Job Description:

Reporting to the Winnipeg Lab Manager, the primary role of the Lab Technician will be to assist in the preparation of germination and purity test samples on all crop types, including cereals, pulses, grasses, legumes, vegetables and specialty crops. This involves implementing the Canadian, AOSA and ISTA Seed Testing protocols to accurately prepare, sample, and plant test samples. It also includes performing advisory testing such as seed weights, moisture tests, and other physical property testing. All training will be provided.

Key Responsibilities:

• Preparing tests for planting and other testing
• Planting germination, vigour, herbicide and other tests
• Making planting solutions, such as potassium nitrate or herbicide dilutions when required
• Understanding principles of testing associations as they relate to each testing method
• Prepping media for testing, such as creating sand and soil mixtures
• Filing seed samples into buckets
• Disposing of seed samples after archive period
• Moving sample buckets from temporary storage to long term storage
• Assisting customers who are dropping off samples
• Accurately entering and completing test data when required
• Receive samples from courier or mail
• Enter samples and tests into database, assign lab numbers and test codes
• Organize samples according to type, client, department and priority
• Answer and respond / transfer all main line calls and respond to client inquiries as needed
• Greeting customers at the door

Qualifications

• Post-secondary degree in Biological Sciences or a related diploma is preferred but not required
• Effective verbal and written communication skills
• Some lab experience is preferred but not required
• Must be able to answer phones and converse with clients
• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs
• Effective time management skills; the ability to prioritize and handle multiple tasks and projects concurrently and produce high quality results and complete all work in a timely manner
• Ability to foster and maintain trusting and dependable working relationships
• Ability to take initiative and work independently on individual assigned tasks, as well as ability to work in a team environment
• Ability to stand for long periods of time while conducting testing
• Demonstrated attention to detail and the ability to work quickly while maintaining a high degree of quality and accuracy.

Job Types: Full-time, Seasonal
Contract length: 6 months

Pay: $16.49-$20.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Additional pay:

• Overtime pay

Benefits:

• On-site parking

Flexible language requirement:

• French not required

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday
• Overtime

Work Location: In person