Careers
BC Local Government Job Posting Service
Environmental Monitoring Technician
Position Status: Auxiliary (This position to last not later than December 31, 2024 with the possibility of extension)
Department: Liquid Waste Services
Employee Group: Teamsters Local 31
Location: 4515 Central Boulevard, Burnaby
Salary Range/ Wage Rate: PG T22 $39.14 - $46.07 hourly
Our Liquid Waste Services Department is seeking an Environmental Monitoring Technician who will work with a team of environmental monitoring technicians, scientists and engineers to meet program objectives and achieve department goals. An incumbent of this class sets up, maintains, calibrates and operates sampling equipment/instrumentation; collects samples from wastewater treatment plants, combined and sanitary sewer overflows, recreational beaches, outfall receiving environments, and regional ambient environment monitoring locations; assists in the interpretation of test results; prepares and maintains work records and routine reports; collates and summarizes data; and, assists in reviewing reports submitted by consultants.
You are: A good communicator, a team player, able to work independently, have the ability to perform physically demanding work, are comfortable working alone, outdoors in all weather conditions and in office and laboratory environments or on a boat, you pay close attention to details, are proficient in documentation of your work, have some skill in maintenance, operation, calibration and simple repair of monitoring equipment, and are proficient in the use of Microsoft Office software. You also are able to work outside of normal work hours and days to accommodate environmental (e.g. tidal) conditions and operational needs.
This role:
- Conducts preliminary evaluation of individual sampling site requirements, determines safe and efficient sampling procedures according to established standards; assists in setting up sampling schedules, and, performs chemical and physical testing.
- Conducts sampling of wastewater, sanitary and combined sewer overflows, receiving and ambient environments (water, sediment, biota) and, monitors odour and air emissions.
- Identifies, defines and measures a variety of environmental indicators; performs related analyses and calculations; assists in interpreting results and in determining significance of data and quantity of pollutants in terms of accepted tolerances and obtains additional samples for confirmation as required; applies special test procedures to solve difficult or unusual sampling problems and assists in the development of new procedures and techniques for abnormal parameters.
- Maintains work records and testing files, enters data using electronic means and reports results, and conducts quality checks of laboratory data and database entries. Conducts preliminary analysis of data including comparison with published guideline/objectives, alerts a superior to violations of applicable requirements and prepares reports and memoranda detailing test results for a superior.
- Monitors consultant sampling projects and/or contracted laboratory data; assists in the review and evaluation of results and procedures and discusses anomalies with a superior; provides consultants with technical advice, guidance and recommendations on appropriate procedures as directed. Completes preliminary check of invoices.
- Checks, cleans, calibrates and maintains all sampling equipment, performs simple repairs of equipment as necessary, and prepares solutions and reagents required for testing.
- Performs scheduled and special request sampling in support of environmental monitoring/management and quality control program work.
- May include weekend work at different sites within the Metro Vancouver region, depending on operational needs.
- Performs related work as required.
To be successful, you have:
- Completion of a recognized two-year diploma course from an Institute of Technology with emphasis on related sciences (environmental science, chemistry, biology, ecology, toxicology, pollution control, etc.). Some experience in environmental (water, wastewater, sediment, biota) sampling or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
- Considerable knowledge of environmental (water, wastewater, sediment, biota) sampling practices, procedures and equipment.
- Considerable knowledge of environmental and wastewater collection and sampling techniques.
- Sound knowledge of the regulatory context (e.g., Environmental Management Act), and environmental guidelines and objectives as applicable to the work performed.
- Sound knowledge of computer applications related to the work and ability to input data, conduct summary statistics, prepare tables/graphs, and write reports.
- Working knowledge of special environmental sampling procedures to solve difficult or unusual sampling problems.
- Some knowledge of environmental pollution concerns associated with municipal wastewater system operations and stormwater.
- Ability to determine safe and efficient sampling procedures, to perform environmental monitoring and sampling, to assist in the development and maintenance of a comprehensive testing schedule and in the development of special procedures and techniques as required.
- Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external contacts and to perform duties with tact, efficiency and accuracy.
- Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
- Ability to identify, define and measure environmental quality, to perform analyses and calculations, and to assist in interpreting results and significance of data.
- Ability to perform sampling of wastewater and to participate in emergency response investigations of spills.
- Ability to use a computer terminal to input, manipulate and retrieve data and maintain records and documentation related to the work.
- Ability to oversee environmental monitoring and testing projects completed by consultants.
- Ability to perform physically demanding work in all types of weather and to work effectively at heights and/or on the water.
- Skill in the care, maintenance, operation, calibration, and simple repair of equipment used in the work.
- Valid British Columbia Driver's Licence.
Our Vision:
Metro Vancouver embraces collaboration and innovation in providing sustainable regional services that contribute to a livable and resilient region and a healthy natural environment for current and future generations.
At Metro Vancouver, we are committed to cultivating a diverse, safe, equitable, and inclusive work environment for all. We strive to attract and retain a talented, diverse workforce that is reflective of the region we serve. If an accommodation is required during the recruitment and selection process, please contact [email protected] for support. Learn more about our commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion here.
Please follow this link https://metrovancouver.org/about-us/careers to our Careers page where you can submit your application by May 13, 2024.
Employment Length: Temporary
Education Requirement: College, CEGEP or other non-university certificate or diploma from a program of 1 year to 2 years
Job Experience: Experience an asset
Rate: $39.14 to $46.07 Hour
