Job Posting - Biological Laboratory Technician
Summary
At Biologica, we are the champions of the little critters. Based in Victoria, BC, we're a family-owned aquatic biomonitoring company specializing in identifying organisms in freshwater and marine habitats to support environmental monitoring efforts. We're passionate about serving our clients and ensuring the success of our team, all while providing a window into an invisible yet incredibly diverse world that’s so important to understand for our planet. We believe in fostering a rigorous and collaborative environment where everyone can thrive and grow. That means being open to learning new skills, welcoming feedback, and taking ownership of our work. Join us as we work together to make a real difference in the world of aquatic taxonomy.
We’re looking for a Biological Laboratory Technician to join our team to assist with the analysis of aquatic sediment samples, focusing on accurately identifying and enumerating macroinvertebrates. Your work will be crucial in ensuring the success of our biological impact assessments and biomonitoring surveys. This position requires a high level of attention to detail, adherence to project budgets and timelines, and a commitment to maintaining our standards of excellence. For the right candidate, there is an opportunity to grow into a senior role with responsibility for leading sorting projects and supporting the development of our team.
Key Qualifications
· Diploma in Environmental Technology, BSc. degree in biological sciences preferred.
· Intermediate experience using a microscope in a laboratory environment.
· Novice familiarity with marine and freshwater invertebrates. The ability to identify these to major groups is an asset.
· Novice experience with Microsoft Office (Word and Excel).
· Intermediate ability to maintain timelines and budget while ensuring high accuracy.
· Proactive problem-solving ability.
· A keen attention to detail.
· High adaptability to evolving job requirements, resilient and innovative approach to both fast-paced environments and slower periods.
· Must be able to sit and perform focused work at a microscope for extended periods of time (8 hours a day).
· Strong communication skills; experience or interest in explaining technical concepts clearly to others is an asset.
· Interest in process documentation and continuous improvement.
Key Duties
Sample Analysis
· Microscopically analyze benthic samples by sorting debris, counting, and preliminarily identifying specimens for biological impact assessments and biomonitoring surveys.
· Collaborate with peers and/or taxonomists to troubleshoot difficult samples or specimens.
· Identifying continuing improvement opportunities to existing procedures (or new processes) that optimize efficiency and effectiveness within the taxonomy workflow.
· Complies with lab safety procedures and promotes a culture of health and safety.
Timeliness and Accuracy
· Complete work within project deadlines and budget allocations.
· Maintain high accuracy levels and organize workspace for efficiency.
· Track time spent on each sample.
Trainee Mentorship and Project Leadership
· Assist with training new sorters following the sorting manual and Biologica’s sorting SOPs; help develop and refine training materials over time.
· As experience grows, provide constructive feedback, assess accuracy, and help coordinate sorting workflow on projects.
Instructions
If you’d like to join our team, apply with a cover letter and resume through the Indeed platform.
We are unable to provide individual responses to all applicants. Only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. We appreciate your understanding and kindly request that you refrain from making phone calls to our office. Thank you for your interest in joining our team.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: $19.00-$22.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Company events
- Dental care
- Extended health care
- Flexible schedule
- Paid time off
Location:
- Victoria, BC V8T 5H2 (required)
Work Location: In person