Laboratory Technician (Microbiology)

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The City of Calgary. City employees deliver the services, run the programs and operate the facilities which make a difference in our community. We support work-life balance, promote physical and psychological safety, and offer competitive wages, pensions, and benefits. Together we make Calgary a great place to make a living, a great place to make a life. The City is committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive and equitable workplace which is representative of the community we serve. We welcome those who have demonstrated a commitment to upholding the values of equity, diversity, inclusion, anti-racism and reconciliation. Applications are encouraged from members of groups that are historically disadvantaged and underrepresented. Accommodations are available during the hiring process, upon request. 

As Laboratory Technician (Microbiology) you will provide analytical support to three lines of service (Water Treatment & Supply, Wastewater Collection & Treatment, and Stormwater Management) for the Water Quality and Regulatory Assurance team. Primary duties include:

• Perform analytical microbiology methods on water, wastewater, and stormwater samples, such as total coliforms, fecal coliforms, E. coli, heterotrophic bacteria, Salmonella, Cryptosporidium, Giardia, and filamentous bacteria for various programs, projects, and initiatives.
• Follow laboratory quality practices to generate and maintain accurate data records in accordance with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) / International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) 17025 standard.
• Collect samples for microbiological monitoring from water treatment plant sites.
• Participate in and support the Quality Management System, Safety Program and Biosafety Program.
• Aid in drafting and maintaining written standard operating procedures and validation and advancement of new and existing environmental microbiological methods.
• Perform laboratory support duties including media and solution preparation, cleaning, and maintenance of equipment, and contribute to general laboratory housekeeping.

Qualifications 

• A completed 2-year science-based technical diploma and at least 2 years of experience in an environmental water and wastewater microbiology laboratory accredited to the ISO/IEC 17025 standard.

• A valid Class 5 Driver's License (or provincial equivalent), with no more than 6 demerits and no current suspensions or charges pending.

• Intermediate proficiency in Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) and Microsoft Office will be considered an asset.

• A degree related to environmental microbiology will be considered an asset.

• Previous experience with US EPA Method 1623, microscopy, and environmental real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) methods will be considered assets.

• Successful performance in this position requires proven organizational, analytical, troubleshooting and communication skills.

 Working Conditions: This position is exposed to chemicals, compressed gasses, and biohazards. Personal protective equipment (PPE) is required. Pre-employment Requirements 

• Must obtain a City of Calgary operator's permit.

• Successful applicants must provide proof of qualifications.

Pre-employment Drug Test: An offer of employment for this position will be conditional on an applicant passing a pre-employment drug test. This test assesses for use of drugs including cannabis. Failure to pass a pre-employment drug test may prevent an applicant from being hired into any safety sensitive position for a period of up to twelve months.

Position and Pay Information

• Business Unit: Water Services 
• Union: CUPE Local 38
• Position Type: 1 Temporary (up to 18 months) 
• Compensation: Pay Grade 9 $41.49 - 55.51 per hour
• Hours of work: Standard 35 hour work week
• Days of work: This position works a 4-week rotation including some weekends and statutory holidays.
• Location: 1620 56 Avenue SW
• Audience: Internal/External
• Apply By: October 28, 2026
• Job ID: 315486