Junior Research Technician, Soil Science Central Laboratory

Primary Purpose: The Soil Science Central Laboratory (SSCL) supports research activities in the Department of Soil Science and, more broadly, the College of Agriculture & Bioresources. The SSCL Technician will support the day-to-day operations of the SSCL and provide technical assistance in the areas of soil, plant, and other sample analyses; run samples in conjunction with faculty and assist in training graduate students in the operation of the SSCL’s equipment.

Nature of Work: Reporting to the Department Head, the Technician assists with the operation of the Soil Science Central Laboratory. The Technician provides a mix of routine and non-routine scientific technical support services to the department faculty, their graduate students, and external users.

The Technician works as part of the bigger Departmental team stewarding sample analyses toward common research goals. The Technician maintains a good collaborative working relationship with all faculty, staff, and students. The Technician will also be tasked with sample archivism and consumables inventory; for example, tracking the number and type of incoming and outgoing samples and their results and providing users with reliable timelines and quality assurance when running samples.

Typical Duties or Accountabilities:

• Assist in day-to-day operations of the Soil Science Central Laboratory.
• Provide guidance to graduate students to achieve sample processing and analysis.
• Operate laboratory instruments to conduct sample analysis.
• Work with students, external clients, and visitors to aid timely analysis of their samples.
• Follow standard operating procedures (SOP’s) for existing and new technical instruments and/or new analyses.
• Implement QA/QC procedures and report results to the Equipment Committee.
• Actively work to ensure and maintain laboratory safety.
• Supply management: maintain an up-to-date chemical inventory, manage chemical waste (including temporary storage and disposal).

Education: A degree or formal education in chemical or environmental analysis. Demonstrated experience using analytical equipment and associated basic analytical devices to perform environmental or chemical analysis on soil and/or plant samples. Experience and knowledge of equipment maintenance and laboratory information management systems (LIMS) is an asset.

Licenses: Must possess or be willing to obtain the following certificates:

• WHMIS Certificate
• General Laboratory Safety
• U of S Safety Training for new Employees

Skills: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and ability to relate effectively with other staff and students; effective written and oral English communication skills; ability to prioritize and organize time effectively; proven capacity to work independently and in a team setting; detail-oriented and able to perform repetitive tasks accurately and consistently; strong critical-thinking and problem-solving skills for troubleshooting laboratory instruments. Knowledge of soil and plant analysis is required. Technical requirements include proficiency with operating scientific equipment, basic computer skills (including competency with Microsoft Office Suite), and good working knowledge of laboratory procedures and safety protocols.

Inquiries regarding this position can be directed to Bobbi Helgason at 306-966-8151.

Department: Soil Science
Status: Term 6 months with the possibility of extension
Employment Group: Research Positions - Non-union
Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 0.5
Salary: The salary range, based on 1.0 FTE, is $20.37 - 28.52 per hour. The starting salary will be commensurate with education and experience.
Salary Phase/Band: Salary Band 4
Posted Date: 9/9/2026
Closing Date: 9/16/2026
Number of Openings: 1
Work Location: On Campus

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