Laboratory Assistant

Laboratory Assistant I

Position Status: Full-Time Regular

Department: Water Services

Employee Group: Teamsters Local 31

Location: Lake City Operations Centre, Burnaby

Salary Range / Wage Rate: PG T13 $ 1,979.25 - $2,317.83 bi-weekly (2024 wage rates)

Overview

Our Water Services Department is seeking a Laboratory Assistant I who will be responsible for the preparations of media, sterilization of waste materials, and cleaning and sterilization of sample bottles in support of the Microbiology Lab and other associated labs.

You are

able to work in a busy and fast pace environment, preferably with some mechanical knowledge and confidence to trouble shoot some instrument/equipment issues.

• Weighs, measures, mixes, prepares and dispenses into test tubes a number of media used in the Microbiology Laboratory using hazardous materials such as acids, according to specific instruction and established procedures.
• Washes, sterilizes and shelves all glassware and bottles for Chemistry and Microbiology Laboratories, treating specified Chemistry Laboratory bottles with dilute acids as part of preparation.
• Prepares dilution water and fills, caps and sterilizes dilution bottles for laboratory work.
• Performs a variety of routine laboratory support duties such as cleaning and maintaining laboratory equipment and supplies and disposing of waste materials.
• Performs other related duties as required.

• Completion of Grade 12 with courses in science; no experience required, OR an equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Working knowledge of various laboratory support schedules, routines, procedures, apparatus and safety precautions related to the work.
• Some knowledge of the purposes and objectives of the laboratories.
• Ability to prepare media, dilution water and specified bottles using hazardous materials such as acids, according to established procedures.
• Ability to clean, set up and store fragile apparatus.
• Ability to work quickly and efficiently to meet established schedules.
• Ability to perform physical tasks requiring bending, stretching, pushing and lifting.
• Good mechanical aptitude and manual dexterity and preciseness.

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.

Metro Vancouver employees proudly serve the region and demonstrate the behaviours and attributes of six leadership competencies:
Accountability, Adaptability, Building and Nurturing Relationships, Communication, Continuous Learning, and Strategic Thinking and Action.

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 careers for support. Learn more about our commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion here.

Please submit your application by January 16, 2026.