Resources
Job Postings
Laboratory Technologist - CEA
Laboratory Technologist - CEA
(Controlled Environment Agriculture)
(Controlled Environment Agriculture)
Russ Edwards School of Agriculture & Environment
Full-Time, Regular
Brandon, MB – North Hill Campus
Comp #88-25/26
Salary: $52,517 to $63,921 annually ($27.86 to $33.91 hourly)
Classification: Educational Assistant 3 (EA3)
For over 60 years, Assiniboine College has been providing exceptional learning experiences, while transforming lives and strengthening Manitoba through applied education and research. Our future success rests on our ability to develop a sustainable Thriving Workforce that is unified in moving forward for the benefit of the college and Manitoba. Our culture is built on our principles for continued success: Creativity, Collaboration, and Courage.
The CEA Laboratory Technologist is responsible for establishing, operating, and continuously improving a specialized growing media laboratory that supports teaching, applied research, and innovation across agriculture, horticulture, and sustainable food systems programs in a controlled environment agriculture setting such as commercial and research greenhouse structures and polytunnels. The role leads laboratory setup, equipment installation and calibration, method development, quality assurance, safety compliance, data management, and daily operations, while providing technical expertise, training, and research support related to physical, chemical, and biological assessment of growing media, composts, peat alternatives, and organic amendments.
Key Responsibilities:
- Establish and organize a new growing media laboratory, including layout design, workflow development, equipment installation, and recordkeeping systems.
- Operate, calibrate, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory instruments used for physical, chemical, and biological testing of growing media and related materials; manage service contracts and vendor relationships.
- Develop, validate, and implement analytical methods and protocols for growing media characterization (e.g., bulk density, porosity, moisture retention), chemical analysis (pH, EC, salinity, nutrient extraction), compost maturity, and evaluation of peat alternatives.
- Write, maintain, and update SOPs for laboratory operations, equipment uses, safety, quality control, and sample handling while maintaining accurate records and document control systems.
- Establish and oversee QA/QC systems to ensure analytical accuracy, data integrity, traceability, and readiness for audits or reviews.
- Manage day-to-day laboratory operations including scheduling, sample processing, inventory control, purchasing, budgeting support, housekeeping, and workflow optimization.
- Ensure compliance with institutional, provincial, and federal health and safety requirements; maintain chemical inventories, SDSs, waste disposal systems, and deliver safety training.
- Maintain laboratory databases and records, review data quality, and prepare summaries and reports supporting teaching, research, and stakeholder needs.
- Provide hands-on support to faculty, students, and researchers for experiments, media formulation, sampling, greenhouse-linked projects, and applied research initiatives.
- Train and supervise students, research assistants, and other users in safe, effective laboratory practices; support curriculum labs, capstone projects, and applied student research.
- Recommend improvements to laboratory methods, workflows, and capacity; share expertise across programs and contribute to the long-term development of laboratory capabilities.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor of Science (Masters preferred) in relevant areas such as Biology, Botany, Agriculture, Horticulture, Plant Science, Soil Science, etc.
- Strong laboratory management and organizational skills
- Technical expertise in growing media, composts, and soil/media analysis
- Method development, QA/QC, and documentation proficiency
- Commitment to safety, accuracy, and continuous improvement
- Effective communication and instructional skills for training and collaboration
This competition will remain open until the position is filled.
To discover full details about the position, please visit our careers website at www.assiniboine.net/careers to view the job description.
Why Join Us?
Working Together:
Be part of a collaborative and inclusive environment that values teamwork and positive employee relations. Together, we paddle collectively toward our mission.
Growing Together:
We invest in our employees’ future through succession planning, forward-looking recruitment, and supportive development programs. At least 4% of payroll is dedicated to staff and professional development.
Forward Together:
As we navigate rapid technological changes, we prioritize resilience and wellness among our faculty and staff, helping them become the leaders Manitoba
Our Principles for Continued Success:
- Creativity: We foster an environment that supports and unleashes the creativity of our faculty and staff.
- Collaboration: Teamwork, purposeful connections, and community building are critical to achieving our collective potential.
- Courage: Our faculty and staff embrace their roles as community leaders, boldly taking risks to build a strong future for Manitoba.
Commitment to Diversity:
Assiniboine College is committed to creating a barrier-free environment that emphasizes the value of diversity and promotes full participation. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates who are legally entitled to work in Canada, including Indigenous peoples, persons of all abilities, members of visible minorities, all genders, and sexual orientations.
How to Apply:
If you are interested in this career opportunity, please email your resume and cover letter with reference to this competition to careers@assiniboine.net. We thank all applicants for their interest; only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.
For accommodations or alternative formats, contact careers@assiniboine.net or 204 725 8729.
Assiniboine College is privileged to provide learning opportunities on the lands of the Dakota Oyate, Nakoda Oyate, Ininiwak, Nehethowak, Nehiyawak, Anishininewuk, Denesuline, Anishinaabeg, and the National Homeland of the Red River Métis.
