Lhso 30r

Posting Title - LHSO 30R - Biological Safety Officer and Section Head, Laboratory Operations - Position Classification - Laboratory/Hlth Science Of R30 - Union - GEU - Work Options - Hybrid - Location - Abbotsford, BC V2S 1H4 CA (Primary) - Salary Range - $90,797.03 - $103,685.14 annually - Close Date - 10/13/2025 - Job Type - Regular Full Time - Temporary End Date - 2/26/2028 - Ministry/Organization - BC Public Service -> Agriculture and Food - Ministry Branch / Division - PAHB/SPID - Job Summary **The Team** Join a well-established and close-knit team in the Laboratory Operations Unit, part of the Plant and Animal Health Branch at the Ministry of Agriculture and Food. With over 65 dedicated professionals — including laboratory health scientists, veterinary technologists, veterinarians, and plant pathologists — our team works in a fast-paced, collaborative environment to protect British Columbians from the impacts of animal and plant diseases. We value diverse perspectives and inclusive practices, and we welcome applicants who bring unique experiences to help strengthen our commitment to biosafety, biosecurity, and public health in our accredited, multi-level containment laboratories. **The Role** In this leadership role as Biological Safety Officer, the position oversees all aspects of the biosafety and biosecurity program for the Plant and Animal Health Centre, helping to protect food safety and food security, plant, animal and human health across British Columbia. Complementing this are the responsibilities as Section Head of Laboratory Operations in which you’ll guide a skilled team, manage resources, and contribute to provincial policy while supporting high-containment laboratories that serve Western Canada. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds who are passionate about scientific work that makes a real difference — especially in urgent or emerging situations that impact animal, plant, and public health. **Qualifications**: **Education and Experience Requirements** The position requires qualifications to perform the role of Biological Safety Officer as required by the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) Canadian Biosafety Standards, the Human Pathogens and Toxins Regulations and the _Human Pathogens and Toxins Act_. - Bachelor of Science degree in a relevant field (e.g. Biological Sciences, Biology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Immunology) from a university of recognized standing. - Minimum one (1) year experience in the role of Biological Safety Officer, or as a Biological Safety Officer Alternate or Assistant, performing duties related to biological safety within a diagnostic or research laboratory facility; AND - Five (5) years or more of relevant experience in research or diagnostic laboratories including experience in all of the following areas: - Working with pathogens in containment level 2 or higher laboratories; - Supervising staff and managing laboratory sections and operations in a diagnostic or research laboratory setting; AND - Leading staff on projects or program delivery. An equivalent combination of education and related experience may be considered. - Registered Biological Safety Officer with the Canadian Association of Biological Safety or American Biological Safety Association; - Two (2) years or more of experience in an accredited veterinary diagnostic laboratory; - Three (3) years or more of experience in a Biological Safety Officer role; - Peer-reviewed publications in the areas of biological safety, biosecurity or microbiology or other related areas; - Registered Microbiologist (RM) with the Canadian College of Microbiologists or a similar professional designation as a Microbiologist. WILLINGNESS STATEMENTS AND PROVISOS - Must obtain rabies vaccination upon employment (if not previously vaccinated) and required to participate in the rabies vaccination and titre program to maintain employment. - Must be willing to obtain Canadian Registered Biological Safety Officer status within one year of employment in the position. - Must meet safety standards of Work Safe BC. - This position may require travel, as well as work irregular hours, and be on-call/available to the Directors and Executive Director and/or laboratory staff during outbreaks and emergencies. - Must be willing to work in Containment Level 2 and 3, foreign animal disease, and prion laboratories, or adjacent to a lab with the potential for exposure to risks from pathogens or prions. **About this Position**: This is a temporary opportunity until **February 26, 2028.** This position may be extended or become permanent. This position is based out of Abbotsford. An eligibility list may be established to fill future temporary and permanent vacancies. A Criminal Record Check (CRC) will be required. Employees of the BC Public Service must be located in BC at the time of employment. **Working for the BC Public Service**: The BC Public Service is committed to creating a diverse workplace to represent the population