Junior Materials Processing Technician

About us

At Arca, we pull carbon dioxide from the air and store it permanently as rock. To do this at scale, we partner with the minerals industry to implement our technology at mine sites, using their rock waste as our feedstock. These are the same mines that are producing the minerals necessary for the transition to a clean energy future. Arca's founders are leaders in the field of carbon capture in mine tailings with more than 20 years of experience in innovation and research.

We believe that by working with nature, not against it, we can achieve carbon dioxide removal on the scale needed to secure thriving and abundant life on Earth for generations to come. If that resonates, we want to hear from you. We're building a team of sharp, mission-driven, and collaborative individuals who take pride in using their skills to contribute to a sustainable future.

Position Overview

As a Junior Materials Processing Technician, you'll support the science and engineering teams at our on-site facility in Vancouver. You'll focus on crushing, grinding, and preparing rock and industrial waste samples using equipment such as a jaw crusher, rod mill, and sieve stacks. Your work will help ensure the consistent production of ground material that feeds directly into experimental and analytical workflows. The role is hands-on and operational, with a strong emphasis on safe equipment use, facility upkeep, and accurate sample preparation. Onboarding, laboratory training, and health and safety instruction will be provided.

Responsibilities

• Perform dry and wet crushing, grinding, sample homogenization, and particle size analysis of ultramafic rock and industrial waste materials using equipment, such as a jaw crusher, stirred mill, rod mill, and sieve stack.
• Assist the team with collecting and organizing field samples.
• Ensure the crushing room is clean, organized, and compliant with safety and housekeeping standards.
• Follow all health & safety protocols associated with mechanical equipment, dust control, and material handling.
• Prepare samples for downstream analytical and experimental work, maintaining accurate labels, logs, and traceability.
• Support the upkeep of equipment by reporting issues, performing basic cleaning and maintenance tasks, and assisting senior staff with more advanced servicing as needed.
• Contribute to the development and maintenance of SOPs related to comminution and sample preparation.
• Work independently on assigned tasks while collaborating closely with scientists and engineers to align sample preparation with project needs.
• Communicate with the team to discuss timelines, priorities, and any issues that affect sample preparation or workflow.

Skills and Experience

• A background in earth sciences, mining, materials science, or related technical training is preferred but not required.
• Experience with mechanical rock crushing and grinding equipment, or hands-on experience in a similar industrial, mining, or laboratory environment.
• Familiarity with sieving, particle size analysis, and the basics of sample preparation for analytical or experimental workflows.
• Comfort working with mechanical equipment and following detailed operational and safety procedures.
• Familiarity with safe dust suppression methods used during crushing, grinding, and handling of dry mineral materials.
• Experience maintaining or following SOPs, with attention to consistency, safety, and reproducibility.
• Ability to safely lift and handle materials up to 25 kg (55 lb)
• Ability to work independently, manage daily tasks, and communicate effectively with scientists and engineers in a fast-paced R&D setting.

We're looking for individuals who…

• Are optimistic, we can make an impact in the fight against climate change
• Embrace an optimistic mindset, eagerly tackling ideas and situations that challenge conventional boundaries
• Thrive in a collaborative and fast-paced working environment

What we offer at Arca

• A competitive salary
• Three weeks' holidays plus the week off between Christmas and New Year's
• Flex Fridays
• Stock options
• $1,000 professional development budget to support your growth.
• 100% paid by employer comprehensive health benefits package including medical, dental, and life, plus Health and Wellness spending account and employee assistance program.
• A fun and diverse environment, with inspired colleagues who are united in the fight against climate change

At Arca, we believe that our commitment to diversity and inclusion is not only the right thing to do but also essential for our success as a company. We welcome and encourage all qualified candidates to apply for our open positions, regardless of their background, race, colour, age, national origin, ancestry, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, status as a veteran, and basis of disability.