Senior Cement Laboratory Technician

The Organization

Our client, Progressive Planet, based in Calgary, Alberta, is redefining sustainability with their Products for a Healthy Planet. By leveraging owned mineral assets and recycled materials, they develop patented and patent-pending innovations that promote a healthier planet.

Their C-Quester Centre of Sustainable Solutions leads advancements in low-carbon cement technologies, while their second on-site lab focuses on sustainable solutions for agriculture and animal care. Progressive Planet's products are proudly available in over 10,000 retail locations across North America.

With multiple disruptive product development projects ongoing, Progressive Planet's world-class scientific team are producing and commercializing innovative products and tech dedicated to tackling the global challenges of climate change: soil degradation, emissions reduction, and contaminants impacting the environment. Their collective innovation has already resulted in products listed with the Organic Materials Review Institute, along with significant IP development, exclusivity agreements, and the granting of multiple patents.

Our construction innovations
aim to radically decarbonize concrete production using natural pozzolans and post-consumer mineral products to replace Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) in concrete. We are also working on admixtures that increase carbon sequestration and/or increase substitution of OPC. Multiple patentable proprietary processes for carbon sequestration and performance enhancement are under development.

Our agriculture and animal innovations
re-mineralize agricultural operations through disruptive innovation. Patented products and new products under development are all derived from diatomaceous earth. Our Activated Barn Fresh is protected by a US Patent until 2033 and reduces the formation of ammonia in chicken barns. We have sold over $26 million of this product since developing it in-house.

The Mandate

Progressive Plant is seeking an experienced and highly skilled
Senior Cement Laboratory Technician
to join its dynamic and innovation-driven team. Reporting to the CTO, the Senior Technician will be responsible for developing, testing, and optimizing customized cementitious blends with a focus on sustainability, performance, and regulatory compliance. Expertise in cement chemistry, pozzolanic materials, supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs), and blended cements — aligned with ASTM C618, ASTM C1866/C1866M, and CSA standards — will be essential to success in this role.

This position offers an exciting opportunity to work at the forefront of green construction materials, including Portland cement, Limestone Calcined Clay Cement (LC3), Pozzolanic Cement, and Ground Glass Pozzolan (GGP) Cement. The Senior Technician will lead testing initiatives, mentor junior technicians, and contribute directly to advancing low-carbon technologies and circular economy solutions within the construction industry.

If you are passionate about sustainability, innovation, and making a measurable impact, you will thrive in this collaborative environment while growing your leadership and technical expertise.

Alternative option
: You are a hands-on cement and materials expert with a passion for innovation and sustainability. You thrive in a lab environment, love digging into technical details, and aren't afraid to think creatively to solve complex challenges. With a deep knowledge of ASTM and CSA testing standards, you combine precision with curiosity to push the boundaries of what's possible in cement and concrete performance.

You bring a proactive, team-first attitude, strong technical writing skills, and a drive to create sustainable solutions that make a real impact. Leading and mentoring others comes naturally to you, and you take pride in working safely, efficiently, and with purpose.

Key Accountabilities

• Design and innovate
  custom cementitious blends tailored to client performance and sustainability goals.
• Lead testing and analysis
  in compliance with ASTM C618, ASTM C1866/C1866M, and CSA A3000/A23.1 standards.
• Evaluate raw materials
  like Portland cement, calcined clays, limestone fillers, and recycled glass powders for reactivity and compatibility.
• Perform critical lab testing
  , including compressive strength, setting time, flow, reactivity, sulfate resistance, and advanced material analysis (LOI, Blaine, Malvern).
• Drive blend optimization
  by proposing novel formulations and solving performance challenges.
• Maintain precise lab records
  of mix designs, procedures, and test results to ensure data integrity.
• Collaborate cross-functionally
  with Sales, Engineering, and Product Development teams to support customer needs and product innovation.
• Champion lab safety and compliance
  , upholding the highest health, safety, and environmental standards.

The Details

Opportunities and Attractions

• Drive Sustainable Innovation
  : Work hands-on with low-carbon cements, SCMs, and alternative binders to shape the future of sustainable construction.
• Leadership Growth
  : Lead small teams, mentor junior technicians, and build your leadership profile in a growing, innovation-driven environment.
• Make a Real Impact
  : Directly influence material quality, performance, and sustainability outcomes for major construction projects.
• Culture of Innovation
  : Thrive in a company that values fresh thinking, creativity, and continuous improvement.
• Advanced Technology Exposure
  : Use modern lab instrumentation, LIMS systems, and advanced analytical methods to stay at the forefront of materials science.
• Career Alignment with Sustainability
  : Be part of a mission-driven team committed to circular economy principles and environmental stewardship.

Experience

• Experience working in cement, concrete, or construction materials research or laboratory environments, involving testing, analysis, and/or quality control. Experience in both academic and industrial settings will be considered an asset.
• Knowledge of pozzolanic materials, supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs), blended cements, and alternative binder systems, with an understanding of their material properties, performance characteristics, and applications in low-carbon or sustainable cement technologies.
• Proficiency or familiarity with laboratory instrumentation and test methods related to cement chemistry and concrete performance. Experience with CSA and ASTM standards is an asset.
• Passion for sustainability and circular economy solutions in construction.
• Skilled in technical data analysis and problem-solving, with a keen ability to troubleshoot test results and recommend process improvements.
• Demonstrated ability to innovate and "think outside the triangle", contributing to a workplace culture that values creativity and continuous improvement.
• Experienced in preparing clear, detailed technical reports and communicating findings effectively to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel, with experience using Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) or similar lab data management tools considered an advantage.
• Collaborative team player with a strong commitment to safety, quality, and operational excellence in a dynamic laboratory environment.