Chemical Stores Laboratory Technician

About us:

The University of Toronto Scarborough is a place of energy, enthusiasm and passion. Our commitment to inclusive excellence attracts the brightest learners, scholars and employees from around the globe. Our success has been made possible by the opportunity given to us by our Indigenous hosts to operate on their territory, and we cherish our continuing partnerships with these communities. The University of Toronto Scarborough is an exciting campus with unlimited potential. Join us on our journey.

The Department of Physical & Environmental Sciences is built on a strong foundation of dedicated staff and faculty. This Department is a multidisciplinary unit comprised of four primary groups: Chemistry, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies and Physics & Astronomy with faculty who are engaged in vital research to better understand our environment. This Department is a place where diversity fuels innovation. Discover a campus filled with energy, culture and world-changing ideas and facilities. Discover the University of Toronto Scarborough.

This search aligns with the University's commitment to strategically and proactively promote diversity among our community members (Statement on Equity, Diversity & Excellence). Recognizing that Black, Indigenous, and other Racialized communities have experienced inequities that have developed historically and are ongoing, we strongly welcome and encourage candidates from those communities to apply.

Your opportunity:

We are recruiting for a Chemical Stores Laboratory Technician to provide technical and customer support services for the Chemical Stores facility within the Department of Physical & Environmental Sciences. The incumbent will report to the Chemical Stores Coordinator, and support research and academic activities by facilitating established procurement processes, maintaining normal stockroom operations, and providing customers with chemicals, equipment, supplies, and hazardous waste handling services.

In addition to your duties in Chemical Stores, you will also provide technical support services to the undergraduate teaching laboratories, which will include assisting in the set-up and take down of lab workstations, the preparation of chemicals/solutions, and the maintenance of chemical inventory.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Acting as a first point of contact for purchasing enquiries
• Obtaining quotations and issuing purchase orders within established limits
• Maintaining a record of inventory
• Liaising with internal and external contacts to facilitate purchasing and/or procurement processes
• Coordinating the shipping and/or receiving of goods
• Preparing, assembling and setting-up material, equipment and supplies used in teaching and/or research labs
• Following rules and procedural instructions when transporting and/or disposing of chemical waste
• Following rules and procedural instructions when storing chemical, radiological and/or biological materials

Essential Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of three years of related experience working with hazardous chemicals, maintaining chemical inventories and purchasing experience, preferably in a Chemical Stores operation in a university or private sector department.
• Demonstrated understanding of the technical requirements of a stores operation including purchasing, inventory maintenance, shipping/receiving, distribution, bookkeeping and records management.
• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office 365 suite applications (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneDrive, SharePoint, etc.).
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills, along with demonstrated customer service skills including diplomacy and tact.
• Good judgment and decision making skills and demonstrated ability to work in a varied and fast paced work environment.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret and apply safety guidelines to a variety of chemical safe handling and storage situations.
• Ability to identify and correct potentially hazardous situations, and to encourage and build compliance with health and safety related protocols.
• Must have the physical stamina to effectively carry out the duties associated with the position, as this position involves considerable walking, standing and heavy lifting.
• Must have the following certifications / training or be willing to be trained: Transportation of Dangerous Goods certificate as a shipper/receiver, WHMIS, biosafety, compressed gases and cryogenic safety, chemical spill response, and hazardous waste management.
• Applicants are also expected to show evidence of a commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and the promotion of a respectful and collegial learning and working environment.

To be successful in this role you will be:

• Accountable
• Approachable
• Cooperative
• Motivated self-learner
• Multi-tasker
• Organized

Note: This is a TERM position till June 2027.