Science Technologist

The Calgary Board of Education (CBE) is the largest school board in western Canada with over 140,000 students and 16,000 employees. Our mission: Each student, in keeping with their individual abilities and gifts, will complete high school with a foundation of learning necessary to thrive in life, work and continued learning. We pride ourselves in the values we hold. Students come first. Learning is our central purpose. Public education serves the common good. The CBE encourages an inclusive and equitable workplace, which supports our diverse student and employee community. We encourage all applicants to join our dynamic, diverse, and collaborative culture and welcome applications from all qualified individuals.

When you apply to the CBE, you can feel good about serving our future leaders and contributing to student success.

CBE Human Resources manages a roster of contingent casual on-call workers who are engaged to temporarily replace staff absences and to work on short-term projects. Work assignments may be scheduled in advance or the morning of the assignment. Roster staff enjoy the flexibility of working in schools and departments full-time or part-time with a minimum commitment of two days availability per week. If you are looking to work casually or if you would like to gain experience to move into a regular position, the Support Staff Temporary Roster maybe the opportunity you are looking for.

In support of learning, this position provides technical laboratory expertise for a safe, effective and efficient operation of science programs in schools under the supervision of the Principal or designate and in collaboration with teaching staff.

This job is accountable for:

• Ensuring compliance to any and all internal or external applicable policies, standards, regulations, codes, legislation and best practice (e.g., fire code, building code, etc.)
• Adhering to safe laboratory practices and safe use of laboratory materials and equipment in the assembly of materials and equipment for laboratory activities
• Supporting Teachers in the design, administration and delivery of safe learning experiences and laboratories for students
• Contributing to science program resource allocation and budgeting processes
• Coordinating, ordering, receiving laboratory materials and equipment and managing inventory
• Ensuring the secure and safe storage and disposal of science department wastes as required by legislation;
• Keeping abreast of technological change and industry standards by taking courses and/or accessing the Internet.

By joining the CBE as a temporary Science Technologist you will enjoy:

• A great work environment with an organization that makes a difference in the lives of students every day;
• Grade E: $29.31 per hour to start plus 6% vacation pay;
• Opportunities to advance your career.

Major Responsibilities:

• Prepare and support science laboratory activities according to Alberta Education standards and guidelines
• Collaborate with teachers for the preparation and design of laboratory component of the science program, providing recommendations regarding laboratory procedures by assessing the safety and effectiveness of labs, recommending substitution of chemicals and equipment, and applying knowledge of specialized techniques and equipment
• Review hazards and controls for the mitigation of risk related to the preparation of the labs and demonstrations
• Implementing and demonstrating new technology and presenting information about new experiments or alternative methods
• Label chemicals and solutions in accordance with current approved legislation
• Performs preventative and corrective maintenance, calibration, testing and repairing of equipment
• Stock shelves and cleans up after labs
• Accurately calculate molecular concentrations and percentage concentrations of solutions, identifies amounts of chemicals needed for each reaction, and uses chemical equations and various formulae to check for accuracy
• Maintain live materials required in support of the science program as required
• Manages lab equipment allocation/expenditure portion of the science budget and orders and receives supplies and inventories
• Responsible for safe and secure storage of materials and equipment as required by applicable legislation
• Travelling to offsite locations for meetings and for purchase and borrowing of equipment and supplies
• Liaises with applicable suppliers and agencies or vendors to consult with teachers on decisions relevant to science labs
• Maintains an inventory of chemicals and equipment and ensures compliance with the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS)
• Informs staff of WHMIS compliance initiatives and how to access chemical database
• Submits annual chemical inventory to the designated person responsible for hazardous materials
• Adheres to safe work practices in the storage and disposal of hazardous wastes within the facility
• Labeling chemicals and solutions in accordance with current legislation
• Maintains laboratory safety equipment and promotes safe laboratory practices.
• Advises staff and students on current science safety best practices; assisting in the science safety training
• Coordinating room and equipment safety checks
• Recommends safe work practices to students and staff and assists in the safety training of science staff and students.
• Responding to emergency situations such as chemical spills, using First Aid training if applicable
• Working collaboratively with Facility Operators to ensure proper cleaning, maintenance and functioning of science department facilities

Education and Experience

• Completion of a post-secondary diploma or certification in Laboratory Technology or relevant sciences, including a laboratory component, combined with one year directly related experience
• An equivalent combination of directly related post-secondary education and directly related experience may be considered
• Must have current knowledge of the hazards associated with chemicals and the appropriate disposal of chemical waste
• Familiarity with Alberta OH&S legislation in relation to laboratory safety
• First Aid/CPR training is an asset

Demonstrated Skills and Competencies

• Application of science laboratory paraprofessional skills, knowledge, techniques, practices and procedures
• Strong problem solving, prioritization, multitasking, organizational and time management skills
• Initiative, discretion, judgement and assumption of responsibility
• Self-reliance, dependability and able to work independently
• Ability to promote and contribute to the objectives of the science program and adhere to safety standards
• Familiarity with word processing, spreadsheets, electronic mail, internet searches and comfortable with learning new technologies
• Professionalism, diplomacy, and resolution skills
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, interpersonal skills and the ability to relate positively

Police Information Clearance: Applicants new to the Calgary Board of Education who are offered employment must complete and pass a police information clearance before employment is confirmed.

A career with the CBE offers incredible opportunities, rewards and supports.

The Calgary Board of Education acknowledges the traditional territories and oral practices of the Treaty 7 Nations, including the Siksikaitsitapi Nations, Tsuut'ina Nation, and the Îyârhe Nakoda Nations. We acknowledge the Métis Nation within Alberta, and all people who make their homes in the Treaty 7 region of southern Alberta. As a learning organization, we are committed to advancing the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action focused on Education for ReconciliACTION.