: Lab Technician I (Periodic Posting)

The City of Hamilton is seeking a Lab Technician I to perform routine and non-routine environmental sample analyses, including water and wastewater testing. Responsibilities include QA/QC duties, maintaining laboratory equipment, and updating analytical methods. This position is part of a periodic posting to fill vacancies from July 2026 to January 2027. Applicants must apply online by June 24, 2026. The job is located in Hamilton, ON, Canada.
Contribute to the City of Hamilton, one of Canada’s largest cities - home to a diverse and strong economy, an active and inclusive community, a robust cultural and dining scene, hundreds of kilometers of hiking trails and natural beauty just minutes from the downtown core, and so much more. Join our diverse team of talented and ambitious staff who embody our values of sensational service, courageous change, steadfast integrity, collective ownership and being engaged empowered employees. Help us achieve our vision of being the best place to raise a child and age successfully. #BeTheReason





PERIODIC POSTING: This posting will be used to fill all vacancies falling between July 8, 2026 and January 8, 2027


Job ID #32023: Lab Technician I Union: CUPE Local 5167 Job Description ID #: 2485 Close date: Interested applicants please submit your application online at www.hamilton.ca/city-council/jobs-city by 4:00 p.m. on June 24, 2026. Duration: 12 months Vacancy type: This posting will be used to fill current vacancies, as well as any further vacancies which arise during the period noted above Internal applicants should apply with your work e-mail address. External applicants are considered only after the internal posting process has been completed. Only applicants chosen for an interview will be contacted.
SUMMARY OF DUTIES
Reporting to the Supervisor, Inorganic Chemistry/Organic Chemistry /Microbiology/Trace Metals.


The Laboratory
Technician I (LT1) performs routine and non-routine analysis on environmental samples, including water, wastewater, sludges, and biosolids samples using the appropriate technical equipment and instruments. The LTI performs QA/QC duties associated with an ISO17025 accredited MOE licensed environmental laboratory and contributes to troubleshooting/recording of trends, nonconformances, opportunities for improvement and implementing corrective/preventive actions.


GENERAL DUTIES
Performs chemical (inorganic, organic, metals) and bacteriological analysis on water, wastewater, industrial waste, landfill ponds, leachates, sludge, and biosolids as per standard operating procedures.


Performs chemical (inorganic, organic, metals) and bacteriological analysis on regulatory and process control samples from the Hamilton and Dundas Wastewater Treatment Plants and the City of Hamilton Drinking Water Systems.


Co-ordinate work with other technical staff.


Updates or sets up and validates new analytical methods under the direction of the Supervisors.


Prepares reagents and standards for the purpose of testing.


Operates, calibrates, maintains and troubleshoots laboratory equipment and instruments such as balances, pH/ISE meters, automated titrator, sample digesters, spectrophotometers, ICP, automated colorimetric analyser, mercury analyser, gas chromatograph, rotary evaporators, ion chromatograph.


Keeps detailed records ensuring full traceability in testing.; Maintains updated records of instrument performance.


Enters laboratory results in the computerized Laboratory Information Management System database (LIMS).


Evaluates quality control data for analyses performed.


Performs quality control activities for analytical testing such as method validation and verification, accuracy, precision, detection limits, control charts. Applies standard laboratory statistical concepts and performs trend analysis.


Evaluates data against regulatory guidelines and requirements and process control objectives. Advises supervisor of abnormal situations


Provide notification of adverse water quality incidents as required by the Ontario Safe Drinking Water Act.


Takes part in internal and external audits and inspections to maintain lab licensing and accreditation.


Participates in nonconformance investigations and corrective action implementation.


Perform all necessary tasks to maintain a tidy, safe work environment. Participates in general laboratory cleaning and disinfection activities.


Trains new staff and students on methods and procedures.


Performs analysis on evidentiary samples.


Maintains updated documentation and follows all technical, administrative and operational protocols to comply with requirements of ISO17025 accredited and MOE licensed laboratories.


Back-up for supplies reception and storage.


Provide assistance to sample reception.


Reviews inventory of chemical and laboratory supplies, identifies needs and request purchase of the items.


Reports pre-authorized results to clients who request immediate information.


Performs other duties as assigned which are directly related to the responsibilities of the job.


Works in accordance with the provisions of a