Laboratory Assistant 2

About Us

The Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture (NSDA) manages the Animal and Plant Laboratory that provides analysis for water, soil and soil amendments, plant tissues, dairy products, and livestock feeds. Services are aimed primarily at agricultural producers and industry, but are also available to private companies, other government agencies, researchers and the public.

About Our Opportunity

Under the supervision of the Technical Laboratory Operations Supervisor, you will be responsible for preparing various agricultural samples for analysis while working within an ISO accredited quality management system. You will perform laboratory functions that support the work of the Agricultural Technicians, ensuring that samples are prepared consistently and accurately following Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), as well as maintaining a clean and safe laboratory environment while performing basic laboratory testing and routine monitoring of the laboratory environment.

The Laboratory Assistant works in a team environment with the Agricultural Technicians to ensure high laboratory standards are achieved each day.

About You

To be successful within this position you will have 2 years’ laboratory experience post high school graduation or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

As the successful candidate, you must be familiar with Safety Data Sheets (SDS), Workplace Hazardous Material Information Systems (WHMIS) and Occupational Health and Safety regulations. You will have a working knowledge of basic computer applications. This position requires the ability to work both independently and unsupervised. As part of the Animal and Plant Lab team, you will also be required to prioritize and organize your daily workload to respond to laboratory needs and incoming sample numbers. Strong communication skills and excellent attention to detail are essential in this position.

Equivalency

Applicants relying on education and experience equivalencies must demonstrate such equivalencies in their application.

Salary Information

HSB 09 -

$1,852.48 - $1,993.47

Benefits

Based on the employment status and union agreement, the Government of Nova Scotia offers its employees a wide range of benefits such as a Defined Benefit Pension Plan, Health, Dental, Life Insurance, General illness, Short and Long Term Disability, Vacation and Employee and Family Assistance Programs. For information on all our Benefit program offerings, click here: Benefits for government employees.

Working Conditions

Must be able to work in a laboratory environment that requires standing for long periods of time, lifting (<15kg) and repetitive work. Must be able to work in a working environment that may have sharp tools and equipment, dust, noise, moisture, chemicals, odor and vibrations.

Additional Information

This is a Term/Temporary/Casual employment opportunity with an anticipated end date of October 16, 2026. The appointment status (‘term’, ‘temporary’ or ‘casual’) is dependent on the start date of the successful candidate.

What We Offer

• Career Development where you have access to career guidance, tools, resources, and ongoing training for every stage of your career.
• Engaging workplace. Our Employees feel valued, respected, connected, and tuned in. We have forward-thinking policies and strategies.
• countless career paths.
• Department Specific Flexible working schedules.