Laboratory Sample Custodian

Who We Are

Paracel Laboratories Ltd. is a full-service environmental and Indoor Air Quality laboratory. Our main laboratory facilities are located in Ottawa and are supported by an environmental laboratory in Hamilton and microbiology and asbestos laboratories in Mississauga. Additional service depots are located in Kingston, London, Niagara, Windsor, and Richmond Hill. We support a broad spectrum of projects for professional clients across Canada. Our client base primarily consists of major environmental consultants, all levels of government, and industrial manufacturers located predominantly in Ottawa, Toronto, Niagara, and Eastern and Southwestern Ontario.

The Role

We are currently recruiting for a full-time Sample Custodian to serve as the frontline liaison between our clients and laboratory operations at our Ottawa laboratory. Working within the Sample Management group and in conjunction with the entire service team, the successful candidate will oversee the life cycle of samples. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, a strong communicator, and a team player with excellent data-entry skills. This is a full-time, permanent position and an existing vacancy.

Compensation and Benefits

Salary: $18.50–$21.00 per hour, commensurate with experience. The compensation package includes full benefits, an Employee Family Assistance Program, a Group RRSP plan, and a profit-sharing program.

Location

This role is on-site, at 6800 Kitimat Road, Unit 15, Mississauga, Ontario, L5N 5M1.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Unpack and inspect client- and courier-delivered samples to ensure sample integrity and verify details, including chain of custody, sample IDs, preservation, temperature, and hold times.
• Greet client walk-ins and answer incoming phone calls, providing assistance or directing inquiries as needed.
• Communicate with clients to assist with sample submissions, inquiries, and issues.
• Use the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) for sample login, label generation, work-order reports, and sample tracking.
• Accurately label sample containers and distribute them to designated laboratory areas.
• Inspect and collect samples from after-hours sample lockers.
• Work closely with Account Managers to verify login information and resolve submission discrepancies.
• Perform sample pre-treatment as required.
• Prepare field supplies for clients, including containers, sampling media, coolers, field quality-control supplies, chain-of-custody forms, and sampling guidance documents.
• Manage inventory of field supplies, including containers, media, filters, preservatives, chain-of-custody forms, coolers, and ice packs.
• Ship sample containers to clients and transfer samples to other locations or subcontractors.
• Coordinate with laboratory supervisors regarding priority samples or samples with special requirements.
• Manage sample storage, retrieval, and disposal as delegated by the Lab Manager.
• Comply with company quality assurance/quality control protocols and Health and Safety policies.
• Perform other tasks as assigned or dictated by the position.

Qualifications

• High school diploma required; postsecondary education is desired but not essential.
• Experience in inventory control or materials management is considered an asset.
• Effective communication skills, with the ability to establish and maintain productive working relationships with staff at various levels in support of the sample management process.
• Strong organizational skills and keen attention to detail.
• Very good computer skills, including Microsoft Office; data-entry experience is an asset.
• Demonstrated initiative, a detail-oriented approach, a positive attitude, and the ability to multitask.
• A proven customer-service orientation and a style that demonstrates timely responses.
• Ability to learn quickly, solve problems effectively, and follow procedures.
• Ability to work effectively and independently in a fast-paced environment.
• Laboratory experience is not essential; training will be provided.
• Must be physically capable of lifting and moving boxes or coolers weighing up to 50 pounds on occasion.

Application Process

In addition to your resume, please include a cover letter with your application. We thank all applicants for their interest. Candidates who are interviewed will be notified of the outcome of the recruitment process. Paracel Laboratories is an equal-opportunity employer. If you require accommodation during the recruitment process, please let us know, and every effort will be made to provide appropriate accommodation.