Laboratory & Field Technician (Early Career) - Kitchener, ON NR E

About VEI Contracting · VEI Contracting Inc. is a Kitchener-based, employee-owned environmental contracting firm specializing in remediation, treatment systems, water and construction dewatering across Canada and internationally. Our work is innovative, practical, and science dri ...

Job description

About VEI Contracting

VEI Contracting Inc. is a Kitchener-based, employee-owned environmental contracting firm specializing in remediation, treatment systems, water and construction dewatering across Canada and internationally. Our work is innovative, practical, and science driven.

We come from a wide range of backgrounds but have one shared passion: using science and technology to improve the Earth - We translate complex environmental data into delivered solutions, every day.

We are seeking a Laboratory & Field Technician to support both treatability studies in the lab and field QA/QC for a range of contaminated soil, water and sediment treatment approaches.

The Role

This is a hands-on role for a scientifically minded early-career graduate who enjoys both careful lab work and real-world field execution. You'll support VEI's Research Laboratory operations and field teams through treatability testing, QA/QC, method development, and R&D—while bringing VEI's core values to life: innovation, team-first collaboration, self-motivation, and commitment to quality.

Key Responsibilities

Lab & Treatability Testing

• Run bench-scale treatability tests and other laboratory testing
• Collect, prepare, analyze, and manage samples; maintain clean, organized lab records
• Support method development/validation and assist with literature searches and research tasks

Field QA/QC & Project Support

• Support field project QA/QC including data collection, analysis, reporting, and H&S compliance
• Coordinate with field teams, PMs, and external partners as a reliable day-to-day lab/field contact
• Contribute to labour/equipment/material tracking and operational follow-through

Equipment, Safety & Compliance

• Clean, calibrate, maintain, and track instruments and equipment (lab and field)
• Safely handle, store, and dispose of chemicals/reagents and contaminated samples
• Maintain compliance with applicable systems and requirements (e.g., WHMIS/TDG practices)

Continuous Improvement & Teamwork

• Proactively bring forward issues and improvement ideas
• Support warehouse/shop/field operations as needed

Qualifications

• University degree in natural sciences or engineering (0–5 years relevant experience)
• Strong attention to detail; high proficiency in MS Excel; reliable data entry discipline
• Valid G driver's licence with an insurable driver's record
• Able to lift/carry 25 kg
• Willingness/ability to travel intermittently on an as-needed basis across Canada for specific projects.

Valuable, but not required

• Environmental sector education/experience, ERP exposure (e.g., Dynamics Business Central), troubleshooting aptitude (mechanical/electrical/hydraulic), and safety tickets (WHMIS/TDG/First Aid/Working at Heights/Forklift, etc.).
• Have previously had (or have looked into and generally assured yourself that you can obtain and maintain) Canadian Government PSPC Contract Security Program (CSP) Reliability Status (VEI will handle the related application for the successful candidate).

Work Arrangement

In-person at VEI's Kitchener office, with incidental travel to project sites anywhere in Canada.

Compensation & Benefits

• Pay: $24.00–$30.00/hour (depending on experience), overtime eligible.
• RRSP: Eligible for employer-matched RRSP contributions
• Vacation: 2 weeks to start (plus statutory holidays)
• Benefits: Eligible for health and dental benefits package
• Other: Professional development support

How to Apply

Please submit via email to , subject line "Application - Laboratory & Field Technician ":

• Your resume, and
• A short note (5–10 sentences) describing a practical applied science problem you solved (school, lab, field, or work) and what you learned about problem-solving from it.

ON Employment Standards Act, 2000 (ESA) Notice

• Position is currently vacant - One position, open until filled
• Posted pay band is: $24.00–$30.00/hour
• VEI does not use an AI-based resume screening or applicant ranking HR process for applications received via email ) or in person. We do, however, use third party AI features specific to various job posting platforms within those platforms, including LinkedIn. VEI staff may individually use AI tools such as MS Copilot on an ad hoc basis to, e.g., evaluate, summarize and tabulate documents (including resumes) in their own workflows

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: $24.00-$30.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Company events
• Dental care
• Extended health care
• Paid time off
• RRSP match

Work Location: In person