Water Quality Monitoring - Research Assistant Technician I
Department: Environmental Sciences
This position is classified under the Grant and Trust Administrative &
Technical Group
Temporary full-time from 09/08/2026 to 09/08/2027
If you are a current employee of the University of Guelph you must apply on
the internal Career Page in order to be considered as an internal applicant.
Career Opportunities (sapsf.com)
General Purpose
The CERC in Waterborne Pathogens: Surveillance, Prediction and Mitigation
research program at the University of program is seeking a Research
Assistant/Technician to lead the installation, maintenance, and operation of
both in-water and non-contract water sensors. The technician will work under
the direct supervision of Professor David McCarthy, following established
protocols to deploy and maintain sensor equipment at creek and stormwater
monitoring sites. Depending on the candidate, the work may also involve the
fabrication (3D-printing and assembly) and/or optimization of low-cost open-
source sensors (https: // www. bosl.com.au/). Secondary activities include the
collection and analysis of water samples for various physical and basic
chemical parameters when needed. This position contributes directly to field-
based water quality monitoring research, including ongoing stormwater
monitoring projects in urban and agricultural areas.
Duties and Responsibilities
Installation of sensor packages at creek and stormwater monitoring sites,
including sensors for electrical conductivity, temperature, depth,
velocity, turbidity sensors, and low-resolution cameras.
Support the setup of data loggers, battery systems, and internet
connectivity hardware at field sites.
Installation of secure equipment housing and ensuring equipment is
properly protected in field conditions.
Conduct water sampling using grab and automatic water samplers and analyze
these samples for physical and chemical parameters
Follow site access protocols and coordinate with supervisor regarding site
security requirements.
Document equipment installation with photographs and written records.
Routine Equipment Maintenance: schedule and perform maintenance visits to
sensor sites, following prescribed timelines, including calibration and
cleaning of sensors according to standard operating procedures.
Maintain inventory of field equipment and supplies; flag when consumables
or replacement parts are needed.
Field work may include coordination with water sampling technicians and
assisting with weekly grab sampling, and/or collection of field
measurements using portable probes (dissolved oxygen, temperature,
electrical conductivity, pH, turbidity) following established protocols.
Data and Record Keeping: maintain organized, accurate field logbooks and
equipment records; assist with basic quality checks on collected data,
flagging anomalies to the supervisor; support preparation of equipment
performance reports and data quality documentation.
Working Environment
This position involves a combination of outdoor fieldwork and
office/laboratory work. Field activities take place at creek and river
sites, urban stormwater sites, and agricultural settings around the City
of Guelph and surrounding area, often in variable weather conditions. The
position requires the ability to safely access field sites including creek
banks and stormwater infrastructure. Travel to field sites (ranging from
5- 300km) will be required.
Requirements
Completion of at least 1 year of post-secondary education in a relevant
field (e.g., environmental science, biology, engineering technology,
computer science, or a related discipline).
Exposure to sensing and monitoring of water concepts, including basic
understanding of sensors, data transmission, and connected devices (e.g.,
through coursework, self-directed learning, or hobby projects).
Demonstrated ability to assemble sensor housing, wire sensor components,
with basic mechanical aptitude, comfort with hand/power tools, and the
ability to follow technical drawings.
Demonstrated ability or willingness to learn to work safely outdoors in
variable weather conditions.
Basic familiarity with spreadsheet software (e.g., Excel) for data entry
and review.
Experience handling scientific equipment carefully and following equipment
maintenance routines.
Ability to follow detailed written and verbal instructions carefully.
Physical ability to carry field equipment and access outdoor monitoring
sites on foot.
Valid driver's license.
Preferred qualifications
Familiarity with data loggers or sensor hardware platforms (e.g., Arduino
or similar).
Familiarity with automatic water samplers would be an asset.
Experience or coursework involving environmental field sampling, water
quality monitoring, or laboratory procedures.
Confined space entry certification would be considered an asset
Candidates should live within a short, reliable commute of the University
of Guelph campus, as the role requires on-site presence and involves early
starts and frequent same-day field travel. This is not a role suited to a
long or unpredictable commute or hybrid work.
How to apply: Interested applicants should submit the following materials as a
single PDF using the “Apply Now” option on this advertisement.
A cover letter (maximum 2 pages) describing your relevant experience and
your interest in the role.
A document that outlines how you meet each of the “Requirements” listed
above and outlining how you possess the “Preferred qualifications” (if
applicable).
A current curriculum vitae or resume.
The hiring committee will begin assessing submissions August 21st but will
continue to accept applications until the position is filled.
Employee Type: Temporary
Classification: Grant/ Trust fund position, Band GTAT - Band A
GTAT (Grant & Trust Administrative and Technical) Salary Grid
At the University of Guelph, fostering a culture of inclusion is an
institutional imperative. The University invites and encourages applications
from all qualified individuals, including from groups that are traditionally
underrepresented in employment, who may contribute to further diversification
of our Institution.
Posting Date: 08/14/2026
Close Date: 09/30/2026
