Operations Assistant

Competition 2191

This competition is restricted to internal applicants of the University of Alberta. Please log in to verify your internal candidate status. 

This position is a part of the Non-Academic Staff Association (NASA).

This position has a term length of 12 months.

Location -   This role is in-person at North Campus, Edmonton.

Working at the University of Alberta

The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and all FirstPeoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.

The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide.

Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people — from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more.

Working for the Department of Biological Sciences

The Department of Biological Sciences is the largest department in the Faculty of Science. The administrative team provides day-to-day support for the Department Chair, as well as over 100 full-time faculty members, adjuncts and professor’s emeriti, nearly 50 support staff, 250 graduate students and nearly 1800 undergraduate students. The department covers a wide range of research areas, including botany, entomology, paleontology, genetics and microbiology.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Academic Department Manager, the Operations Assistant will provide support for departmental service units, teaching support spaces, health and safety, as well as perform a variety of routine operational activities conducted across the Department of Biological Sciences. To execute these duties, the incumbent will apply their knowledge and prior experience in administration and laboratory safety towards a wide variety of work assignments, projects and programs.

With the interconnectivity of this role, the expectation is that the incumbent is able to interact professionally and independently with internal and external partners in the execution of their duties. In all facets of this role, this position endeavours to integrate and advance the University’s commitments to access, community and belonging. This position understands, fulfills and promotes the health, safety and environment responsibilities defined in University policy.

You might be the right fit if you are:

• Highly organized and detail-oriented: thrive on creating systems and staying on top of details.
• Personable: Proven ability to work in a team environment and build strong relationships at all levels of an organization.
• Adaptable: able to juggle overlapping responsibilities and willing to take on new tasks.      

Duties 

Operational Safety & Technical Support:

• Assisting with equipment inspections (fridges, freezers, autoclaves, etc.).
• Supporting service units with general tasks (watering plants, organizing supplies).
• Providing cleaning and hazardous waste disposal support.
• Handling non-hazardous waste and assisting with lab cleanups.

Operational Administrative Support:

• Managing emails, calendars, and departmental records.
•  Assisting with faculty, staff, and student moves, ensuring spaces are ready.
• Coordinating surplus lab and office equipment disposals.
• Posting notifications, signage, and distributing keys.
• Helping create Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

Minimum Qualifications

• Completion of a high school diploma
• Demonstrated ability to work independently with limited supervision
• Self-directed and highly organized
• Ability to interact with multiple stakeholders and prioritize urgent activities accordingly
• Strong commitment to confidentiality and professionalism
• Strong computer proficiency in software applications like Google Suite, Microsoft Office Suite, and Zoom

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience in an academic environment
• Previous experience in life science or biology laboratory environments
• Workplace Hazardous Material Information System Training (WHMIS)
• Previous experience using University of Alberta systems like Supplynet
• Familiarity with chemical inventory and hazardous waste management is an asset