Job Posting – Data Technician

Wood Buffalo Environmental Association

The Wood Buffalo Environmental Association (WBEA) monitors the environment of the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo in north-eastern Alberta. Our environmental monitoring work is the most integrated and intensive focus on air and terrestrial monitoring in any one area, anywhere in Canada. The WBEA is committed to reporting accurate and timely high-quality data from our Ambient Air Monitoring (AAM), Deposition (DEP), and Community Odour Monitoring (OMP) Programs to ensure regional stakeholders have the information they need to make informed environmental decisions.

The Role

The WBEA is currently seeking a full-time Data Technician. The Data Technician is integral to reporting high-quality data to scientists, policymakers, government agencies, WBEA members, and other stakeholders who use WBEA data. The Data Technician is responsible for ensuring that the WBEA data meets the criteria of completeness and quality defined in the Alberta Air Monitoring Directive (2016, as amended), and other requirements contained under other applicable provincial and national directives and protocols.

Position Responsibilities

As a part of the WBEA Data Team, reporting to the Data Lead, you will:

• Train with the Ambient Air Monitoring team as a field technician for 8-12 months. During this period, you will learn how to maintain and operate the analyzers and sensors in an ambient air monitoring station. This provides a foundation for understanding the equipment whose data you will be responsible for validating as a Data Technician.
• Perform the following for the monthly ambient air reports:
  • Apply data QA/QC procedures (Level 1 and 2 data validation and processing) and document this in Monthly Data Validation checklists
  • Summarize air quality exceedances after L2 data validation
  • Summarize operational non-conformances with AMD requirements
  • Summarize operational discrepancies and events
  • Summarize reasons for absence of data
  • Write summary letter
  • Obtain Level 3 sign-off on summary cover letter
  • Review and incorporate new AAAQO and Guidelines
  • Provide data validation and processing feedback to WBEA staff
  • Confirm and validate Air Quality Events, following WBEA procedures, and provide summaries of AAAQO/G exceedances and non-compliance incidents
  • Draft and submit non-compliance letters
• For laboratory data, you will:
  • Maintain the WBEA's Time-Integrated Samples Database
  • Process and troubleshoot laboratory results into formats acceptable for the WBEA's Time-Integrated Samples Database
  • Review notes provided by analytical laboratories and WBEA Field Staff and ensure that relevant information is made available to the WBEA's data users
  • Perform Level 1 & 2 data validation tests to identify trends, outliers, and patterns within data sets
  • Provide data as requested to WBEA, contractors, science advisors, members, regulatory agencies, and researchers
  • Write, review, and understand data Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)

Qualifications

• Post-secondary degree in chemistry, environmental science or atmospheric science, or similar technical field from an accredited university or college.
• Minimum of 2 years experience with data analysis; experience with ambient air monitoring or laboratory results is considered an asset.
• Excellent computer skills, including use of Word, Excel, and Outlook at an intermediate level.
• Exceptional oral and written communication skills.
• A strong aptitude for self-learning and technological skills.
• High levels of discretion when dealing with confidential information.
• High quality work with great attention to detail and accuracy.
• A working knowledge of the Alberta Air Monitoring Directive 2016.
• Valid driver's license.

Schedule: Full-time, 40 hours per week at eight (8) hours per day from Monday to Friday. Overtime (up to 12 hours per day) may be required periodically, depending on operational needs.

Employment Status: Full time, permanent

Work Location: WBEA Centre, Fort McMurray, Alberta

For more information, visit: http://www.wbea.org

Application Instructions: Please submit a resume and cover letter that outlines why your skills, experience, and personality would make you an excellent candidate for this full-time permanent role at the WBEA.

Application Deadline: Friday, September 5 at 4:00 p.m. MST.