Research Associate I

Job title: Research Associate I

Job description: Management and Repair (as needed) to Operate a Wastewater Treatment Platform – (approximately thirty percent time)

The University of Guelph operates a testing platform located adjacent to the City of Guelph wastewater treatment plant. This platform is being used by a number of researchers, to pilot-test wastewater treatment technologies. The role of the OWC Guelph Facility Manager will be to ensure that:

• The delivery systems are maintained (e.g. to periodically clean out pumps that become jammed (currently flush pump #1 and pump #6 biweekly), to arrange for electricians to ensure that the platform is functioning as needed, discussions with potential users of the platform, etc.)
• Annual maintenance is done for the air compressors, exhausting system and water purification system. The water purification system maintenance could be done when the replacement indicator shows up.
• The pumps and valves in the sump (sewage container) are repaired when needed.
• Bi-weekly inspection of the eyewash stations and fire extinguishers are done. Call contractors when needed.
• Alarm calls from alarm monitoring company are received and the issues are figured out. An annual onsite inspection for the alarm monitoring system is booked with the company.
• Lawn maintenance contractor in summer and snow removal service in winter is hired, the bills are processed.
• Client concerns are addressed. Lease agreements or amendments are issued or renewed with the help of university legal team (Research Office).
• Invoices are issued to clients monthly and copied to university Treasury Operations. Other pilot facility costs are handled, e.g. monthly cleaning, internet, natural gas.
• Onsite training for new users.
• For this activity, a good knowledge of how to maintain a functioning platform system.

Qualifications:

A good knowledge of risk, flooding, and water quality in an urban and rural environment. Must have very strong English skills, to facilitate review of research documents, presentations at meetings, writing skills to prepare reports. Must have good skills with operating systems for the platform activities to maintain the operational characteristics of the platform.

Education Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in relevant discipline, with some related research experience
• Or equivalent combination of education and experience (some roles may require more extensive experience or training in a particular area of research)

Contacts/Interpersonal Skills:

Contacts and interactions may extend beyond associates within their work area, and may include external partners and researchers. May present/discuss ideas related to research project to external contacts.

Supervision Received:

Consults with OWC program leader on decisions that deviate outside of established protocol.

Supervision Exercised:

Although not responsible for supervising or overseeing the work of others, this position may provide technical expertise, guidance and/or mentorship to junior level researchers and/or students. May include advising/supervising undergraduate and/or graduate students on specific research protocol, techniques or best-practices.

Working Environment:

Work may be performed in an office, laboratory, or field work outside, with potential exposure to outdoor elements, temperature extremes, chemicals and/or hazardous materials or equipment. May operate machinery or equipment or work with animals, where there is an increased risk of injury.

Classification Grant/ Trust fund position, Band P02

At the University of Guelph, fostering a 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.

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