SJK has an exciting opportunity for a full-time Science Lab Technician to join our team!

About St. John’s-Kilmarnock School (SJK)

SJK is the leading co-educational independent school in the Waterloo Region of Ontario. The School, founded in 1972, is located on a beautiful 36-acre natural campus, offering enriched educational programming for day students from JK-Grade 12 and international boarding students from Grades 9-12 through our accredited International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme. The School’s co-ed Boarding Residence is located in close proximity to the University of Waterloo and Wilfrid Laurier University.

SJK offers a world of learning where we embrace innovation, diversity and internationalism. We have dedicated and inspirational educators, attentive to the needs of individual students and their families. Our expectations are high; students are encouraged to find balance through academics, sports, arts, service and leadership. As the only accredited IB World Continuum School in Southwestern Ontario, our students love learning and graduate as confident, well-rounded individuals, fully prepared for post-secondary education and life beyond. Our graduates take their passions to the world as leaders and global citizens.

As a community, we believe in the importance of diversity, equity, inclusion and social justice. We strive to be a place where every student, faculty and staff member, parent, and alumnus feels welcome and valued. We achieve this by living our core values and by appreciating that our learning community is enhanced by human differences. We value the unique experiences that each individual brings to our community and the myriads of perspectives that our diversity provides. We also recognize that it is our common humanity that binds us together as a community. We welcome applications from individuals who feel they could contribute positively to our diverse community.

Position Summary:

The Upper School Science Lab Technician works closely with the Science Department to support safe, rigorous, and engaging laboratory learning for students in Grades 7–12, including IB MYP and DP science courses. The Lab Technician blends technical expertise, a strong service mindset, and operational excellence to ensure biology, chemistry, and physics labs are well-prepared, well-resourced, and aligned with curriculum goals, experimental protocols, and best practices in safety and compliance.

This role is a key enabler of high-quality scientific inquiry at SJK. The Lab Technician supports educators and students with lab preparation, equipment and chemical management, technical guidance during experiments, and consistent implementation of safety procedures so that students can develop strong scientific habits of mind, practical lab skills, and confidence in experimental work.

Specific Accountabilities:

• Prepares, sets up, supports, and cleans up laboratory experiments for biology, chemistry, and physics classes, including preparing chemical solutions/reagents and equipping student workstations.
• Supports teachers and students during lab sessions by providing technical guidance, strengthening student lab technique, and reinforcing safety expectations.
• Provides technical advice to students and educators related to protocols, procedures, equipment operation, and safe experimental practice.

• Supports student-led experimental work, including preparation of materials, safe access to equipment, and troubleshooting as appropriate.
• Assists students engaged in independent research projects (e.g., Internal Assessments and Extended Essays), including guidance on feasibility and safety considerations.
• Supports approved at-home science experiments by coordinating equipment sign-out and safe materials access, where appropriate.

• Purchases and manages stock control of chemicals and equipment; maintains an organized inventory system for consumables and durable assets.
• Maintains chemical inventory lists; consolidates duplicates and supports appropriate disposal processes in alignment with safety requirements.
• Prepares student “materials buckets” and project materials for chemistry, biology, and physics learning experiences.

• Maintains, troubleshoots, and repairs laboratory equipment and apparatus as required, and coordinates servicing where needed.
• Maintains organized lab preparation spaces and lab classrooms; ensures daily reset of materials, storage, and readiness for upcoming instruction.
• Supports the development and maintenance of lab calendars/booking systems to ensure smooth scheduling of labs and student project support.

• Ensures all health and safety procedures are understood and followed correctly in an educational setting, including appropriate PPE use and safe lab conduct.
• Ensures proper storage, labelling, handling, and disposal of chemicals and biological materials in compliance with WHMIS and related safety standards; maintains up-to-date safety documentation (e.g., SDS/MSDS).
• Responds appropriately to spills/incidents using established procedures and documentation and supports continuous improvement of lab safety practices and signage.

• Supports SJK’s identity as a maturing IB World Continuum school by enabling inquiry-based, student-centered laboratory learning aligned with MYP and DP science expectations.
• Reinforces IB-aligned scientific approaches by supporting safe experimentation, careful data collection, iteration, and reflection—helping students strengthen their skills as thinkers, inquirers, and principled learners.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Science Laboratory Technician Diploma (Chemistry, Biology, or Physics) or a Science degree (e.g., Bachelor of Science).
• Laboratory experience is required; experience in a senior school setting is an asset.
• WHMIS and strong working knowledge of lab safety practices in educational settings is required.
• Positive, enthusiastic, and encouraging approach to learning and school life.
• Collaborative and solution-focused, with strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities and timelines.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot equipment and support safe, consistent lab operations.
• Commitment to ongoing learning and professional growth to remain current with evolving lab practices, curriculum expectations, and safety requirements.

Workplace Requirements and Conditions:

• Primary work location is on-site at St. John’s-Kilmarnock School (Upper School science labs).
• Full-time position (hours and schedule as determined by the School.
• As a condition of employment, a vulnerable sector screening will be required.

To Apply:

Interested and qualified candidates are invited to forward by email a letter of application and a résumé to https://tealandco.com/careers by April 24th, 2026.

SJK is an equal opportunity employer. We offer a competitive salary and benefits package, including participation in the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan if eligible and opportunities for professional development in a vibrant, collegial work environment. Please be aware that the successful candidate must submit a vulnerable sector check.

The salary range is based on our current salary band and ranges from $50,000.00 to $70,000.00.

This is a full-time permanent position with a start date of August 1^st, 2026

SJK does not utilize Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the screening, assessment, or selection of applicants.