Quality Assurance Technician

Working at Walker

At Walker, your contribution matters. Become part of a team you can count on and where your health and safety are our priority. Our team of more than 1200 people work in environmental waste management and recovery, renewable energy, paving and construction, aggregates, and emulsions chemistries. We are a fifth-generation, family-owned company founded in 1887, operating from our base in the Niagara Region with facilities across Canada and the United States. We care about the environment, each other, and our neighbours, and give back to our communities. Join us on our journey to build a sustainable future, together.

About the Job

We are looking for a Quality Assurance/Control Technician (QA/QC Technician) at our Walker Gro-Bark Office & Processing Facility in Caledon, ON.

Reporting to the Quality Assurance & Control Manager-Environmental, this position will be responsible for weekly and biweekly testing of soil and mulch products, compost process monitoring, undertaking monthly testing at customer sites, performing tests to examine the physical and chemical properties of soils, lab reporting and any other quality assurance and control duties while following applicable environmental regulations. The QA/QC technician will be responsible for supporting the design and execution of field and laboratory research trials and product development projects within the Growing Media Group. This is a permanent, full-time position working Monday-Friday.

What you will be doing:

• Perform weekly and bi-weekly tests on soil and mulch products including but not limited to; pH/EC analysis, moisture content, particle size distribution, porosity, and bulk density in compliance with company protocols.
• Monitor compost process, collect and record compost temperatures, and identify when stockpiles are ready for sampling.
• Perform tasks in the areas of sample collection and blend preparation to support the Growing Media Group.
• Test and communicate product bulk density daily or weekly at multiple sites for shipping purposes.
• Maintain Laboratory using good workplace housekeeping practices, maintain and calibrate laboratory and testing equipment, and inventory management of consumables.
• Maintain legible and detailed records (manual and electronic) and manage multiple data streams.
• Travel to customer sites to perform nursery field testing and disseminate the results to customers.
• Provide support to R+D Manager which include experimental setup, troubleshooting, data collection and analysis, reporting and horticultural duties as required.
• Provide insight into and interpretation of results, collecting data where required and generating data for reports.
• Travel to other Gro-Bark and Walker sites as needed to sample and test soil and mulch products.
• Schedule and prioritize tasks to successfully manage multiple ongoing projects on multiple sites.
• Assist in the development and maintenance of Safe Work Procedures.
• Comply with all regulatory requirements (Ministry of Environment) and company policies/procedures as they pertain to this position.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Here's What You Need:

• University degree or college diploma in a related field such as biology or environmental science/management. 1-3 years experience in technical and production settings and/or operation of a process manufacturing facility or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Horticultural and/or greenhouse experience an asset.
• Must be able to communicate effectively, in oral and written form.
• Ability to understand technical manuals and scientific terminology applicable to operation.
• Experience with Microsoft Suite.
• Must be able to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong analytical and problem solving skills.
• Must possess a valid G-Class Driver's License.
• Must be able to lift up to (fifty) 50 pounds.

What's in it for you

• You become part of a team you can count on
• A comprehensive total rewards package and benefits to support your wellbeing
• Leaders who support your growth and success
• A workplace that provides the best health & safety practices in industry
• Give back to your community with two paid volunteer days annually and opportunities to become involved in events

At Walker, your contribution matters. If you share our commitment to giving back to your community and caring about the environment we'd love to hear from you. Our workplaces strive to reflect the diversity of the communities in which we operate. We welcome applications from qualified candidates of all ethnicities, race, religions, gender identities and expression, Indigenous communities, and persons with disabilities.

Should you require any accommodation in applying for this role, or throughout the interview process, please let us know when contacted and we will work with you to meet your needs. We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.