Overview
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
Field Operations Assistant (Contract)
LICA is seeking a contract Field Operations Assistant to help deliver its air quality and acid deposition monitoring programs. Since 2003, LICA has built and operated regional monitoring programs that provide trusted environmental data to communities, regulators, and industry stakeholders. With the recent expansion of the deposition network, this role offers an opportunity to be directly involved in meaningful, hands-on environmental fieldwork supporting precipitation chemistry, denuder systems, ion-exchange resin (IER) collectors, and long-term soil acidification monitoring sites.
Working under the Manager of Environmental Monitoring Programs and alongside the Data and Reporting Specialist, the Field Operations Assistant will support recurring field operations including precipitation sampling, integrated and passive monitoring systems, soil sample collection, and routine maintenance and support at continuous air monitoring stations.
The position is structured as an hourly contract, with mileage and approved expenses reimbursed. Compensation will be negotiated based on experience, technical competency, and relevant certifications. The estimated workload is approximately 20–50 hours per month, including recurring weekly field responsibilities, with actual hours depending on seasonal conditions, routing efficiencies, and concurrent field activities. At a minimum, weekly field responsibilities are generally expected to occur on or around Tuesdays, with flexibility of plus or minus one day depending on operational needs.
Anticipated start date: Early May 2026, with some flexibility based on candidate availability.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Deposition Monitoring Operations
• Conduct weekly precipitation chemistry sampling (Tuesdays, ± 1 day).
• Perform monthly denuder cartridge swaps and flow checks (within ± 2 days of month-end).
• Complete semi-annual ion-exchange resin deployments and retrievals (May and October).
• Assist with annual soil acidification monitoring (October).
• Conduct routine inspections and light maintenance at deposition monitoring sites, including vegetation management, minor site upkeep, and general site condition checks (as needed throughout the year).
• Maintain detailed field logs and chain-of-custody documentation in accordance with program requirements.
• Maintain media inventory and prepare samples for shipment.
2. Ambient Air Monitoring Support
• Perform monthly passive monitoring media exchanges (within ± 2 days of month-end).
• Conduct routine checks and light maintenance at continuous air monitoring stations (as needed throughout the year).
• Assist with minor troubleshooting under direction of senior technical staff.
• Ensure equipment, consumables, and supplies are maintained and organized.
3. Data Quality & Compliance
• Follow established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and quality assurance protocols.
• Support compliance with the Alberta Air Monitoring Directive (AMD) and other applicable standards.
• Ensure consistency, traceability, and defensibility of field sampling activities.
• Communicate field observations and potential issues to program managers in a timely manner.
4. Operational Support
• Support implementation of new or expanded monitoring components as required.
• Assist with seasonal deployments and demobilizations.
• Contribute to safe and efficient field operations across multiple monitoring programs.
• Work collaboratively with LICA staff and contractors to ensure field tasks are completed within appropriate role scopes.
• Participate in online and in-person meetings related to field operations as required.
QUALIFICATIONS:
• Diploma/degree in Environmental Technology, Natural Resources, or related field.
• Experience in environmental field sampling or monitoring programs.
• Ability to follow detailed procedures and maintain accurate documentation.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to work comfortably outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work collaboratively.
• Ability to safely lift, carry, and handle field equipment and supplies weighing up to 40 pounds (18.1 kg).
• Valid Class 5 Driver’s License.
• Access to a reliable, field-suitable vehicle (e.g., capable of rural and seasonal travel conditions) and ability to travel throughout the LICA region. Mileage will be reimbursed in accordance with LICA policy. Where appropriate and pre-approved, rental of a field-suitable vehicle may be reimbursed.
SAFETY & SITE ACCESS REQUIREMENTS:
Due to regular access to monitoring locations on or near active industrial sites, the contractor must be able to obtain and maintain required site safety certifications, including:
• H2S Alive
• Standard or Intermediate First Aid
• WHMIS
• Fall Protection
• Oilfield Driver Awareness
• Site Specific Safety Orientation
• Wildlife and Bear Awareness
• Chainsaw Safety
• OHV/ATV Operator Safety Training
• Eligibility to obtain access authorization for the Cold Lake Air Weapons Range (CLAWR)
Certification requirements may vary depending on site-specific access conditions.
In cases where monitoring activities occur on federally administered or military-controlled lands (e.g., Cold Lake Air Weapons Range), the contractor must be eligible to obtain required access authorization, complete site-specific safety orientations, and comply with all applicable federal security and range safety requirements.
CONSIDERED ASSETS:
• Experience with air quality monitoring or environmental sampling programs.
• Familiarity with quality assurance/quality control procedures.
• Experience working in or supporting regulatory monitoring programs.
• Experience working in the non-profit sector.
For more information about LICA, visit www.lica.ca or call us at (780) 812-2182.
To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter to:
Lakeland Industry & Community Association (LICA)
Attention: Kristina Morris, Executive Director
P.O. Box 8237
Bonnyville, AB T9N 2J5
Email: lica2@lica.ca
(Quote “Field Operations Assistant Application” in the subject line)
About Lakeland Industry & Community Association
In response to the expansion of oil and gas production in the region, the Lakeland Industry and Community Association (LICA) was formed in October 2000. LICA, a community-based not-for-profit association registered under the Alberta Societies Act, has evolved to become a Synergy Group, Watershed Planning and Advisory Council (WPAC) for the Beaver River Watershed, and an Airshed Zone.