Position: Petrographic Technician
Department: Earth and Environmental Science
Position Type: SEIU Technician 4, Part-time, 21 hours per week (3 days/week at 7 hours/day)
Date Posted: August 26, 2026
Application Deadline: September 2, 2026 at 11:59 PM
Competition #: 26-22-AU
Salary: $36,611 per annum (SEIU Technician 4). (Annual salary rates based on a 21 hour per week schedule).
Benefits: Our total compensation package includes a defined benefit pension plan, health and dental plan, Telemedicine with Greenshield Health, health spending account, life insurance, optional life insurance, AD&D; insurance, long-term disability insurance, employee and family assistance program, tuition discount for employees and their dependents, free gym facility membership, vacation pay increasing with years of service, university paid holidays including winter break closure.

Qualifications

Post-secondary education in geology, earth sciences, geological technology, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.

Demonstrated experience with geological or petrographic sample preparation, particularly the production of thin sections and/or polished sections is an asset.

Experience operating and maintaining laboratory or geological equipment such as rock saws, grinders, crushers, and pulverizers, or a willingness to learn is an asset.

Strong mechanical aptitude and the ability to troubleshoot, repair, modify, and maintain specialized equipment, or a willingness to learn is an asset.

Ability to work independently while providing effective technical support to faculty, students, and researchers.

Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, particularly with sample curation, record-keeping, and laboratory workflow.





Experience training or mentoring students and/or other laboratory users is an asset.

Commitment to safe work practices and the ability to train others in the safe use of laboratory equipment.

For further information or to request a detailed job description, please contact Elektra Papadogiorgaki at [email protected].

Responsibilities
Acadia University is seeking a part-time (21 hours/week) Petrographic Technician to support teaching and research within the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences . Reporting to the Department Head, the Petrographic Technician is responsible for the preparation and curation of geological samples, production of high-quality petrographic materials, laboratory operations, and the maintenance and safe operation of specialized equipment.

The position plays an important role in supporting faculty, students, and research activities through the operation and maintenance of the Acadia Petrographic Laboratory.

Key Responsibilities

Prepare high-quality petrographic thin sections, polished thin sections, and polished slabs for teaching and research.

Saw, crush, and pulverize rock samples and undertake other specialized rock preparation activities.

Curate and maintain rock and geological sample collections.

Operate, maintain, repair, refurbish, and, where required, assist with the design and manufacture of specialized laboratory equipment, including cutoff saws, thin-section grinders, crushers, and pulverizers.





Manage laboratory workflow and day-to-day operations to ensure timely and effective support for teaching and research.

Maintain laboratory records and coordinate invoicing and billing for external clients.

Purchase and maintain inventories of equipment, tools, and laboratory consumables.

Train and supervise students, teaching assistants, and research assistants in technical and curatorial procedures and the safe operation of laboratory equipment.

Promote and maintain a protected, organized, and effective laboratory environment.

The University invites applications from all qualified individuals; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. Acadia University is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcomes applications from Aboriginal people, African Nova Scotians, persons with disabilities, visible minorities, women, and persons of any minority sexual orientation or gender identity. Consistent with the principles of employment equity, the primary criterion for appointment to a position is qualifications and professional excellence. Candidates who identify as a member of one of the afore-mentioned groups, and who wish to have the application considered as such, are invited to submit the online Employment Equity Voluntary Self-Identification Form as part of their application package.

The university will provide support in its recruitment processes to applicants with disabilities, including accommodation that takes into account an applicant's accessibility needs. If you require accommodation because of a disability or for any other reason during the interview process, please contact [email protected].

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📌 Petrographic Technician (Nova Scotia)
🏢 Acadia University
📍 Nova Scotia