Job Description

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In order to ensure your application is received by NAIT for thorough review and consideration, please apply directly through our Careers site at
Please Note: This is a temporary position from January 2026 to December 2026.
The Centre for Energy and Environmental Sustainability (CEES) is looking to hire students who are currently enrolled in a college or polytechnic for a 1-year, full-time internship (January - December 2026). University students do not qualify for this position.
Our Centre is located at NAIT's state-of-the art research laboratory in the Productivity and Innovation Centre (PIC). CEES is staffed by an expert team of applied scientists, engineers and technicians. We bridge the gap between existing oil sands environmental research and real-world solutions, taking innovative ideas from concept to commercialization. We work with businesses and industries to develop technologies that improve the economic and environmental performance of the oil sands industry.
The primary responsibilities of this position will be to assist Senior Researchers and Technologists in the implementation of technology development or verification, and validation studies of oil sands related technologies, products or solutions. This position is lab-based with most of the work involving a range of tasks from simple (i.e. weighing, cleaning glassware) to complex (i.e. following custom analytical procedures). Task complexity will increase with training and time in the role. The work involves long periods of standing on your feet, medium to heavy lifting, performing timed procedures, wearing of personal protective equipment (e.g. gloves, lab coat, safety glasses), handling compressed gases, and handling equipment with moving/rotating parts.
Key Responsibilities:

• List Perform basic laboratory techniques such as solution preparation, weighing, volume measurement, and experimental set-up.
• Conduct and provide support on various laboratory analyses such as, flocculation, Dean & Stark extraction, ion chromatography, particle size analysis, methylene blue index, Atterberg limits, Karl Fischer titration, solvent extractions, and vane yield stress measurement.
• Collect experimental data, record it in Microsoft Excel, and document observations made during the experiments.
• Review hazard assessments and safe work practices before performing tasks.
• Validate equipment calibration and update control charts.
• Perform routine laboratory housekeeping (e.g. cleaning and organizing glassware, re-stocking of lab consumables).
• Update chemical and sample inventories.

Skills & Abilities:

• Must have an interest in research and basic understanding of the scientific method.
• Familiarity with the oil sands industry is considered an asset.
• Good computing skills - i.e. intermediate Excel skills to be able to enter data and generate graphs, intermediate PowerPoint skills to assist in creating reports and presentations.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
• Effective time management and prioritization skills.

Qualifications:

• Currently enrolled at NAIT or other community college in one of the following programs or equivalent:

• Chemical Technology
• Chemical Engineering Technology
• Civil Technology
• Geological Technology
• Petroleum Engineering Technology
• Waste & Wastewater Technician
• Biological Sciences

Applicants with education credentials earned outside of Canada should have their credentials evaluated by World Education Services or the International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS).
Remuneration: $17.48 - $21.69 per hour, plus 12% in lieu of stat holidays and vacation accrual. (Classification - Student Research Assistant I).
This position is covered by the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees (AUPE) Collective Agreement.
Please submit a resume and cover letter to be considered for this opportunity.
About NAIT
We are proud to have been named one of Alberta's Top Employers for 14 consecutive years. Being part of a community that makes a difference in the lives of students, staff, industry clients and partners, NAIT's culture reflects our shared values of respect, collaboration, celebration, creativity, and accountability.
People are what make NAIT great, and we prioritize the employee experience. We offer focusing on health and wellness, work-life balance, recognition, and professional and personal growth. In addition to excellent vacation time, we offer paid time off between Christmas and New Year's.
NAIT supports a flexible work environment, enabling staff to request approval for on-campus, off-site, or hybrid work arrangements based on the nature of the role. Please note that remote positions require employees to reside within Canada.
NAIT is committed to fostering an environment that supports equity and cultivates inclusion through our . We are a proud partner of the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion and Pride at Work Canada. While we encourage all qualified applicants to apply, only those being considered will be contacted. If you require any accommodations, please connect with us at .
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Skills Required