Posting Title

LHSO 30R - Biological Safety Officer and Section Head, Laboratory Operations

Position Classification

Laboratory/Hlth Science Of R30

Union

GEU

Work Options

Hybrid

Location

Abbotsford, BC V2S 1H4 CA (Primary)

Salary Range

$90,797.03 - $103,685.14 annually

Close Date

10/13/2025

Job Type

Regular Full Time

Temporary End Date

2/26/2028

Ministry/Organization

BC Public Service -> Agriculture and Food

Ministry Branch / Division

PAHB/SPID

Job Summary

The Team
Join a well-established and close-knit team in the Laboratory Operations Unit, part of the Plant and Animal Health Branch at the Ministry of Agriculture and Food. With over 65 dedicated professionals — including laboratory health scientists, veterinary technologists, veterinarians, and plant pathologists — our team works in a fast-paced, collaborative environment to protect British Columbians from the impacts of animal and plant diseases. We value diverse perspectives and inclusive practices, and we welcome applicants who bring unique experiences to help strengthen our commitment to biosafety, biosecurity, and public health in our accredited, multi-level containment laboratories.

The Role
In this leadership role as Biological Safety Officer, the position oversees all aspects of the biosafety and biosecurity program for the Plant and Animal Health Centre, helping to protect food safety and food security, plant, animal and human health across British Columbia. Complementing this are the responsibilities as Section Head of Laboratory Operations in which you’ll guide a skilled team, manage resources, and contribute to provincial policy while supporting high-containment laboratories that serve Western Canada. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds who are passionate about scientific work that makes a real difference — especially in urgent or emerging situations that impact animal, plant, and public health.

Qualifications:
Education and Experience Requirements

The position requires qualifications to perform the role of Biological Safety Officer as required by the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) Canadian Biosafety Standards, the Human Pathogens and Toxins Regulations and the Human Pathogens and Toxins Act.

• Bachelor of Science degree in a relevant field (e.g. Biological Sciences, Biology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Immunology) from a university of recognized standing.
• Minimum one (1) year experience in the role of Biological Safety Officer, or as a Biological Safety Officer Alternate or Assistant, performing duties related to biological safety within a diagnostic or research laboratory facility; AND
• Five (5) years or more of relevant experience in research or diagnostic laboratories including experience in all of the following areas:
  • Working with pathogens in containment level 2 or higher laboratories;
  • Supervising staff and managing laboratory sections and operations in a diagnostic or research laboratory setting; AND
  • Leading staff on projects or program delivery.

An equivalent combination of education and related experience may be considered.

Preference may be given to candidates with one or more of the following:

• Registered Biological Safety Officer with the Canadian Association of Biological Safety or American Biological Safety Association;
• Two (2) years or more of experience in an accredited veterinary diagnostic laboratory;
• Three (3) years or more of experience in a Biological Safety Officer role;
• Peer-reviewed publications in the areas of biological safety, biosecurity or microbiology or other related areas;
• Registered Microbiologist (RM) with the Canadian College of Microbiologists or a similar professional designation as a Microbiologist.

WILLINGNESS STATEMENTS AND PROVISOS

• Must obtain rabies vaccination upon employment (if not previously vaccinated) and required to participate in the rabies vaccination and titre program to maintain employment.

• Must be willing to obtain Canadian Registered Biological Safety Officer status within one year of employment in the position.

• Must meet safety standards of Work Safe BC.

• This position may require travel, as well as work irregular hours, and be on-call/available to the Directors and Executive Director and/or laboratory staff during outbreaks and emergencies.

• Must be willing to work in Containment Level 2 and 3, foreign animal disease, and prion laboratories, or adjacent to a lab with the potential for exposure to risks from pathogens or prions.

For questions regarding this position, please contact Heather.Osachoff@gov.bc.ca.

About this Position:
This is a temporary opportunity until February 26, 2028. This position may be extended or become permanent.
Flexible work options are available; this position may be able to work up to 1 day at home per week subject to an approved telework agreement.
This position is based out of Abbotsford.
An eligibility list may be established to fill future temporary and permanent vacancies.
A Criminal Record Check (CRC) will be required.
Employees of the BC Public Service must be located in BC at the time of employment.

Working for the BC Public Service:
The BC Public Service is committed to creating a diverse workplace to represent the population we serve and to better meet the needs of our citizens. Consider joining our team and being part of an innovative, inclusive and rewarding workplace.

We are committed to ensuring that reasonable accommodations are available throughout the hiring process, including the assessment and selection stages. Please email the individual or contact listed on the posting if you require an accommodation to fully participate in the hiring process.

The Indigenous Applicant Advisory Service is available to Indigenous (First Nations [status or non-status], Inuit or Métis) applicants originating from the land now known as Canada, seeking work or already employed in the BC Public Service. Indigenous applicants can contact this service for personalized guidance on the BC Public Service hiring process including job applications and interviews.

The BC Public Service is an award-winning employer and offers employees competitive benefits, amazing learning opportunities and a chance to engage in rewarding work with exciting career development opportunities. For more information, please see What We Offer.

How to Apply:
Your application must clearly demonstrate how you meet the job requirements listed above. Applicants who are selected to move forward in the hiring process may be assessed on their knowledge, skills, abilities, competencies and other position related requirements as outlined in the Job Profile at the bottom of the posting.

Cover Letter: NO - Please do not submit a cover letter as it will not be reviewed.

Resume: YES - A resume is required as part of your application, however, it may not be used for initial shortlisting purposes.

Questionnaire: YES - You will need to complete a comprehensive questionnaire to demonstrate how you meet the job requirements. Include all relevant information about your educational accomplishments and employment history including job titles, start and end dates (month and year) of your employment, and how you obtained your relevant experience. The questionnaire will take approximately 60 minutes to complete.

Find more information on the recruitment process, including helpful tips and videos about the application process, visit the Your Job Application page of MyHR. Gain insights into the hiring journey by joining a Career Conversation. Applications will be accepted until 11:00 pm Pacific Time on the closing date of the competition. If you are experiencing technical difficulty applying, visit the Technical Assistance page of MyHR.

Job Category

Health Services, Natural Resource Sector