What are the responsibilities and job description for the Sr. Staff Technician Job position at Nutrien?
The Sr. Staff Technician – Engineering Wood Laboratory will support R&D by performing hands‑on mechanical work in our engineering wood shop and adhesive testing lab. This role requires strong mechanical aptitude - operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting equipment; cutting and preparing wood substrates; building or modifying testing fixtures; and solving practical mechanical problems as they arise. The technician will also handle chemicals, prepare adhesive formulations, run small lab cooks, and support scientists and engineers in developing and launching new products.
Key Responsibilities
Mechanical / Wood Shop (Primary – 50–60%)
- Operate woodworking and mechanical shop equipment: saws, planers, jointers, sanders, presses
- Build, modify, and repair test fixtures and equipment
- Troubleshoot equipment failures and perform basic mechanical repairs
- Maintain, lubricate, and replace parts on lab machinery
- Prepare wood boards: cutting, jointing, planing, bonding, and pressing
- Assist with designing new experimental setups or custom test rigs
Adhesive Formulation & Lab Work (30–40%)
- Weigh, measure, and handle chemicals and raw materials
- Prepare adhesive batches (lab cooks) following formulation procedures
- Perform adhesive application and bonding steps
- Cut bonded assemblies into test specimens
- Conduct performance tests and record data
- Follow all chemical‑handling safety procedures and SDS guidance
General Lab & Project Support (10–20%)
- Maintain organized working areas
- Assist scientists/chemists/engineers in special projects
- Track wood inventory and conditioning
- Participate in safety training and procedure updates
Qualifications/Experience Required
- Associate’s degree in a technology‑related field and 2 years industrial exp. or HS diploma/GED with 5 years of hands‑on exp. in mechanical work, fabrication, woodworking, equipment maintenance, or industrial laboratory environments.
- Demonstrated mechanical aptitude (wood shop, machining, automotive, maintenance, fabrication, industrial tech, etc.)
- Experience using power tools and shop equipment
- Comfortable maintaining and troubleshooting mechanical systems
- Ability to think creatively and solve hands‑on mechanical problems
- Ability to work safely with chemicals and follow SOPs
- Strong attention to detail and data accuracy
- Basic computer skills (Excel, Word)
Preferred Skills
- Exposure to chemistry, chemical engineering, materials chemistry, or materials engineering
- Experience in a chemical lab environment
- Familiarity with adhesives, polymers, or materials testing