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Entry Level Lab Jobs in Ottawa, ON (NOW HIRING)

This is an entry-level to early-career role designed to provide hands-on exposure to Linux systems ... Reproduce customer issues in a virtualized lab environment, with guidance as needed * Escalate ...

Entry Level Lab information

See Ottawa, ON salary details

$9

$18

$27

How much do entry level lab jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level lab in Ottawa, ON is $18.07, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.20 and $19.92 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level lab?

An entry level lab job typically refers to a position in a laboratory setting that requires minimal prior experience or specialized education beyond a high school diploma or associate degree. Employees in these roles assist with basic laboratory tasks such as preparing samples, performing routine tests, maintaining equipment, and recording data under the supervision of more experienced staff. These positions are often a starting point for a career in science, healthcare, or research, providing valuable hands-on experience and exposure to laboratory protocols and safety procedures.

Is it hard to get a job in an entry level lab?

Securing an entry level lab position can be competitive, often requiring relevant education such as a high school diploma or an associate degree, along with basic laboratory skills. Candidates with certifications, familiarity with lab equipment, and strong attention to detail tend to have better chances of employment.

What career paths start in an entry level lab?

Starting in an entry-level lab position can lead to careers such as laboratory technician, research associate, quality control analyst, or laboratory supervisor. These roles often serve as stepping stones to specialized fields like biomedical research, clinical laboratory science, or quality assurance, and may require certifications or further education in science or technology.

How do I start working in an entry level lab?

To start working in an entry level lab, obtain relevant education such as a high school diploma or an associate degree in a science-related field. Gaining basic laboratory skills, familiarity with lab equipment, and sometimes certifications like OSHA safety training can improve your chances; applying for internships or entry-level positions through job boards is also common.

What are common challenges faced by entry level lab technicians, and how can they be overcome?

Entry-level lab technicians often face challenges such as adjusting to strict safety protocols, managing multiple tasks efficiently, and becoming familiar with laboratory equipment and procedures. To overcome these hurdles, it's important to actively participate in training sessions, ask questions when unsure, and maintain a well-organized workspace. Building strong communication with senior technicians and supervisors can also help in gaining confidence and improving technical skills over time.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as an entry level lab technician?

To thrive as an Entry Level Lab Technician, you need a basic understanding of laboratory procedures, safety protocols, and typically an associate degree or relevant certification in a scientific field. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, data entry systems, and software like LIMS (Laboratory Information Management Systems) is commonly required. Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and effective communication help you stand out in this role. These skills are vital for ensuring accurate results, maintaining safety standards, and supporting efficient laboratory operations.

What is the difference between Entry Level Lab vs Laboratory Technician?

AspectEntry Level LabLaboratory Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or associate's degreeAssociate's degree or relevant certification
Work EnvironmentEducational, research, or clinical labsMedical, industrial, or research labs
Employer & Industry UsageEducational institutions, research facilitiesHospitals, biotech companies, industrial labs
Common Search & ComparisonEntry Level Lab vs Laboratory Technician

Entry Level Lab roles typically require basic education and involve assisting in lab tasks within educational or research settings. Laboratory Technicians often have similar credentials but may perform more specialized or technical duties in medical or industrial labs. Both roles serve as foundational positions in laboratory environments, with Laboratory Technicians generally having more hands-on responsibilities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Lab jobs in Ottawa, ON? The most popular types of Lab jobs in Ottawa, ON are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Lab jobs in Ottawa, ON? For Entry Level Lab jobs in Ottawa, ON, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Lab jobs in Ottawa, ON look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Lab jobs in Ottawa, ON are:
What cities near Ottawa, ON are hiring for Entry Level Lab jobs? Cities near Ottawa, ON with the most Entry Level Lab job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Lab job openings in Ottawa, ON as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,580 per year, or $18.1 per hour.

Jr. NSP Technical Care Specialist

Nokia

Kanata, ON

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago


Nokia rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

30th of 97 rated telecommunications companies


Job description

As a Junior Software Technical Support Engineer supporting the Nokia Network Services Platform (NSP), you will work closely with customers and internal Nokia teams to diagnose and resolve technical issues. This is an entry-level to early-career role designed to provide hands-on exposure to Linux systems, networking fundamentals, and large-scale network management software, with mentorship from senior engineers.

You have:

  • Basic understanding of Linux systems, including:
    • Viewing and interpreting log files
    • Basic network, disk, and memory checks
  • Fundamental networking knowledge, including:
    • TCP/IP concepts
    • Subnetting basics
    • High-level understanding of routing and switching
  • Introductory programming knowledge, including:
    • Awareness of object oriented programming
    • Understanding of compiled versus interpreted languages
    • Familiarity with basic control structures (loops and conditionals)
  • Strong willingness to learn and develop technical skills
  • Strong sense of accountability and ownership over assigned work
  • Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize effectively in a ticket-driven environment
  • Clear written and verbal communication skills
  • Structured and methodical approach to troubleshooting

It would be nice if you also had:

  • Exposure to Linux distributions such as RHEL, CentOS, or Fedora
  • Familiarity with common troubleshooting tools (e.g., grep, top, ps)
  • Basic awareness of network troubleshooting tools such as tcpdump, Wireshark, or netstat
  • Introductory knowledge of routing protocols (e.g., OSPF, BGP, MPLS)
  • Academic or personal project experience with Java, python and/or Go (Golang)
  • Interest in network automation, software-defined networking, or telecom technologies
  • Take ownership of assigned customer issues from initial triage through to resolution, ensuring consistent progress and follow-up
  • Provide first-line and second-line technical support for customers using the Nokia NSP platform
  •  Diagnose and troubleshoot software, system, and configuration issues, escalating where appropriate
  • Collect and analyze logs, system data, and configuration details to support effective troubleshooting
  • Reproduce customer issues in a virtualized lab environment, with guidance as needed
  •  Escalate software defects to higher levels of support or engineering teams, ensuring all required information is complete, accurate, and actionable
  • Actively manage and update support tickets, maintaining clear status, next steps, and timelines to ensure SLA compliance
  • Communicate regularly with customers and internal stakeholders, providing timely and transparent updates
  • Collaborate with other Nokia product support teams when issues may span multiple platforms or solutions
  • Contribute to internal knowledge bases by documenting troubleshooting processes, findings, and resolutions
  • Participate in an on-call rotation, taking responsibility for critical issues during assigned periods

What Nokia employees say

Hours and flexibility

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