Benjamin Carkner

Professional Experience

🧪

Nickel Plating Lab Technician

Laboratory
11/2023 to Current

Dana Corporation - Oakville, ON

Key Responsibilities:

  • Coordinated a team of technicians to nickel plate 80,000+ kg of aluminum coils per shift, ensuring quality and efficiency standards
  • Prepared technical reports and documentation for management and clients, based on chemical and metallurgical data
  • Maintained electrolytic solutions, filter systems, and machine components, prioritizing safety and environmental regulations.
  • Identified and resolved production issues, improving throughput and operator safety.
⚗️

Hydrometallurgy Technician

Technical
04/2022 to 11/2023

SGS - Peterborough, ON

Key Responsibilities:

  • Piloted novel ore extraction processes for heavy and rare earth metals for 50+ mining companies.
  • Performed diagnosis, repair, and recalibration of malfunctioned equipment. Maintained stock of necessary lab materials and tools.
  • Worked with extremely hazardous chemicals, following proper disposal & safe handling as per MSDS.
  • Compiled final and interim project reports for clients and PM's.
  • Experience operating autoclaves, pyrolysis, UIX, solvent extraction, auto-titration, electrolytic deposition, water leech and more.
🔬

COVID-19 Wastewater Monitoring Program

Research
04/2021 to 04/2022

Ontario Testing Authority - Trent University - Peterborough, ON

Key Responsibilities:

  • Collected composite municipal wastewater samples using peristaltic auto-samplers suspended under manholes.
  • Ensured safety through standardized biohazard handling protocols.
  • Maintained auto-samplers daily to ensure consistent sampling (Hoses, Batteries, freezing precautions, sanitation)
  • Maintained sampling schedule regardless of weather or holidays.
🌿

Intern - Field Environmental Consultant

Field Work
09/2020 to 05/2021

U-Links Center for Community-Based Research - Peterborough, ON

Key Responsibilities:

  • Utilized benthic macroinvertebrates as biotic indicators to evaluate the ecological impacts of a recently constructed causeway.
  • Conducted field sampling, identification and statistical analysis using multiple metrics of assessment to write a comprehensive health report.

Volunteer Experience

🏔️

Club Founder

Leadership
2017 to 2022

Trent University Outdoors Club - Peterborough, ON

Key Contributions:

  • Grew club from 4 executives and one president to 3 presidents and 20 executives over 5 years with $100,000+ annual levy funding
  • Carried out funding allocation, event planning, risk assessments, consent training, media representation, and implementation of standard operating procedures (SOP's) for future Presidents
🐟

Senior Volunteer

Environmental
2014 to Current

Halton Regional Salmon & Trout Association - Halton, ON

Key Contributions:

  • Volunteered 1000+ hours with non-profit organization focused on environmental conservation
  • Facilitated in the planning and executing of annual events including salmon stocking (penning), junior level ecological education seminars, veterans annual charity fishing derby, and public trail cleanups
👨‍🎓

Senior Orientation Leader

Education
2018 to 2021

Trent University - Peterborough, ON

Key Contributions:

  • Fostered a welcoming and positive beginning to new students' academic career and junior orientation leaders
  • Required 3 weeks of intense scheduling and training each September followed by monthly events
  • Provided mentorship and guidance to incoming students in their transition to university life