Volunteer
The sustained high quality of CALA programs is a direct result of the ongoing commitment and dedication of our volunteers.
Volunteers are at the heart of CALA
Volunteer efforts are critical to keeping CALA programs and services at an affordable level for the laboratory community.
The expertise and professionalism exhibited by our volunteers encourages all of CALA to strive for even higher levels of stakeholder satisfaction in everything we do as an organization.
Benefits of volunteering with CALA
- An exciting opportunity to meet new people, and work with and learn from committed industry professionals. Doors will open for you, as you become part of a network of experts with similar interests and challenges!
- An important voice in shaping the direction CALA programs.
- An invaluable opportunity to learn from other laboratories and bring tangible insights and best-practices into your workplace.
- Training opportunities and paid travel throughout Canada, with some positions.
- A chance to keep up-to-date on the latest laboratory quality systems issues, regulatory requirements and conformity assessment standards.
Who Volunteers?
From bench analysts, to quality assurance specialists, to industry consultants, to senior laboratory managers, and everyone in between, CALA volunteers represent a wide variety of ages, backgrounds and experience.
Time Commitment
The choice is yours — depending on the position, volunteers are asked to contribute from as little as 1–2 days yearly right up to travelling to 2 Board meetings yearly.
Volunteer Opportunities
Select the group you would like to volunteer for and learn more about what’s involved.
Accreditation Council
Thank you for your interest in volunteering with CALA.
We are not seeking any Accreditation Council volunteers at this time.
Assessor
Duties
Formally trained by CALA to assess the conformance of laboratories to the ISO/IEC 17025 standard.
Time commitment
Paid travel to conduct at least six assessments over a three-year period. Paid travel to attend biennial training refresher session.
Qualifications
With more than 5 years experience, you are an expert in lab management, quality practices, or various technical disciplines.
To apply, send an email to communications@cala.ca.
Board of Directors
Duties
Provide input to enhance the quality of CALA and its ability to better serve the laboratory testing community through accreditation. Evaluate policy development, program effectiveness, and provide guidance on the direction of the company.
Qualifications
We are interested in recruiting members who have a minimum of 10 years of experience working in a testing laboratory or laboratory environment (5 to 10 years experience may be acceptable in some circumstances), are currently in a management position, and are familiar with the ISO/IEC 17025 standard. We also strive to reflect Canada’s geographic and individual diversity.
Time commitment
- Terms last for 3 years; members are able to serve up to 2 consecutive terms.
- Attendance at the 3-day annual general meeting (when travel safely resumes); travel costs covered by CALA.
- Attendance at quarterly 2-day meetings, 2 of which are held virtually and 2 are held in person when safe travel resumes; travel costs covered by CALA.
- Preparation for quarterly meetings includes reviewing materials sent in advance to allow for participation in discussions and contribution of thoughts and opinions; occasionally there will be post-meeting follow-up questions and discussions by email necessitating a response.
To apply, send an email to boardhr@cala.ca
Advisory Panel
Thank you for your interest in volunteering with CALA.
We are not seeking any Advisory Panel volunteers at this time.
Program Committee
Thank you for your interest in volunteering with CALA.
We are not seeking any Program Committee volunteers at this time.