Collections Assistant (Student) – Botany
2090-CMN-24-OC-022
Term: 16 weeks, September to December, 2024
Hours of work: 37.5 hours per week
Number of positions: 3 positions
Work Location
Canada Museum of Nature, 1740 Pink Road, Gatineau
Closing Date
May 21, 2024
The natural history collections at the Canadian Museum of Nature (CMN) comprise millions of plant and animal specimens emphasizing Canadian wild species. This includes many historical and significant specimens from all provinces and territories. The Museum serves the research and education needs of a broad community by building, preserving, upgrading, and facilitating access to the collection, providing staff with exciting opportunities to play a role in current natural history research and collection management.
The CMN seeks to hire 3 student Collection Assistants for the Fall 2024 session. These students will prepare and digitize the CMN botany collections, making these data publicly accessible online for learning and decision-making, adding to a growing resource that serves scientists, students, land managers, and nature enthusiasts worldwide.
We gratefully acknowledge Parks Canada for their financial support of two of these positions.
The students in this role will be:
- Prepare specimens for herbarium use and imaging by mounting specimens, capturing and organizing electronic data, sorting specimens, and making necessary repairs;
- Sort, inventory, and/or digitize dry plant and lichen specimens to make them suitable for integration into the Museum’s scientific collection.
- •igitize plant specimens by imaging them using specialized photo stations, and manage image files according to established procedures; and
- Assist in basic management of specimen data and images, using primarily Microsoft Excel and the Museum collection database;
- Assist technical staff in preparing shipments of duplicate specimens for exchange.
Your place at the Museum
We value diversity and believe we benefit from working in a place where everyone feels included and where the unique qualities and strengths inherent in a diverse workforce are combined. We welcome applications from persons who may identify as a member of one or more other equity seeking groups (for e.g. visible minorities, disabled, 2SLGBTQIA+, religious or cultural minority).
You have a place at the Museum!
QUALIFICATIONS:
Candidates must meet the following basic requirements:
- Enrolled in a university undergraduate or college program in biology (or a related field) or Museum Studies; candidates must be registered to return full-time to their studies in Winter 2025;
- Ability to speak and write in English or French is essential
- Academic or practical experience with botany, and/or collection management are considered significant assets;
- Computer fluency and experience with Microsoft Excel;
- Basic understanding of taxonomic classification and naming conventions for biological species;
- Ability to read and comprehend information on specimen labels, and apply it conducting basic tasks;
- Ability to apply fine motor skills and manual dexterity when handling, inspecting, documenting and transporting collection objects;
- Ability to exercise focused attention to detail in order to maintain necessary high standards for accuracy and organization in all tasks;
- Ability to listen effectively, respect established procedures and standards, and faithfully follow instructions;
- Ability to communicate effectively in order to ask and answer questions regarding the methods and progress of assigned tasks;
- Ability to maintain self-motivation in a variety of team and independent task scenarios;
Academic or practical experience with botany, and/or collection management are considered significant assets.
Please note that this is a full-time position, during weekday hours only.
For more information regarding the position, please contact: Jennifer Doubt, Curator, Botany (jdoubt@nature.ca)
SALARY: Rates of pay are determined at the initial appointment or reappointment stage and are based on the incumbent’s current academic level as per the museum’s terms and conditions of employment for students. The official working period is from Monday to Friday between 8:00 and 16:00.
NOTE: Canadian citizenship is not required, however individuals must be legally entitled to work in Canada. The Canadian Museum of Nature is committed to developing inclusive, barrier-free selection processes and work environments. If contacted in relation to a job opportunity or testing, please advise the Human Resources Advisor in a timely fashion of the accommodation measures which must be taken to enable you to be assessed in a fair and equitable manner. Information received relating to accommodation measures will be addressed confidentially.
INTERESTED CANDIDATES must send a copy of their resume with a transcript and a cover letter demonstrating how her qualifications meet the requirements of this position by e-mail no later than May 21st, 2024, to competition@nature.ca. The subject line of the email should start with the competition number, 2090-CMN-24-OC-022.