Collections Assistants (student) – Botany & Zoology
2090-CMN-24-OC-024
Term: 16 weeks, September to December, 2024
Hours of work: 37.5 hours per week
Number of positions: 2 positions (one (1) in Invertebrate Zoology, and one (1) in Botany)
Work Location
Natural Heritage Campus, 1740 Pink Road, Gatineau
Closing Date
May 21, 2024
The CMN has received funding from the Leacross Foundation to provide two students in STEM (sciences, technology, engineering or mathematics who identify as female opportunities to obtain high-quality professional experiences in natural history collections management and collection-based research. As part of the Museum’s scientific training program, these students will advance specific projects while working alongside colleagues, at all career stages, who are engaged in diverse nature research and who help build, preserve and share natural science collections. These four-month placements offer great potential to fuel curiosity and to provide insights into biodiversity-related careers. They also present unique chances to experience a multi-faceted national museum ‘from the inside’, and to interact with its broader community of partners and guests. Under the supervision of experienced CMN staff, the successful candidates will acquire knowledge and skills transferable to many other natural history projects.
The students in these role will be:
- Learn about various aspects of the research process and of best practices for collection organization, preservation and documentation;
- Inventory/organize, prepare, and/or label collection specimens;
- Participate in collection development (i.e., acquisitions) and care, and help to connect the collection with various research and education communities;
- Digitize specimens using specialized imaging systems, and manage image files and data according to established procedures.
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!
Don’t forget to self-declare
This staffing process is for Female students only. Therefore, it is important to self-declare in your cover letter when applying for this staffing process so that your application can be considered.
In addition, in order to be eligible for an offer of employment, if your application is successful, during the selection process you will be asked to sign the Self-Identification form.
QUALIFICATIONS:
The candidates must meet the following basic requirements:
- Enrolled in a university undergraduate or graduate STEM program in biology (or a related field). Additionally, having or working towards a diploma in museum studies will be considered a significant asset. The candidate must be registered to return to their full-time studies in Winter 2025;
- Self-declare as a female AND complete the Self-Identification form.
- Ability to speak and write in English or French is essential.
- Computer fluency and experience with Microsoft Excel;
- Basic understanding of taxonomic classification and naming conventions for plant or animal species;
- Ability to read and comprehend information on specimen labels, and apply it to 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 in Botany and/or Invertebrate Zoology 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:
- Botany Collections : Jennifer Doubt, Curator, (jdoubt@nature.ca)
- Invertebrate Collections : Dr. Jean-Marc Gagnon, Curator (jmgagnon@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-024.