Employment Posting:
Collections Assistant (Student) – Botany

Employment Type:
Current Student
Closing Date:

Competition: CMN-2090-22-OC-046
Term: January to April, 2023
Hours of work: 37.5 hours per week
Work location: Canada Museum of Nature, 1740 Pink Road, Gatineau
Number of positions: 1 position
Closing date: September 29, 2022

The National Herbarium of Canada at the Canadian Museum of Nature (CMN) comprises millions of plant and lichen specimens emphasizing Canadian wild species. It includes the world’s most comprehensive archive of Canadian Arctic plants and lichens. Through the herbarium, the Museum serves the research and education needs of a broad community.

The CMN has received funding from the Kenneth M. Molson Foundation for students to help advance the digitization of its Arctic holdings, making these data publicly accessible online for learning and decision-making, adding to a growing digital resource that already serves scientists, students, land managers, and nature enthusiasts worldwide.

These positions provide exciting opportunities to work alongside museum research and collections specialists at all career stages, to build and share an amazing resource for answering diverse questions in biodiversity and social science, today and in the future.

The main tasks for this job include:

  1. Prepare specimens for imaging by capturing data electronically, making inventories, do necessary repairs when appropriate, sorting specimens, and revising labels as necessary;
  2. Digitize specimens by imaging them, using specialized photo stations, and manage image files according to established procedures; and
  3. Assist in basic management the specimen data and images, using primarily Microsoft Excel and the Museum collection database.

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 to their studies in Summer or Fall 2023;
  • ability to speak and write in English or French;
  • 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 these are full time positions, during weekday hours only. They are best suited to students with co-op terms or other placements to fulfill and can’t be undertaken in tandem with a full-time student course load.

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.

The Museum supports employment equity.

For more information regarding the position, please contact: Jennifer Doubt (jdoubt@nature.ca)

INTERESTED CANDIDATES must send a copy of their resume with an official transcript by e-mail no later than September 29, 2022 to competition@nature.ca

Company Website: https://nature.ca/en/careers/