Competition: 2090-CMN-24-OC-068
Term: 16 weeks, May to August 2025
Hours of work: 37.5 hours per week
Work location: Canada Museum of Nature, 1740 Pink Road, Gatineau
Number of positions: 1
Closing date: January 20th, 2025

The National Herbarium of Canada at the Canadian Museum of Nature (CMN) comprises over a million plant and lichen specimens emphasizing Canadian wild species. The Museum serves the research and education needs of a broad community by building and preserving the collection, and facilitating its use. Herbarium staff play important roles in biodiversity research and collection management.

In partnership with the Nova Scotia Museum, the CMN is now undertaking the processing and reporting of its backlog of bryophyte (mosses, liverworts and hornworts) specimens from Prince Edward Island, making the specimens and their data publicly accessible for research and education.

This unique opportunity, which is part of the CMN Scientific Training Program, is for a student who is interested in developing their skills in bryology (the study of mosses, liverworts and hornworts). They will learn, apply and practice the microscopy skills needed to identify hundreds of bryophyte specimens collected on the Island, and the collection management techniques associated with making the specimens ready for herbarium use, including public, online access.

The main tasks for this job include:

• Using specialized laboratory equipment (principally microscopes), and applying technical literature to complete accurate specimen identifications;
• Entering and managing specimen data;
• Sorting, preparing, repairing, imaging and/or filing herbarium (bryophyte) specimens;
• Collaborating with collection and project staff to share equipment and supplies;
• Communicating progress, challenges and highlights.

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 Fall 2025;
• Ability to speak and write in English or French is essential;
• Academic or practical experience with botany, bryology 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;

Please note that this is a full time position, during weekday hours only.

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 am and 4:00 pm.

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.

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

INTERESTED CANDIDATES must send their application by filling in the form on the Museum’s Careers page where they can upload their cover letter, their latest transcript, curriculum vitae and any other required documents by no later than January 20th, 2025.