Competition: 2090-CMN-24-OC-066

Term: 16 weeks, May till August 2025

Hours of work: Full-time

Work location: Canada Museum of Nature, 1740 Pink Road, Gatineau

Number of positions: 3 positions

Closing date: January 20th, 2025

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 CNM has funds to support the digitization of its Canadian and Arctic invertebrate collections, thanks in part to funding from the Kenneth M. Molson Foundation. This process makes these data accessible to the public, online, for learning and decision-making, enhancing a resource that serves scientists, students, land managers and nature enthusiasts worldwide. To accomplish this work, the MCN needs three students to perform tasks related to the digitization of its invertebrate collections, including but not limited to inventorying, labeling and organizing specimen samples.

The student in this role will be:

• Select and prepare specimens for electronic data capture, taking inventories, making repairs as necessary, sorting specimens and revising labels as required;
• Digitize specimens by capturing and managing data primarily with Microsoft Excel, in accordance with established procedures;
• Capture images of specimens using photographic equipment and stereomicroscopes equipped with camera and scanning software;
• Organize and enhance wet and dry collections in accordance with museum best practices.

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:

• Candidates must be enrolled in a university undergraduate or college program in Biology (or related field) or Museum Studies; candidates must be registered to resume full-time studies in fall 2025. ;
• 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;
• Meticulousness to maintain the high standards required for precision 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;
• Ability to speak and write in English or French is essential

Academic or practical experience in the field of aquatic invertebrates and/or collections management is considered an important asset;

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: Jean-Marc Gagnon, Curator and Chief Scientist, Zoology (jmgagnon@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.