Job Description

DescriptionThis opportunity is currently available for internal applicants only as THERE IS A STRONG INTERNAL CANDIDATE FOR THIS POSITION.The Biological Sciences Team in the Faculty of Science invites applications for a Aquatic Ecology Lab Technician. This Full-time Fixed Term position is for approximately 7 months (based on length of grant funding), with the possibility of extension.The Aquatics Lab Technician will be working in the Aquatic Ecology Laboratory, which has a strong focus on watershed-scale aquatic science in rivers and lakes in Alberta. The work includes both field (approximately 30% of time) and laboratory-based (approximately 70% of time) settings. The position is full-time (35 hr/week) and will generally work during business hours Monday to Friday; some after-hours and/or weekend work may be required, based on fieldwork.This position will report to Dr Fred Wrona, Professor and SVARE Research Chair in Integrated Watershed Processes in the Department of Biological Sciences.The primary purpose of the position is to support the operations of the Aquatic Ecology Laboratory. This includes, but is not limited to, field sampling campaign planning, equipment tracking and management, sample collection and analysis, routine laboratory maintenance and upkeep, processing of water column chlorophyll-a samples, and routine identification of benthic macroinvertebrates. It is also expected that the Aquatics Lab Technician will take part in laboratory meetings, and will contribute to research activities, where appropriate.Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):Laboratory Work

• Responsible for completing all safety training, certification courses and site training before performing laboratory work as well as maintain a clean and safe laboratory work area.
• Understand and comply with all safety regulations, codes of practice and occupational health and safety policies and procedures while working in laboratory.
• Full responsibility for receiving, organizing, maintaining, and processing water samples according to standard operating procedures within the project deliverables timeline.
• Maintenance and upkeep of laboratory equipment, as per standard operating procedures.
• Routine analysis of benthic macroinvertebrate samples for identification purposes.

Field Support

• Responsible for tracking field equipment using existing database and organization methods.
• Assisting in the development of field sampling timelines and duties related to fieldwork preparation.
• Assisting in field equipment preparation and post-fieldwork cleaning, as required.
• Responsible for identifying and performing required maintenance/upkeep, as required.
• Expected to be available for fieldwork support, including travel to and sample collection at sites in Southern Alberta.

Qualifications / Requirements:

• Minimum of a Bachelor\'s Degree in Science with a major in Ecology or related field required.
• Must have previous work experience in a freshwater ecology laboratory.
• Experience in corresponding fieldwork would be considered an asset.
• Strong time management and organizational ability.
• Ability to prioritize and organize work, handle multiple assignments, and meet deadlines.
• Strong communication (verbal and written) and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively at the group and individual level is required.
• Ability to multitask with attention to detail is required.
• Must be self-motivated and take initiative to meet project deliverable timelines.
• Ability to work both independently and as a member of a team.
• Experience with various laboratory procedures and data entry in Excel (or equivalent) is required.
• Experience in aquatic laboratory procedures including, for example: fluorometry, spectrophotometry, centrifugation, filtration, freeze drying, weighing, sediment and algal sample processing, and freshwater benthic macroinvertebrate sample processing, sorting and identification.
• Relevant field experience and knowledge of aquatic sampling methods and related equipment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access.

Application Deadline: May 31, 2024We would like to thank all applicants in advance for submitting their resumes. Please note, only those candidates chosen to continue on through the selection process will be contacted.This position is part of the AUPE bargaining unit, and falls under the Technical Job Family, Phase 1.For a listing of all management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary, view our .About the University of CalgaryUCalgary is Canada\'s entrepreneurial university, located in Canada\'s most enterprising city. It is a top research university and one of the highest-ranked universities of its age. Founded in 1966, its 36,000 students experience an innovative learning environment, made rich by research, hands-on experiences and entrepreneurial thinking. It is . today at the University of Calgary. For more information, visit .The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.As an equitable and inclusive employer, the University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here. In particular, we encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding [diversity] EDI at UCalgary can be sent to the ( ) and requests for accommodations can be sent to Human Resources ( ).Do you have most but not all the qualifications? Research show that women, racialized and visible minorities, and persons with disabilities are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At UCalgary we are committed to achieving equitable, diverse, inclusive and accessible employment practices and workplaces and encourage you to apply if you believe you are right for this role.We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.

University of Calgary