Department Faculty of Science - Alberta Biodiversity Monitoring Institute


Salary range $54,764.33 to $73,940.15
Hours per week 40
Grade 7

Posted date May 17, 2024
Closing date May 23, 2024

Position Type Full Time - Trust Funded

Description

This competition is restricted to internal applicants of the University of Alberta. Please log in to verify your internal candidate status. This position is a part of the Non-Academic Staff Association (NASA). This position has a term length of 1 year plus 1 day with a strong possibility of extension and offers a comprehensive benefits package which can be viewed on our Benefits Overview page. Location Work primarily takes place at North Campus, Edmonton. Working at the University of Alberta The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, M\xc3\xa9tis, Inuit and all First Peoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community. The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to more than 14,000 faculty and staff, over 40,000 students and 260,000 alumni worldwide. Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people \xe2\x80\x94 from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more. Working for the Alberta Biodiversity Monitoring Institute The Alberta Biodiversity Monitoring Institute (ABMI) detects large changes in biodiversity in Alberta with the annually updated Biodiversity Intactness Index and Human Footprint Inventory. This research provides ongoing, relevant, scientifically credible information on Alberta\'s living resources to meet the information needs of government planners, industrial developers and local communities. Position Reporting to the Aquatic Invertebrate Coordinator, the Aquatic Invertebrate Technician\xe2\x80\x99s provides identification of aquatic invertebrate specimens, preparation of aquatic invertebrates for research, data entry and quality assurance for aquatic invertebrate-related data, managing assets related to field and laboratory work, assisting with training and supervision of temporary members of the Aquatic Invertebrate Unit such as field technicians and volunteers, and participation in field and laboratory research. Duties

• Participate in development of aquatic invertebrate taxonomy and ecological knowledge in support of the ABMI Business Plan.
• Support logging, organizing, labeling and temporary storage of high volumes of aquatic invertebrate specimens.
• Assist with detailed taxonomic identification for aquatic invertebrate species collected by ABMI and aquatic invertebrate data management including data entry, enumeration of specimens, data management, statistical analysis and summary reports.
• Ensure compliance with protocols for the back-up of all specimen data.
• Assist with the maintenance of nomenclature currency, accuracy and consistency.
• Prepare selected ABMI aquatic invertebrate vouchers and related data for confirmation with other experts in support of research collaborations.
• Coordinate, conduct and document aquatic invertebrates to aid in their identification, as well as the management, proper care, short-term storage and disposal of specimens.
• Provide training related to the creation and delivery of aquatic invertebrate taxonomy and monitoring, supporting in safety and asset management for the Aquatic Invertebrate Unit and assist in the management of seasonal ABMI technicians or volunteers working in the ABMI Aquatic Invertebrate Unit.
• Assist with aquatic invertebrate-specific training, management and assessments of ABMI summer staff, field crews and volunteers to ensure quality of specimen sorting and preparation in the field and in the laboratory.
• Develop reference materials of aquatic invertebrate taxa to support training of laboratory and field technicians and other interested parties.
• Coordinate acquisition, organization and maintenance of field and laboratory equipment and supplies.
• Assist with the exploration of new technologies (e.g., DNA barcoding) and resources to support the study of aquatic invertebrates.
• Assist or lead in the description of new species and/or validation of scientific names.
• Complete accurate, high-quality documentation of aquatic invertebrates, which may include scanning electron microscopy and high-resolution macro or micro-photography.
• Facilitate direct and indirect understanding of ABMI data with scientists, the public and ABMI stakeholders.
• Assist or leads in outreach activities, such as presentations (scientific and non-scientific) and handling of public enquiries.
• Attend and/or present at meetings of professional societies.
• Deliver workshops on ABMI-related aquatic invertebrate projects.
• Participate in publishing research findings in peer reviewed journals, technical reports, popular literature and/or websites.

Minimum Qualifications

• B.Sc. in biology with a minimum 2 years experience in Alberta-based aquatic invertebrate taxonomy (sorting and identification).
• Taxonomic certification from the Society for Fresh Water Science in Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, Trichoptera to the Genus level.
• Taxonomic certification from the Society for Fresh Water Science in North American Aquatic Insects to the Family level.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge and skills associated with standard taxonomic practices, collection and preparation of aquatic invertebrate specimens.
• Knowledge of aquatic invertebrate ecology, taxonomy and systematics.
• Specific experience with aquatic invertebrate sorting, identification to the species level.
• Specific experience with preparation of slide mounts and identification of Chironomidae.
• Experience with microscopic dissection and photography.
• Experience with specimen data management systems.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Valid Alberta Driver\'s license.
• Valid First Aid Certificate.

At the University of Alberta, we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates. If you require accommodations to participate in the interview process, please let us know at the time of booking your interview and we will make every effort to accommodate your needs. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted. The University of Alberta is committed to an equitable, diverse, and inclusive workforce. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage women; First Nations, M\xc3\xa9tis and Inuit persons; members of visible minority groups; persons with disabilities; persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression; and all those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas and the University to apply.
Note: This opportunity will be available until midnight May 23, 2024, Edmonton, Alberta local time.