Your Connection to Wildlife

As one of Canada\xe2\x80\x99s largest not for profit leaders in wildlife conservation, research, and advocacy, we are seeking to fill the following position\xe2\x80\xa6

Insect Pollinator Lab Technician

As part of the Canada Summer Jobs program (1 vacancy)

Fixed-term for 8 weeks

$15.50 per hour, 37.5 hours per week

Who we are:
The Canadian Wildlife Federation (CWF) is a national not-for-profit charitable organization dedicated to ensuring an appreciation of our natural world and a lasting legacy of healthy wildlife and habitat. By spreading knowledge of human impacts on the environment, developing and delivering educational programs, conducting research, promoting the sustainable use of natural resources, and advocating for effective wildlife policy and regulation, CWF strives for a future in which Canada\xe2\x80\x99s wildlife is conserved for generations to come.

Diversity is a fundamental part of our core values; we create every opportunity to become more inclusive. We encourage applications from qualified candidates from all diverse communities including, but not limited to, Indigenous persons, racially visible persons, people with disabilities, 2SLGBTQ+, and women in non-traditional roles. If you require accommodations during the recruitment process, please notify HR at any time.

Project Description and Main Purpose

Wild pollinators are a major group responsible for the pollination of native plants and crops. Human intervention in the land has the potential to negatively or positively affect natural habitats and the wild organisms associated with them. CWF is currently studying the effect of roadside maintenance and Monarch butterfly habitat restoration/maintenance on wild pollinators in collaboration with rights-of-way partners.

The Insect Pollinator Lab Technician will assist with insect specimen sorting and curation. The goals of the project are to identify abundance and diversity of insect pollinators, and will include sorting, pinning, labelling, and databasing insect specimens.

Key responsibilities

Prepare insect specimens for curation, using proper techniques for pinning and labelling
Sorting insect specimens to family, genera and/or morphospecies and organizing them by collection site
Digitally curate (database) the specimen information
Prepare specimen labels to encode data denoting taxon, location, date, and collector, and print/cut them
Prepare insect samples to be sent by mail/courier
Fill progress spreadsheets online
Adopting safe work practices, reporting unsafe conditions immediately and attend all relevant in-services regarding occupational health and safety. Follow all guidelines for employees and employers as legislated under the Occupational Health and Safety Act of Ontario
Perform other duties as required.

Experience / Skills / Knowledge

Experience working with insect species in natural environments, including experience with various surveying, trapping, and preparation techniques (many of these can be taught).
Familiarity with databasing and related applications.
Must have experience with MS Excel.
Experience conducting scientific studies and taxonomic identification and curation of insects.
Experience working with a microscope to identify insects.
Currently a student in a Wildlife Technician Program, Biological Science, Environmental Sciences or related university or college program or having completed a post-secondary program in one of the fields above.

Eligibility:
Canada Summer Jobs Program Criteria:
In order for candidates to be considered, they must meet the criteria set by the Canada Summer Jobs program. To be eligible, participants must:

be between 15 and 30 years of age at the start of the employment,
be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person to whom refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act for the duration of the employment, and,
is legally entitles to work according to the relevant provincial legislation and regulations.
Recent immigrants are eligible if they are Canadian Citizens or permanent residents.
International students are not eligible participants.

Offer of employment is conditional upon confirmation of credentials.

Offer of employment is conditional upon receiving funding for the position.

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Work Conditions

Anticipated start date July 3, 2023.
Full-time at 37.5 hours per week. Fixed to an 8-week term.
Location: This is a hybrid position, based out of working from home and a laboratory at the Canadian National Collection of Insects, Arachnids and Nematodes. Arrangements can also be made to work from the CWF office in Kanata.
Must be capable of working in laboratory conditions. Must be capable of working independently.

Why work with us?

We are a rapidly growing team of forward-thinking individuals who all share a common passion, the Canadian outdoors!
Friendly and casual work environment
We are committed to building a more diverse workforce
Work-life balance
Opportunity to expand your network of education, conservation, and program experts.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: April 14, 2023

ANTICIPATED START DATE: July 3, 2023

HOW TO APPLY: Cover letter and resume should be submitted. Only the candidates who meet the qualifications and experience for the position will be contacted for an interview. We thank you for your interest in the Canadian Wildlife Federation.

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The Canadian Wildlife Federation embraces diversity and equal opportunity and we welcome applications from qualified candidates from all diverse communities. We are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds and perspectives. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, religion or any other status or classification protected by law.

Accommodation may be available upon request for candidates taking part in any aspect of the selection process. If you would like to request a specific accommodation because of a disability or a medical need, please advise the Human Resources Department when you are selected to participate in the recruitment process.