Forest Ecology Research Assistant

In order to ensure your application is received by NAIT for thorough review and consideration, please apply directly through our Careers site at www.nait.ca/careers

NOTE: This is a temporary position ending on or before June 16, 2025 with the possibility of extension.

Do you like bugs? Does the idea of sorting and identifying more than 25,000 insects sound like a dream job? Well then look no further - we are looking for a self-motivated and science-minded individual to join our research team within the Forest Reclamation and Reforestation Team at the Centre for Boreal Research (CBR). A key requirement in this role is a passion for all things entomology!

This 1-year internship will support an applied research project that is examining the biodiversity of ants, beetles, and spiders on a recently reforested industrial site. Activities will include setting up insect traps, field collection of insects, sorting insect samples and identification of insects. Overall, this position will include a mix of field work, lab and desk-based work, requiring a variety of skills, independent thinking and strong organizational and interpersonal skills to work in a fast-paced and busy team setting.

This position will require relocation to Peace River, Alberta.

Key Responsibilities:

• Insect sorting and identification - this is expected to comprise 80% (or more) of your time.
• Field work: insect trap setup and collections as well as vegetation identification work on this research site as well as others.
• Laboratory work such as root washing, weighing biomass and soil samples.
• Data entry.

Skills & Abilities:

• Experience or training in the identification of ants, beetles or spiders
• Strong attention to detail
• A secret passion for doing highly repetitive work
• Be physically fit as this position requires some outdoor work on uneven terrain.
• Ability to work independently and in a team setting.

Qualifications:

• Enrolled (or recently graduated) in a diploma or BSc program in Forestry or Biology.
• Class 5 license with clean drivers abstract.

Remuneration: $17.46 - $21.69 per hour, plus 12% in lieu of stat holiday and vacation pay. (Classification - Student Research Assistant l).

This position is covered by the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees (AUPE) Collective Agreement.

Please submit a resume and cover letter to be considered for this opportunity.

About NAIT

At NAIT, people matter.

We're proud to have been named one of Alberta's Top Employers for 13 consecutive years. Developing an engaging, supportive, and rewarding work culture is something we take seriously. We know that people are our biggest asset - they are what makes NAIT a great place to work.

At NAIT, you are part of a community that makes a difference in the lives of students, staff and industry clients and partners. The NAIT culture reflects our shared values of respect, collaboration, celebration, creativity, and accountability. We are committed to equity, diversity and inclusion and are a proud partner of the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion and Pride at Work Canada. NAIT is committed to advancing equity and cultivating inclusion throughout the hiring process. We especially encourage applications from Aboriginal and Indigenous people, Black and racialized people, gender and sexually diverse (2SLGBTQIA+ and women) people, immigrants, and people with disabilities.

What we offer

We've created a benefits package that focuses on health and wellness, professional and personal growth, recognition, and work-life balance.

NAIT is a flexible workplace and depending on the nature of your role, you may request flexible work arrangements with respect to where and when you work, including being on-campus full-time, working off-site, or a combination of the two.

Employees also have access to excellent vacation time, paid time off between Christmas and New Year's, a strong recognition program, learning opportunities, 2 annual all-staff professional development days and so much more.

Additional requirements

Applicants with education credentials earned outside of Canada who have not had them previously assessed should have their credentials evaluated by World Education Services or the International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS)

www.alberta.ca/iqas-contact.aspx.

Accommodations

NAIT is an inclusive employer and strives to hire a diverse workforce. If you are contacted by us regarding a job opportunity, please don't hesitate to contact us if you require any accommodation during the selection process. Please contact us via email at careers@nait.ca.

We thank you for your application, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

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