Job Description
This position is field and laboratory oriented. The Research Technician assists with CNSC in-house research, provides logistic and field support to visiting researchers, assists with building operations, and collects data under contract to Centre clients. This position also assists the Program Department with the delivery of general education and science programming.

Job Responsibilities

1. Field Work
a. Provides assistance in the field to both CNSC in-house research projects as well as visiting researchers, where required.
b. Collects data for contracted research projects in a variety of outdoor environments such as monitoring phenological changes in tundra plants, maintaining game cameras around the Centre, or insect trap monitoring in the boreal forest.

2. Building Operations
a. Tests drinking water daily for chlorine and turbidity levels.
b. Collects bi-monthly/monthly drinking water samples and ships them for lab analysis.
c. Conducts building checks as needed.

3. Contract Research
a. Maintains remote data collection instruments that record natural phenomena such as geomagnetic flux, auroral radio emissions, air composition, or physico-optical parameters.
b. Collects, processes, and ships biological specimens for off-site researchers.
c. Responds to requests for information of a scientific nature, CNSC library materials, or specimen information .
d. Acts as point of contact for ongoing contract research projects.

4. Research Logistics
a. Checks in and provides orientation for visiting researchers
b. Maintains laboratory space and equipment
c. Provides transportation for arriving and departing researchers, field courses, and guests.
d. Assists the Research Coordinator with other logistical support as needed.

5. Outreach and Education
a. Assists the Program Coordinator with logistics and delivery of CNSC education programs.
b. Develops educational programming for students and adults visiting the CNSC.
c. Other duties assigned by the Research Coordinator and/or designate.

6. Sustainability

a. Assists with designated sustainability tasks such as seed planting, harvesting, and maintenance of the hydroponic ‘Rocket Greens’ project, when necessary.
b. Assists with Biovator compost unit when necessary.
c. Assists with delivery of Rocket Greens and/or pickup of compost when necessary.

Job Requirements
The Research Technician must be:
a) a team player willing to work on a flexible schedule.
b) in good physical condition and prepared to work in demanding physical environments characterized by wide temperature swings, short duration of sunlight and periods of intense cold during winter days, and the ever-present threat of polar bears.
c) meticulous in the keeping of field notes and records.
d) comfortable communicating to, and working with, large groups.
e) capable of absorbing large amounts of natural history information in a short period of time .

Minimum Qualifications
1. At least two years in a university or college program focusing on natural sciences (i.e., Biology, wildlife management, geography, environmental studies).
2. Superior written and verbal communication skills.
3. Outdoor experience and the ability to speak confidently in front of large groups.
4. Experience with computers and common software packages (word processors, spreadsheets, graphics packages) .
5. Valid Class 5 driver’s license with the ability to get a Class 4

Wage
Hourly wage rate of $18.04 - $20.19 per hour, DOE. On-site accommodation or a subsidy for off-site living is available.

Additional Qualifications
1. Experience collecting data in a fieldwork or laboratory setting, snow machine or ATV operation, and a valid Firearms Possession and Acquisition License would be a definite asset.
Preference will be given to applicants who reside in Churchill and surrounding communities and to Indigenous applicants.