Wetland Research Technician II - Jobs in Waterloo, ON

Job Description

Overview:Term: 1 YearThe incumbent is responsible for developing and ensuring the smooth and successful execution of assigned field and laboratory experiments for Dr. Rooney’s research group, in consultation with Dr. Rooney and her graduate students. The primary area of assignment for this position is wetland ecology and environmental monitoring, with expertise in both field and laboratory methods and logistical expertise necessary to safely complete field work in remote locations. The Wetland Research Technician is accountable Dr. Rooney for the completion and facilitation of wetland research in the field and laboratory, with activities including site selection, sample and data collection, and data entry and QA/QC to meet Rooney Lab research goals.Responsibilities:Field Work

• Ensure appropriate licensing and permit requirements are met in support and implementation of field work
• Conduct surveys of physicochemical variables and biological communities in remote locations
• Refine and implement field protocols in consultation with Dr. Rooney
• Collect biological and abiotic samples from remote field locations following standardized protocols
• Preserve, process and submit those samples following standardized protocols
• Solve logistical issues including scheduling, travel, accommodations, site access, permitting, field level-risk assessments, general safety monitoring, sample and equipment transport, and submission or preservation of samples
• Inventory and service field equipment and maintain records, including ensuring timely maintenance of lab truck, boats, boat motors and trace gas analyzers, as well as calibration and maintenance of water quality sondes
• Responsible for safe and repeatable operation of field equipment including trucks, water samplers, sediment cores and grabs, D-nets, vegetation and bryophyte quadrats, pressing herbarium specimens, soil corers, light sensors and meters, water depth loggers, song meter 3 automatic recording units, portable fridges and freezers, and other relevant sampling equipment as needed

Data entry and QA/QC

• Prepare and print data collection forms
• Inventory data collection forms and maintain records
• Make back-up copies of data collection forms
• Enter data from forms and execute quality control protocols
• In consultation with Dr. Rooney and her graduate students, work with databases to archive and preserve the integrity of datasets
• In consultation with Dr. Rooney and her graduate students, refine data collection forms for greater efficiency and accuracy of data collection

Lab Work

• Clean-up of laboratory space with appropriate handling and disposal techniques including for hazardous materials
• Complete monthly lab inspections for safety and bi-weekly inspections of the eye-wash station
• Support graduate students in the safe implementation of lab experiments
• Inventory and maintain records of general lab supplies
• Solve logistical issues around scheduling, equipment maintenance, supply ordering, and equipment sharing among lab members to ensure equitable access
• Inventory and service lab equipment including maintaining records, including for the incubators, muffle furnace, analytical balances, microscopes, drying ovens, freeze drier, fridges and freezers, and grinding equipment
• In consultation with Dr. Rooney and lab members, set up experimental incubation of aquatic plant and algae cultures and dosing with herbicide
• Maintain and periodically sample lab cultures, following standardized protocols
• Process and submit those collected samples, following standardized protocols

Qualifications:

• BSc. is required; MSc. in Biology with a thesis focused on wetland ecology is preferred
• Valid G class driver’s licence and Drivers Abstract is required
• Minimum 2 years of experience carrying out wetland ecology fieldwork in remote locations
• Experience conducting bird surveys, vegetation surveys, and sampling aquatic macroinvertebrates from wetlands
• Experience trouble-shooting, functioning and field-repair of equipment necessary to complete field work
• Working with large datasets and government data sources
• Working under memoranda of understanding using confidential information
• Preparing reports and presentation slide decks
• Preparing publication-quality maps and other data visualizations
• Expertise with GIS software (e.g., ArcGIS), R, MS Office software
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Troubleshooting high precision GPS/GNSS, multi-parameter sondes, data loggers, and other common field equipment
• Valid WHMIS 2015
• Valid first aid, preferably wilderness first aid
• Orienteering abilities
• Travel to remote field locations for data and sample collection, exposure to challenging field conditions (weather/bugs/rough terrain)
• Laboratory work, office work with data entry, QA/QC and management requires residency in Waterloo

Equity Statement:The University of Waterloo is committed to implementing the Calls to Action framed by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. We acknowledge that we live and work on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg and Haudenosaunee peoples. The University of Waterloo is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River.The University values the diverse and intersectional identities of its students, faculty, and staff. The University regards equity and diversity as an integral part of academic excellence and is committed to accessibility for all employees. The University of Waterloo seeks applicants who embrace our values of equity, anti-racism and inclusion. As such, we encourage applications from candidates who have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including applicants who identify as First Nations, Métis and/or Inuk (Inuit), Black, racialized, a person with a disability, women and/or 2SLGBTQ+.All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.The University of Waterloo is committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities. If you have any application, interview, or workplace accommodation requests, please contact Human Resources at hrhelp@uwaterloo.ca or 519-888-4567, ext. 45935.Quick Apply

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