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Summary – Soil Science and Biology Course Coordinator
Oversees the day-to-day operations of the soil science and biology teaching laboratories and other facilities (greenhouse). Coordinates technical and administrative support for teaching activities and research needs taking place in these facilities. Oversees bus reservations for departmental courses. Assists the Chair with research, teaching, curation of unit’s facilities and equipment, and other technical issues, as needed. Oversees chemical waste management for the department.
Support to Departmental Teaching Activities
Oversees the execution of several undergraduate-level teaching laboratories in soil science and biology. Prioritizes and organizes laboratory schedule in conjunction with course instructors. Coordinates experiments and services. Introduces subject matter at start of lab; demonstrates techniques and proper use of equipment; resolves problems with experiments when labs are in progress; assists teaching assistants (TA’s) during lab sessions. Ensures the provision of materials and set-up of equipment for experiments. Uses, maintains and provides training on a variety of equipment and techniques relevant to soil science and biology.
Confers with course instructors to obtain course objectives, course topics, and methodology. Collaborates with them to improve methodology for experiments or to develop and test new experiments; carries out occasional literature searches.
In consultation with course instructors, assesses students’ practical skills in the laboratories; instructs on how to properly complete lab reports. Reviews lab manuals; provides feedback to instructors on any discrepancies and on accuracy of contents.
Organizes, schedules and oversees work of TA’s and other temporary workers; participates in their interview and selection (jointly with academic coordinator); ensures adequate training. Provides technical expertise regarding set-up of equipment and materials, execution or demonstration of experiments through weekly meetings with TA’s; provides feedback to course instructors for the purpose of TA evaluations. Acts as liaison between teaching staff and TA’s. Coordinates work of Work Study casual staff hired for undergraduate lab preparation.
Oversees cleanliness and upkeep of premises after lab sessions. Ensures safe operation of lab facility and appropriate handling, storage and disposal of hazardous waste.
Administrative Responsibilities
Oversees bus reservations for all departmental undergraduate courses.
Oversees use and maintenance of departmental common soil science and biology equipment and facilities. Coordinates departmental use of greenhouse facilities.
Acts as back-up operator for departmental poster printing needs. Works collaboratively with the other departmental course coordinators and administrative staff.
Orders materials required for teaching laboratories (consumable reagents, supplies and equipment. Maintains inventory of materials and equipment in teaching laboratories. Contacts suppliers for price quotations. Prepares cost estimates for budget forecasts. Oversees installation of new equipment.
Performs accounting functions. Makes purchases with PCard and MMP; monitors and reconciles expenditures; verifies ledgers and resolves discrepancies. Prepares invoices for cost recoveries of user fees i.e., for greenhouses. Creates and maintains databases. Produces reports.
Responsible for equipment maintenance and repair needs (mechanical, electrical, minor electronic troubleshooting). Coordinates external servicing of equipment as needed. Controls keys for departmental soil science spaces, greenhouses and the Soil Science and Biology teaching labs in the Macdonald Stewart basement.
Serves on some departmental committees (safety committee) or work groups. Advises lab users on safe laboratory practices, especially chemical safety. Identifies and reports unsafe practices, if any, and makes recommendations on remedial actions.
Support to Faculty Research Users
Has responsibility for departmental soil science and biology equipment used by departmental or non-departmental users. Keeps track of greenhouse bookings, usage and collecting & invoicing for usage or rental fees. Reconciles account.
Provides technical expertise and assistance to graduate students and PI’s encountering problems with their research protocols or experiments or proper use of soil science and biology equipment.
Maintains expertise in relevant fields such as soil science, biology, soil chemistry and physics, pedology, and soil microbiology and biochemistry.
Other Qualifying Skills and/or Abilities:
Demonstrated experience related to soil science and biology, research and course support. Ability to operate, maintain and troubleshoot a wide variety of mechanical, electronic and analytical equipment. Must have training in first aid, hazardous materials management, and biosafety, or be willing to take training.
Demonstrated ability in data management and with computer programs, including Outlook, Internet, MS software (Excel, Word, PowerPoint), virtual platforms such as Zoom and MS Teams, Minerva and MMP. Ability to make and coordinate bus reservations for several courses, order materials and supplies, track course (including bus travel) and maintenance expenses, and maintain financial records in compliance with McGill guidelines. Proven organizational skills. Ability to multitask and maintain equipment and facilities in a clean and orderly fashion when used for multiple concurrent activities. Attention to detail in all aspects of the job. Demonstrated ability to work independently, to provide training to students and interact well with others. English, spoken and written. French, spoken. Key to success as a course coordinator is potential or ability to interact successfully with students at all levels.

Education and experience

• Undergraduate degree (BSc), master’s degree (MSc) preferred, in soil science or biology
• 2 years of related experience

As one of Montreal’s Top Employers, here is what we offer:

• Competitive benefits package (Health, Dental, Life Insurance) (if eligible)
• Defined contribution pension plan (with employer contribution up to 10%) (if eligible)
• Group Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) and Tax Free Savings Account (TFSA)
• Competitive vacation policy
• Two (2) personal days
• Two (2) floating holidays
• Nine (9) “Summer Fridays” - paid days off between the St-Jean Baptiste holiday and Labour Day
• Paid time off over the December holiday period
• Tuition waiver for regular employees and their dependents
• Up to two (2) days of remote work per week where the position permits

Before applying, please note that to work at McGill University, you must be both authorized to work in Canada and willing to work in the province of Quebec at the campus where the position is based / located.
Knowledge of English: McGill University is an English-language university where day to day duties may require English communication both verbally and in writing. The level of English required for this position has been assessed at a level #3 (Advanced) on a scale of 0-4.
For a definition of our language proficiency levels, please click
here.
Minimum Education and Experience:
Bachelor’s Degree - Biology 2 Years Related Experience /
Hourly Salary:
(MUNACA Level I) $35.04 - $43.42
Hours per Week:
35 (Full time)
Supervisor:
Associate Professor
Position End Date (If applicable):
Deadline to Apply:
2025-06-22
McGill University hires on the basis of merit and is strongly committed to equity and diversity within its community. We welcome applications from racialized persons/visible minorities, women, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities, as well as from all qualified candidates with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities. McGill implements an employment equity program and encourages members of designated groups to self-identify. Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application process may contact, in confidence,
accessibilityrequest.hr@mcgill.ca

Please refer the Job description for details