Ecosystem Services Research Assistant, Biological Sciences

at  The University of Calgary

Description
The Department of Biological Sciences in the Faculty of Science invites applications for 2 Ecoystem Services Research Assistant(s). This Fixed Term Recurring Part-time position is for approximately 3 months (based on length of grant funding), with the possibility of extension.
This position reports to the Principal Investigator.
The primary role of the Ecosystem Service Research Assistant will vary at different times of the year. During the peak field season (June through August), the assistant will work independently with other field assistants and project trainees to ensure daily data collection targets are met, consulting with the Project Coordinator when required. The assistant will be responsible for making decisions about sampling strategies based on current site conditions and solving day to day sampling challenges that may arise in the field. To support decisions, the assistant requires knowledge and experience of the challenges of sampling in these environments.
The overall goal of this program is to establish environmental management and conservation protocols to support the supply of ecosystem services (e.g., pollination, pest control, soil carbon storage, nutrient cycling, etc.) in pasture and croplands, and in the context of an agrivoltaics research facility at the University of Calgary’s W.A. Ranches. It will also require, at times, working in close proximity to cattle at this ranch.

Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):

• Take soil samples
• Set-up field sampling equipment to collect arthropods or other evidence of arthropod activity
• Drive to field sites in Alberta
• Record abundance and diversity of flora at collection sites
• Maintain and collect from arthropod sampling apparatus
• Sort collected arthropods into specific groups of interest
• Identify common agricultural arthropods found in Alberta to family, or sub-family taxonomic levels
• Control the sample processing pipeline (i.e., from field collection to recording in the database) in order to ensure that all collected samples are tracked completely and accurately
• Interact with our research colleagues, ranch staff, and grower-cooperators, and other collaborators both within and outside the University in a respectful manner
• Order and manage supplies required for field and laboratory work
• Record samples in a spreadsheet and periodically upload data to a research database
• Ensure that all supplies needed for field work are stocked and loaded in the field vehicle prior to leaving each day
• Work with other colleagues in field and laboratory settings to constructively achieve project objectives, and solve problems as they may arise

QUALIFICATIONS / REQUIREMENTS:

• Undergraduate degree in a scientific or engineering discipline is preferred
• Experience identifying southern Alberta flora is preferred
• Experience working in Alberta agricultural field settings is preferred
• Experience working with soil samples is preferred
• An Alberta advanced class 5 driver’s license (or equivalent) is required
  Application Deadline: Month xx, 202x
  We would like to thank all applicants in advance for submitting their resumes. Please note, only those candidates chosen to continue on through the selection process will be contacted.
  This position is part of the AUPE bargaining unit, and falls under the General Job Family, Phase 3X.
  For a listing of all management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary, view our Management and Staff Careers website.

• Take soil samples
• Set-up field sampling equipment to collect arthropods or other evidence of arthropod activity
• Drive to field sites in Alberta
• Record abundance and diversity of flora at collection sites
• Maintain and collect from arthropod sampling apparatus
• Sort collected arthropods into specific groups of interest
• Identify common agricultural arthropods found in Alberta to family, or sub-family taxonomic levels
• Control the sample processing pipeline (i.e., from field collection to recording in the database) in order to ensure that all collected samples are tracked completely and accurately
• Interact with our research colleagues, ranch staff, and grower-cooperators, and other collaborators both within and outside the University in a respectful manner
• Order and manage supplies required for field and laboratory work
• Record samples in a spreadsheet and periodically upload data to a research database
• Ensure that all supplies needed for field work are stocked and loaded in the field vehicle prior to leaving each day
• Work with other colleagues in field and laboratory settings to constructively achieve project objectives, and solve problems as they may aris