Department Faculty of Science - Alberta Biodiversity Monitoring Institute

Salary range $58,099.44 to $78,443.16

Hours per week 40

Grade 7

Posted date July 25, 2025

Closing date August 15, 2025

Position Type Full Time - Trust Funded

Description

This position is a part of the Non-Academic Staff Association (NASA).

This position has a term length of one year plus a day with a strong possibility of extension, and offers a comprehensive benefits package.

Location - This role is in-person at North Campus, Edmonton.

Working at the University of Alberta

The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and all FirstPeoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.

The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide.

Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people — from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more.

Working for the Alberta Biodiversity Monitoring Institute (ABMI)

The Alberta Biodiversity Monitoring Institute (ABMI) detects changes in biodiversity in Alberta with the annually updated Biodiversity Intactness Index and Human Footprint Inventory. This research provides ongoing, relevant, scientifically credible information on Alberta's living resources to meet the information needs of government planners, industrial developers and local communities.

Position Summary

The Aquatic Invertebrate Technician’s core responsibilities are: identification of aquatic invertebrate specimens, preparation of aquatic invertebrates for research, data entry and quality assurance for aquatic invertebrate-related data, managing assets related to field and laboratory work, assisting with training and supervision of temporary members of the Aquatic Invertebrate Unit such as field technicians and volunteers, and participation in field and laboratory research.

Duties

Taxonomic and Laboratory Support

• Sort, organize, label, and temporarily store large volumes of aquatic invertebrate specimens.
• Identify aquatic invertebrates to genus or species level, focusing on Alberta taxa.
• Assist with specimen enumeration, data entry, and quality assurance in line with ABMI protocols.
• Maintain and update nomenclature for consistency and accuracy.
• Prepare voucher specimens and associated metadata for expert validation and research collaboration.
• Assist with scanning electron microscopy and high-resolution imaging of specimens.
• Explore and apply emerging technologies (e.g., DNA barcoding) for taxonomy and identification.

Training and Supervision

• Support training and supervision of seasonal staff, volunteers, and students in aquatic invertebrate sampling and taxonomy.
• Contribute to the development of training materials and reference tools for field and lab work.
• Monitor and ensure safe lab and field practices in accordance with safety regulations.
• Assist with the coordination, organization, and maintenance of lab and field assets.

Research and Project Work

• Contribute to ABMI aquatic invertebrate research projects and collaborations.
• Support species description, taxonomic validation, and ecological investigations.
• Participate in lab and field research, depending on project needs.
• Stay current with scientific developments in aquatic invertebrate ecology and taxonomy.

Outreach and Knowledge Sharing

• Engage in public outreach and respond to inquiries related to aquatic invertebrates.
• Present findings at scientific meetings and public events.
• Support workshops and stakeholder engagement activities.
• Contribute to publications in peer-reviewed journals, technical reports, and digital platforms.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (B.Sc.) in biology, ecology, or a related field.

• Minimum of 2 years of hands-on experience in aquatic invertebrate sorting and identification, particularly in Alberta ecosystems.

• Demonstrated ability to identify aquatic invertebrates to the genus level.

• Experience with biological specimen data management systems and workflows.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Taxonomic certification from the Society for Freshwater Science:

  • Level 2: Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, Trichoptera to the Genus level.
  • Level 1: North American aquatic insects to the Family level.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience identifying aquatic invertebrates to the species level, including preparation of Chironomidae slide mounts.
• Familiarity with environmental DNA (eDNA), DNA barcoding, and other genomic methods.
• Experience with microscopic dissection and high-resolution photography of biological specimens.
• Prior experience training or mentoring field or lab staff in taxonomy-related work.
• Experience contributing to scientific publications, technical reports, or public outreach materials.
• Valid Alberta Class 5 driver’s license.
• Valid Standard First Aid certification.

At the University of Alberta, we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates. If you require accommodations to participate in the interview process, please let us know at the time of booking your interview and we will make every effort to accommodate your needs.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.

All University employees have a responsibility to foster a workplace that prioritizes safety in all its forms—physical, cultural, and psychological. This is achieved by promoting a safe environment, adhering to all safety laws, policies and procedures, completing all required safety training, identifying hazards and implementing controls, reporting incidents, and contributing to a culture of inclusivity and respect, while endeavoring to ensure that all colleagues feel valued and safe to express their thoughts, perspectives and concerns.

The University of Alberta is committed to creating a university community where everyone feels valued, barriers to success are removed, and thriving connections are fostered. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage women, First Nations, Métis and Inuit persons, members of visible minority groups, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression, and all those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas and the University to apply.

L’Université de l’Alberta s’engage à créer une communauté universitaire où chaque personne se sent valorisée, où les obstacles à la réussite sont éliminés et où des connexions enrichissantes peuvent se développer. Nous accueillons les demandes de toutes les personnes qualifiées. Nous encourageons les femmes; Premières nations, Métis et Inuits; membres des groupes minoritaires visibles; personnes handicapées; personnes ayant une orientation sexuelle ou une identité et une expression sexospécifique; et tous ceux qui peuvent contribuer à la diversification des idées et à l'université à postuler.

Note: This opportunity will be available until midnight August 15, 2025, Edmonton, Alberta local time.