Research Assistant, Wetland Ecology and Peatland Restoration

In order to ensure your application is received by NAIT for thorough review and consideration, please apply directly through our Careers site at www.nait.ca/careers

Please Note: This is a temporary position ending on or before October 31, 2027, with the possibility of extension.

Please Note: This competition is limited to current NAIT staff

This position is located at the NAIT’s Centre for Boreal Research in Peace River, Alberta. Peace River is a vibrant community of approximately 6,700 people in the heart of the Boreal Forest of Northwest Alberta. It offers a variety of urban amenities but with a small-town feel!

Reporting directly to the Research Chair, this position will support research activities in the field of wetland ecology, management, and peatland restoration. The primary activities that will be carried out by this position are assisting with the applied research on the impact of human activities, natural disturbances, and climate change on boreal wetland ecosystems and the development of practical solutions to restore the ecosystem functions of boreal wetlands. This position will lead a team of junior and summer staff during summer months to carry out various field experiments, including set up, installation and instrumentation, data/sample collection, lab processing, data analysis and report writing, and maintain and manage lab and field equipment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Leading field/lab/greenhouse work of applied research projects, activities may include:
• • Experiment set-up and execution as well as related data collection
  • Processing samples collected from experiments
• Basic data analysis, preparation of reports and related technology transfer documents of completed project for the client.
• Supervising junior staff and summer field assistants.
• Coordinating project teams and communicating with teammates.
• Lab organization, clean-up and coordination of equipment as well as sample storage.
• Search, selection and request of supplies necessary for research projects.
• Presentation of research findings at conferences and meetings

Skills & Abilities:

• Knowledge of related research techniques and methods
• Knowledge of applicable regulations and protocols, as well as industry-related health and safety procedures
• Knowledge of related computer software

Qualifications:

• Related diploma. B.S. and MSc. in science preferred.
• Minimum of 12 months’ relevant work experience, in biology/ecology, forestry, or environmental science discipline
• 2 years or more of outdoor fieldwork experience an asset. Research experience is preferred but not required.
• Driver’s license (compulsory) and 2-years of Canadian driving experience; safety certificates (can be acquired once started job)
• This position does require frequent out of town travel and shift work during summer, and occasionally heavy manual labor for field project
• Equivalencies may be considered.

Applicants with education credentials earned outside of Canada should have their credentials evaluated by World Education Services or the International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS).

Remuneration: $56,151.16 - $74,115.34 annually, plus a comprehensive benefits package. (Classification – Research Assistant ll).

This position is covered by the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees (AUPE) Collective Agreement.

Please submit a resume and cover letter to be considered for this opportunity.

About NAIT

We are proud to have been named one of Alberta’s Top Employers for 14 consecutive years. Being part of a community that makes a difference in the lives of students, staff, industry clients and partners, NAIT’s culture reflects our shared values of respect, collaboration, celebration, creativity, and accountability.

People are what make NAIT great, and we prioritize the employee experience. We offer benefits and unique perks focusing on health and wellness, work-life balance, recognition, and professional and personal growth. In addition to excellent vacation time, we offer paid time off between Christmas and New Year's.

NAIT supports a flexible work environment, enabling staff to request approval for on-campus, off-site, or hybrid work arrangements based on the nature of the role. Please note that remote positions require employees to reside within Canada.

NAIT is committed to fostering an environment that supports equity and cultivates inclusion through our Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Strategy. We are a proud partner of the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion and Pride at Work Canada. While we encourage all qualified applicants to apply, only those being considered will be contacted. If you require any accommodations, please connect with us at [email protected].

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