Student Collections Assistant, Botany

The Canadian Museum Of Nature; Outaouais; Hybrid; CAD 31,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

The Canadian Museum of Nature in Gatineau is hiring 3 Botany Collection Assistants for the winter 2027 session. Positions are full-time, 37.5 hours per week, weekdays only.

Primary duties include digitizing Arctic botany collections, data capture, and imaging using Excel and museum databases. Ideal candidates are enrolled in biology or a related program, can work in English or French, and have strong attention to detail.

Qualifications

• Enrolled in a biology or related program; must return to studies Fall 2027.
• English or French proficiency required for written and spoken communication.
• Excel proficiency and basic computer literacy are essential.
• Experience with botany, collection management is an asset.
• Able to read specimen labels and apply data to records.
• Attention to detail and accuracy in handling specimens and data.

Responsibilities

• Digitize CMN botany collections and make data publicly accessible online.
• Capture and organize electronic data; manage specimen images and files.
• Use Excel and databases (KE EMu, CANA) for data management.
• Retrieve, handle, label, and re-file specimens; perform basic repairs as needed.

Skills

Microsoft Excel

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Effective communication

Biology knowledge

Self-motivation

Education

Undergraduate/college in biology or Museum Studies

Must be registered to return full-time Fall 2027

Tools

KE EMu

CANA database

Job description

Selection process number: 2090-CMN-26-OC-054
16 weeks, January-April 2027
37.5 hours per week
3 positions

Work Location

Canada Museum of Nature, 1740 Pink Road, Gatineau

Selection process number: 2090-CMN-26-OC-054

The natural history collections at the Canadian Museum of Nature (CMN) comprise millions of plant and animal specimens emphasizing Canadian wild species. This includes many historical and significant specimens from all provinces and territories. The Museum serves the research and education needs of a broad community by building, preserving, upgrading, and facilitating access to the collection, providing staff with exciting opportunities to play a role in current natural history research and collection management.

The botanical collections at the Canadian Museum of Nature (CMN) make up the National Herbarium of Canada. They include algae, bryophytes, lichens and vascular plants from terrestrial, freshwater and marine environments. Among many other strengths, they form the world’s most comprehensive archive of Canadian Arctic flora.

The CMN seeks to hire 3 students as Botany Collection Assistants for the winter 2027 session. These students will digitize CMN botany collections from the Canadian Arctic, making these data publicly accessible online for learning and decision-making, adding to a growing resource that serves scientists, students, land managers, and nature enthusiasts worldwide. This work is made possible by Polar Knowledge Canada (POLAR) .

These roles include main tasks such as:

• Prepare specimens for digital access by capturing and organizing electronic data;
• Assist in basic management of specimen data, using primarily Microsoft Excel and/or the Museum collection databases (KE EMu and the CANA database);
• Capture specimen images using microscopes and/or specialized photo stations, and manage image files according to established procedures;
• Retrieve, handle, organize, label and/or re-file specimens, and make necessary repairs;

Your place at the Museum

We value diversity and believe we benefit from working in a place where everyone feels included and where the unique qualities and strengths inherent in a diverse workforce are combined. We welcome applications from persons who may identify as a member of one or more other equity seeking groups (for e.g. visible minorities, disabled, 2SLGBTQIA+, religious or cultural minority).

You have a place at the Museum!

QUALIFICATIONS:

Candidates must meet the following basic requirements:

• Enrolled in a university undergraduate or college program in biology (or a related field) or Museum Studies;
• Must be registered to return full-time to their studies in Fall 2027;
• Ability to speak and write in English or French is essential
• Academic or practical experience with botany, and/or collection management are considered significant assets;
• Computer fluency and experience with Microsoft Excel;
• Basic understanding of taxonomic classification and naming conventions for biological species;
• Ability to read and comprehend information on specimen labels, and apply it conducting basic tasks;
• Ability to apply fine motor skills and manual dexterity when handling, inspecting, documenting and transporting collection objects;
• Ability to exercise focused attention to detail in order to maintain necessary high standards for accuracy and organization in all tasks;
• Ability to listen effectively, respect established procedures and standards, and faithfully follow instructions;
• Ability to communicate effectively in order to ask and answer questions regarding the methods and progress of assigned tasks;
• Ability to maintain self-motivation in a variety of team and independent task scenarios;

Please note that these are full time positions, during weekday hours only.

SALARY: Rates of pay are determined at the initial appointment or reappointment stage and are based on the incumbent’s current academic level as per the museum’s terms and conditions of employment for students .The official working period is from Monday to Friday between 8:00 am and 4:00 pm.

NOTE: Canadian citizenship is not required however individuals must be legally entitled to work in Canada. The Canadian Museum of Nature is committed to developing inclusive, barrier-free selection processes and work environments. If contacted in relation to a job opportunity or testing, please advise the Human Resources Advisor in a timely fashion of the accommodation measures which must be taken to enable you to be assessed in a fair and equitable manner. Information received relating to accommodation measures will be addressed confidentially.

For more information regarding the position, please contact: Jennifer Doubt, Curator, Botany ([e-mail])