Student Assistant of Botany Collections

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

16 weeks, January to April 2026

Full-time, 37.5 hours per week

3 positions

Work location

Canadian Museum of Nature, 1740 Pink Road, Gatineau

Application deadline

September 27, 2026

Apply

Complete the application submission form

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

The Canadian Museum of Nature's (CMN) natural history collections comprise millions of plant and animal specimens, primarily representing Canadian wildlife. They include numerous historical and significant specimens from across Canada. The Museum meets the research and education needs of a broad community by building, preserving, modernizing, and facilitating access to its collections, offering staff exciting opportunities to play a role in current research on nature and collection management.

The Canadian Museum of Nature's (CMN) botanical collections constitute the National Herbarium of Canada. They include algae, bryophytes, lichens, and vascular plants from terrestrial, freshwater, and marine environments. Among their many strengths, they are the most complete archives in the world on the flora of the Canadian Arctic.

The CMN is seeking to recruit three students as botanical collection assistants for the winter 2027 session. These students will be responsible for digitizing the CMN's botanical collections from the Canadian Arctic, making these data accessible to the public online for learning and decision-making purposes, thus contributing to enriching a growing resource for scientists, students, land managers, and nature enthusiasts worldwide. This project is made possible thanks to 'Polar Knowledge Canada (POLAR)'.

The student who occupies this position will have the opportunity to:

• Prepare specimens for digital access by entering and organizing electronic data;
• Participate in basic management of specimen data using primarily Microsoft Excel and/or the museum's collection databases (KE EMu and the CANA database);
• Capture images of specimens using microscopes and/or specialized photography stations, and manage image files in accordance with established procedures;
• Retrieve, handle, organize, label, and/or reclassify specimens, and perform necessary repairs;

Your place at the museum

We value diversity and believe it is beneficial to work in a place where everyone feels included and where the unique qualities and strengths inherent to a diverse workforce are combined. We welcome applications from people who can identify as members of one or more other equity-seeking groups (e.g., visible minorities, people with disabilities, 2SLGBTQIA+, religious or cultural minorities).

You have your place at the museum!

QUALIFICATIONS

Applicants must meet the following basic requirements:

• Candidates must be enrolled in a first-year university or college program in biology, museum studies, or a related field
• Candidates must be enrolled to return to full-time studies in the fall of 2027;
• The ability to speak and write in English or French is essential,
• University training or practical experience in botany and/or collection management is a major asset;
• Proficiency in computer skills and experience with Microsoft Excel;
• Basic knowledge of taxonomic classification and biological species naming conventions;
• Ability to read and understand the information on specimen labels, and to put it into practice to perform basic tasks;
• Ability to demonstrate fine motor skills and manual dexterity when handling, inspecting, documenting, and transporting collection objects;
• Ability to demonstrate a high level of attention to detail in order to maintain the high standards of accuracy and organization required in all tasks;
• Ability to listen effectively, respect established procedures and standards, and follow instructions faithfully;
• Ability to communicate effectively in order to ask and answer questions about methods and progress of assigned tasks;
• Ability to remain motivated in various work contexts, both as a team and independently;

Please note that this is a full-time position, during weekday hours only.

REMUNERATION: Rates of pay are determined at the time of hiring or contract renewal and are based on the current academic level of the incumbent, in accordance with the employment conditions of the Museum's students. The official working hours are normally from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday to Friday.

NOTE: Canadian citizenship is not required, but the position is posted for the attention of students who are legally authorized to work in Canada. The Canadian Museum of Nature is committed to establishing inclusive and barrier-free selection processes and work environments. If you are contacted regarding a job opportunity or for assessments, please advise the Human Resources Advisor, in a timely manner, of any accommodation requirements to ensure an equitable and fair assessment. Information received relating to accommodation measures will be addressed confidentially.

For more information about the position, contact: Jennifer Doubt, Curator, Botany (jdoubt@nature.ca)

INTERESTED CANDIDATES must submit their application by completing the museum's application form where they can upload their cover letter, latest transcript, curriculum vitae, and any other required documents by September 27, 2026.