Climate Change Research Assistant - St. Lawrence River Institute of Environmental Science

The River Institute is located in Cornwall, Ontario and is a not-for-profit, charitable organization that undertakes research, education, and community outreach to protect and conserve the St. Lawrence River and other freshwater ecosystems. We offer a great team environment and energetic staff. In 2019, the River Institute was awarded the national award for excellence in science education programming by the Natural Sciences and Research Council of Canada. www.riverinstitute.ca

We are presently seeking a dynamic and enthusiastic individual to serve in the role of Climate Change Research Assistant. The employee will work as part of the River Institute’s Research and Community team.

Job Description

The Climate Change Research Assistant will work within the Research and Community Engagement Program at the St. Lawrence River Institute in Cornwall, ON. This role largely entails integrating climate change impacts into technical reports and developing related materials and activities that engage local community. The Research Assistant will report to Dr. Leigh McGaughey, Program Lead of Research & Community Engagement, with detailed workplan coordination provided by Dr. Erin Smith, Research Scientist.

Duties

1. Work with Research Scientists to integrate information about climate change impacts into reports for five ecological indicators as part of an ecosystem health assessment for the St. Lawrence River.
2. Work with the Outreach Coordinator and River Strategy Coordinator to facilitate 3-5 workshops to facilitate climate change adaptation planning and gain insight on community climate change concerns. Summarize discussions into reports for each workshop.
3. Work with the Visual Communications Coordinator to develop a series of climate change infographics to share findings through social media, presentations, and the project website.
4. Present on the project to various audiences.
5. Perform other related duties as required.

Qualifications

• The candidate will have a post-secondary degree in environmental science, biology, life sciences or a related field.
• Knowledge/expertise related to climate change and communicating climate change information to diverse audiences.
• Experience in scientific writing.
• Ability to work independently, exhibiting a high degree of initiative, self-discipline and professionalism.
• Project/time management skills and organizational skills.
• Should be comfortable working with a diverse team to conduct scientific investigations.
• Experience translating scientific findings into accessible language for diverse audiences will be considered an asset.
• Experience with MS Office based software products, including MS Teams, and similar platforms considered an asset.
• Experience with complex data sets and R-based statistical programs are considered assets.
• Full-time, 1-year contract with potential for renewal based on performance and funding.

Wage and Employment Conditions:

• This is a full-time contract position (35 hr/week), with an anticipated start date of Feb 3, 2025
• Salary scale: $43,368 ($23.83/hr) to $53,543 ($29.42/hr) depending on qualifications and experience.
• The position is hybrid.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Interested candidates should send a cover letter outlining their interests and relevant experience, and their resume to Jennifer Jarvis, Office Coordinator jjarvis@riverinstitute.ca

Application deadline: January 10, 2025

We will be reviewing applications and conducting interviews on a rolling basis; candidates are encouraged to apply early. Please note, we thank all applicants for their interest in this position but will only be following up with candidates invited for an interview.

Equity and Accessibility

The River Institute is committed to creating a welcoming, inclusive, and equitable work environment. We encourage applications from candidates from historically and structurally disadvantaged communities including applicants who identify as First Nations, Métis and/or Inuk (Inuit), Black, racialized, a person with a disability, women and/or 2SLGBTQ+. We are working to make our hiring process as accessible as possible. If at any point during the application and/or recruitment process you require an accommodation, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at info@riverinstitute.ca.