Senior Research Assistant, Forest Research Intern

Senior Research Assistants are normally graduate students, or University of Winnipeg undergraduate students, employed to assist in the execution and evaluation of research projects in their area of study. The positions may oversee Research Assistants in areas such as the use of proper techniques, analysis, and documentation.

Senior Research Assistants work under the general supervision or direction of more senior researchers or faculty members, and are expected to exercise judgment in prioritizing, planning and organizing their own work within defined parameters.

Position Overview:

This position is for a student in the forest ecology program at the University of Winnipeg to work as a research assistant in the area of improving tree health and protection from insect pests and disease. The candidate will assist researchers in field and laboratory research activities in urban and commercial forests.

Duties:

• The successful candidate will be taught to assess tree health and condition in relation to the impacts of climate change, insect and disease impacts in Manitoba.
• The candidate will learn how to operate a variety of field research equipment used as part of the assessment process and methodologies for data collection and subsequent analysis.
• The candidate will be trained on safety and proper conduct for working in remote areas.
• The candidate will be trained in forest plant identification and insect pest identification and will carry out tree pest monitoring.
• The candidate will be trained to use statistical software to carrying out preliminary data summaries of the information they have collected.

Qualifications:

• University of Winnipeg student, currently enrolled in the Forest Ecology B.Sc. program required.
• Applicants with some skills and experience in the duties as described in the position overview or with equivalent related experience or have taken courses related to the research focus preferred.
• Work will be in a field setting collecting field samples and data in rural areas of Manitoba and in Winnipeg's urban forest, applicants must be prepared for outdoor climatic conditions.
• Applicants will be trained in safety procedures and must be prepared to work in inclement weather (rain, heat, cold), may experience periods were biting insects and ticks are present and be able to carry field equipment and backpacks over rough terrain.
• Technical skills required are outlined in the position overview. Additional training will be provided as needed in the identification of insect and plant species, operation of specific scientific equipment, data collection, data entry, laboratory skills, field research and design skills or other methodologies to carry out assigned tasks.

Condition(s) of Employment:

• Must be legally entitled to work in Canada.

The period of work will be from June 15, 2026 - October 16, 2026, and the estimated total hours of work will be 500-560 hours.

Note: This position is represented by the Public Service Alliance of Canada - Research Capacity Unit.

Note: The work described in this posting will be conducted in-person.

The University of Winnipeg is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion and recognizes that a diverse staff and faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research environments, and is essential to academic and institutional excellence. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals and encourage women, racialized persons, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, and 2SLGBTQ+ persons to confidentially self-identify at time of application.

The University of Winnipeg is committed to ensuring employment opportunities are accessible for all applicants. If you require accommodation supports during the recruitment process, please contact human_resources@uwinnipeg.ca.

The personal information of applicants is collected under the authority of the University of Winnipeg Act and 36(1)(b) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. All personal information collected via the recruitment process is used to assess the applicant’s suitability, eligibility, and qualifications for employment, and to otherwise support recruitment activities. This information will be provided to participating members of the recruitment process. Questions regarding the collection of your personal information may be directed to the Director, HR Services, 515 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, R3B 2E9 or human_resources@uwinnipeg.ca.