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The Opportunity

Halifax, NS
Science and Research
Experienced
Full-time

Position: Science Technician II (NSGEU)

Department: Geology, Faculty of Science

Annual Salary: $50,572 - $61,814 (Group 9)

Under the supervision of the Department Chairperson, the Science Technician II, Geology provides technical support services to the Geology Department. Procures, sets up, calibrates, operates and maintains Department assets including analytical instrumentation, equipment and supplies and sample collections for research and teaching; provides training on the operation of Department analytical instrumentation, and other equipment for research and teaching.

What you'll do

Responsibilities

Duties as the Science Technician II, Geology include, but are not limited to:

  • Maintaining and operating (data collection and quality control) mineralogical and geochemical analytical instrumentation utilized for research and teaching. Conducting minor or routine repairs of this equipment, and arranging for major repairs of this equipment as needed.
  • Maintaining and operating (sample processing), and repairing wet chemistry and heavy mineral separation apparatus.
  • Preparing (cutting, mounting, polishing) thin and polished sections and grain mounts.
  • Maintaining liquid nitrogen supply for Departmental research and teaching needs.
  • Maintaining Department equipment (e.g., microscopes and saws) in good working order and arranging for major repairs as necessary.
  • Assisting faculty with the procuring, designing and constructing of analytical instrumental, equipment and materials for teaching and research.
  • Assisting Department members when interacting with Facilities Management on specialized infrastructure or equipment installations, or modifications/renovations.
  • Coordinating with Facilities Management for their work in Department research and teaching spaces.
  • Preparing, setting up, testing, and taking down equipment and materials for teaching according to prepared curriculum/faculty instruction, and assisting in the development and testing of new practical activities/experiments/lab activities for teaching.
  • Assisting the Department in its outreach activities, including the development of outreach resources, and preparing of equipment and materials used for community engagement.
  • Liaising with SMU Information Technology Services to meet computational needs for teaching and research; and where necessary procuring, organizing and maintaining computer hardware and software for specialized and general teaching and research needs in the Department.
  • Providing technical support for field trips and field courses.
  • Providing technical training to faculty and students, including Teaching Assistants on the safe and proper operation of equipment.
  • Assisting in the use of audio-visual equipment for teaching purposes.
  • Providing technical training on sample preparation to students, including Teaching Assistants (e.g., microscope, rock saw and thin/polished section preparation) and other technical methods and data analysis related to the use of research equipment.
  • Cataloguing, organizing and storing teaching and research collections of rocks, minerals, fossils, thin and polished sections, models, DVD and other digital videos, maps, printed theses.
  • Maintaining storage and inventory of research equipment, chemicals and materials, supplies and teaching equipment and in accordance with all relevant safe work practices, regulations, and University safety authority.
  • Maintaining maintenance files and manuals for equipment.
  • Managing the safe handling, storage, and disposable/removal of hazardous materials in the Department and in accordance with all relevant safe work practices, regulations, and University safe authority.
  • Assisting Departmental Secretary in distribution of departmental keys to faculty, staff and students and maintaining and controlling key storage for microscopes equipment lockers, and display cabinets and other secure facilities within the Department.
  • Liaising with salespersons and viewing research and teaching equipment demonstrations.
  • Advising the Chairperson on teaching and research equipment purchases along with advising faculty on new or improved equipment available.
  • Preparing technical purchase order requisitions and orders, receiving, checking and distributing incoming equipment and materials. Packing equipment for shipping.
  • Verifying invoices for payment.
  • Managing the acquisition of licenses, permits, insurance safety certificates, and customs clearance for teaching and research equipment, materials and software, and in conjunction with or under the authorization of the Science Safety Advisor where appropriate.
  • Preparing and distributing invoices for research and other facilities that are operated on a user fee basis within the Department.
  • Assisting the Chairperson, faculty and other staff in implementing all relevant University policies, as appropriate.

What you'll need

Qualifications

To be the successful Science Technician II, Geology, you will possess a Bachelor of Science Degree in Geology, Earth Science, Chemistry or related field. A Master's Degree in Geology is preferred. A minimum of two (2) years of related experience. Strong oral and written communication skills with strong organizational skills and ability to function independently and as part of a team.

A little bit about us

Saint Mary’s University

Saint Mary's University is one of Canada's top primary undergraduate universities--known for its international collaborations, leadership in entrepreneurship, and research that benefits local and global communities. Our programs in Arts, Science, Graduate Studies and the Sobey School of Business are among Canada's best and feature professors who are committed to the success of their students. Saint Mary's provides our 7,000 students with a place that fosters possibility, excellent research opportunities, and distinguished graduate and professional programs combined with a caring community. Nestled in the heart of Halifax, Nova Scotia, on Canada's east coast, Saint Mary's University is marked by iconic buildings, green spaces and fresh ocean air. The Saint Mary's University community is committed to a prosperous future for the world-a world without limits.

Learn more about working at Saint Mary's University here and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!

Are you interested?

Work With Us

Apply for this opportunity online by visiting www.smu.ca/employment and use our online application system through CareerBeacon. Select the position you are interested in and apply by clicking the "Apply Now" button. Please include the names of three professional references. No telephone calls please.

Competition Opens: July 16, 2019 Competition Closes: July 23, 2019

Saint Mary's University hires on the basis of merit and is committed to the principles of employment equity. Saint Mary's University encourages applications from qualified women, visible minorities, Aboriginal people, and people with disabilities. Preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.

Saint Mary's University thanks all applicants for applying. Only those selected for interviews will be contacted.

Saint Mary's University promotes a Healthy Campus including a Scent-Free environment and a Smoke-Free Campus