Entomology Assistant

**Entomology Assistant (5-Month Contract)**

Under the general supervision of the Supervisor, Production and Entomology Technician and within established policies, procedures and guidelines; assists in the care of conservatory fauna including maintenance, monitoring and breeding of the butterfly population and other animal life for the Butterfly Conservatory operations for the Niagara Parks Commission. Works in a laboratory setting and a greenhouse with concrete floors. The environment is hot and humid. Work requires bending, twisting, climbing, repetitive tasks and lifting. Equipment frequently used includes a power washer, vacuum, glue gun, tweezers, straight pins, scissors and secateurs. Cleaning and laboratory chemicals are used routinely. Must fulfil the physical requirements of the position. This position requires routine weekend and shift work.

**Niagara Parks offers a salary of $24.12 to $29.64 per hour (Pay Band X) plus $1.55/hour in lieu of benefits.**

**Applications for this position will be accepted until September 16, 2024.**

**QUALIFICATIONS**:

- Successful completion of an Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent knowledge and experience.
- Previous work-related experience including general knowledge of laboratory environments and related procedures is considered an asset.

**DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES**:
**Administrative**
- Assists with the emergence of counts of butterflies including daily record keeping.
- Maintains a variety of detailed records associated with arthropod production and monitoring

**Operations**
- Cleans, sanitizes and maintains the emergence window, cages, laboratory, and all other designated areas of the facility related to Butterfly production
- Provides preparatory care and maintenance of arthropod host crops as required and including the removal of dead material from host plants used for production and public display.
- Assists with the emergence counts of butterflies including daily record keeping.
- Prepares fruit trays, honey solution and other conservatory fauna food following standard procedures
- Assists the Entomology Technician with sorting, pinning and labelling of pupae shipments, as assigned or in the absence of the Entomology Technician and Assistant Curator and is required to follow standard procedures.
- Maintains Lepidoptera breeding populations and other arthropods for display following greenhouse and laboratory husbandry protocols including appropriate care for all life stages, preparation and placement of adult and larvae food sources.
- Following standard procedures, hangs pupae for continued development and emergence
- Assists in the monitoring and control of parasitic, viral and larval pathogens and communicates to the Entomology Technician or Assistant Curator any occurrences or abnormalities.
- Maintains a variety of detailed records associated with arthropod production and monitoring.
- Complies with all applicable legislation as well as any related policies and procedures.

**Other**
- Assists with public programming as assigned.
- Provides tours to students and public as required.
- Assists with the installation and set-up of special exhibits / displays.
- Fulfills required duties in the absence of the Entomology Technician.
- Promotes a positive image of the Niagara Parks Commission.
- As assigned.

**Job Types**: Full-time, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 5 months

Pay: $24.12-$29.64 per hour

Additional pay:

- Bonus pay

**Benefits**:

- On-site parking

Flexible language requirement:

- French not required

Schedule:

- Monday to Friday
- Weekends as needed

**Education**:

- Secondary School (required)

Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 2024-09-16