Part-Time Student Opportunity, Cold Regions Research Centre, Wilfrid Laurier University

The Cold Regions Research Centre is a multifaceted institution dedicated to research and training, primarily focusing on cold regions. Its scope encompasses various disciplines, including geography, biology, hydrology, climatology, glaciology, resource management, protected areas planning, food systems and biogeochemistry. The centre’s goals and mandate include facilitating interdisciplinary research and teaching about cold regions; facilitating academic and field training of students in a range of cold regions disciplines and locations; providing a locus for interaction among faculty and students interested in cold regions research; and encouraging cooperation and links with other cold regions research and training centres and organizations. We achieve this by providing research space and facilities for affiliated graduate students, maintaining contacts with northern and other research institutes interested in cold regions, providing student travel and scholarship awards, and hosting public and educational talks and events on cold regions topics.

DESCRIPTION OF THE POSITION

Are you currently enrolled in a Canadian post-secondary program and possess the key qualities of an effective administrative assistant? Are you detail-oriented, organized, and able to multitask effectively? Do you have excellent communication skills, both written and verbal?

The Cold Region Research Center at Wilfrid Laurier University seeks a part-time Administrative Assistant to support administrative tasks to bolster the CRRC offices’ effort to manage and organize the centers’ activities and correspondence with researchers, stakeholders, academia, and cold region communities.

In alignment with the Cold Regions Research Centre’s Strategy, your role as an administrative assistant will focus on supporting administrative tasks to enhance and ensure smooth and efficient operations within the CRRC. Our focus is on streamlining processes, utilizing resources effectively, and fostering collaboration among CRRC members. Additionally, we aim to prioritize effective communication channels, reporting, and record-keeping for the Centre.

WORK SUMMARY

As a part of this role, you’ll collaborate closely with a passionate team comprising CRRC members, students, and researchers, all sharing a profound interest in cold region research. Reporting to the CRRC Director, your responsibilities as an Administration Assistant will include:

• Manage general office tasks like managing emails, scheduling appointments, and meetings.
• Engage in record keeping and data entry and update in spreadsheets and databases, updating records and ensuring accuracy of information.
• Organize and maintain digital file systems and emails up to date.
• Draft and send emails, letters, memos, and other correspondence on behalf of the CRRC Office.
• Schedule meetings, prepare meeting agendas, take minutes, and distribute meeting materials.
• Support various projects by conducting research, compiling data, and assisting with coordination and implementation.
• Undertake additional job-related tasks as delegated by the CRRC Director.
• Overall, provide general administrative support to ensure the smooth operation of the CRRC office.
• Availability to work daily and be available for impromptu assignments.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Enrolled in a Canadian post-secondary program with experience in administrative duties.
• Proficiency in office software such as Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) or similar programs.
• Knowledge of basic administrative and clerical procedures and familiarity with data entry and record-keeping processes
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills in English.
• Strong organizational/multitasking abilities and attention to detail in tasks.
• Time management and problem-solving skills to resolve issues efficiently.
• Awareness of confidentiality protocols when handling sensitive information
• Proficiency in WordPress or other web development programs.

ASSET QUALIFICATIONS

• Knowledge of science and the university research environment.
• Previous experience in an administrative or clerical role.
• Previous experience with office software and website management.
• Proficiency in WordPress or other web development programs.

WORKPLACE

The Cold Regions Research Center is at Wilfrid Laurier University, 165 Albert Street, Waterloo, Ontario. However, the position is also open to virtual arrangements.

CONTRACT DETAILS AND WORKING CONDITIONS

• Part-time 10 hours/week
• Rate: 30$/ hour
• 4-month contract renewable (in line with post-secondary terms)
• Position to be filled immediately.

Please submit your application electronically as a single PDF file to coldregions@wlu.ca, including “CRRC_administrative_assistant _YOUR NAME” in the subject line.

Your applications should contain:

• CV
• A cover letter stating your motivation for applying to this position and research interests.

The position will remain open until filled. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the position above, please contact us at coldregions@wlu.ca.

Cold Regions Research Centre is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcomes applications from women, members of racialized groups/visible minorities, Aboriginal persons, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation, and persons of any gender identity or gender expression.

COMMUNICATIONS ASSISTANT POSITION

Part-Time Student Opportunity, Cold Regions Research Centre, Wilfrid Laurier University

The Cold Regions Research Centre is a multifaceted institution dedicated to research and training, primarily focusing on cold regions. Its scope encompasses various disciplines, including geography, biology, hydrology, climatology, glaciology, resource management, parks planning, and biogeochemistry. The centre’s goals and mandate include facilitating interdisciplinary research and teaching about cold regions; facilitating academic and field training of students in a range of cold regions disciplines and locations; providing a locus for interaction among faculty and students interested in cold regions research; and encouraging cooperation and links with other cold regions research and training centres and organizations. We achieve this by providing research space and facilities for affiliated graduate students, maintaining contacts with northern and other research institutes interested in cold regions, providing student travel and scholarship awards, and hosting public and educational talks, and events on cold regions topics.

DESCRIPTION OF THE POSITION

Are you currently enrolled in a Canadian post-secondary program and enthusiastic about cold regions research and science communication? Are you proficient in utilizing digital communication tools like social media and web platforms? Do you possess exceptional communication skills and meticulous attention to detail?

The Cold Region Research Center of Wilfrid Laurier University is seeking a part-time Communications Assistant to bolster digital communications endeavors to engage researchers, stakeholders, academia, and cold region communities across Canada and globally.

In alignment with Cold Regions Research Centre’s Communications Strategy, our communications initiatives strive to enhance the Centre’s visibility among partners, the research community, and the general public. We aim to articulate the significance and influence of CRRC’s endeavors to the public, fostering relationships and collaborations across sectors, communities, industries, and institutions. Additionally, we utilize storytelling as a powerful tool to showcase the contributions of our researchers, leadership, highly qualified personnel (HQP), and community partners.

WORK SUMMARY

As a part of this role, you’ll collaborate closely with a passionate team comprising CRRC members, students, and researchers, all sharing a profound interest in cold region research. Reporting to the CRRC Director, your responsibilities as a Communications Assistant will include:

• Manage social media platforms and monitor media activities.
• Aid in promoting CRRC initiatives such as events and workshops.
• Assist in creating, drafting, editing, and maintaining communications for external digital platforms in English, including websites, social media, and newsletters.
• Develop visual communication materials such as graphics, posters, and social media posts.
• Recommend innovative digital communication strategies, methods, and tools to advance the Centre’s communication objectives.
• Undertake additional job-related tasks as delegated by the CRRC Director.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Enrolled in a Canadian post-secondary program focusing on communications, marketing, or a related field.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills in English.
• Familiarity with social media strategies and various platforms.
• Strong attention to detail, adeptness in editing, excellent time management, and organizational abilities.
• Proficiency in MS Office suite.

ASSET QUALIFICATIONS

• Knowledge of Cold Regions Research and Communications
• Knowledge of science and the university research environment.
• Previous experience with social media platforms such as X, Facebook, Instagram, Tiktok and LinkedIn, as well as content management tools
• Proficiency in WordPress or other web development programs.
• Knowledge of Adobe Creative Cloud Applications, particularly InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator, or experience with other graphic design software such as Canva.

WORKPLACE

The Cold Regions Research Center is at Wilfrid Laurier University, 165 Albert Street, Waterloo, Ontario. However, the position is also open to virtual arrangements.

CONTRACT DETAILS AND WORKING CONDITIONS

• Part-time 10 hours/week
• Rate: 30$/ hour
• 4-month contract renewable (in line with post-secondary terms)
• Position to be filled immediately.

Please submit your application electronically as a single pdf file to coldregions@wlu.ca, include “CRRC_communication_assistant _YOUR NAME” in the subject line.

Your applications should contain:

• CV
• A cover letter stating your motivation for applying to this position and your research interests.

The position will remain open until filled. If you have any questions or concerns regarding any of the positions above, please contact us at coldregions@wlu.ca .

Cold Regions Research Centre is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcomes applications from women, members of racialized groups/visible minorities, Aboriginal persons, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation, and persons of any gender identity or gender expression.

Award Details

The Jack Middlemass Memorial Graduate Award in Northern Environmental Research is administered by the Office of Student Awards. Value of the award for the 2023-24 academic year is $2,000.

Description

The Jack Middlemass Memorial Graduate Award in Northern Environmental Research was created to honour Jack Middlemass. The award’s purpose is to encourage and support graduate students at Wilfrid Laurier University who are conducting fieldwork in the Canadian North and are associated with the Centre for Cold Regions and Water Science (CCRWS).  

Eligibility

To be an eligible candidate for the Jack Middlemass Memorial Graduate Award in Northern Environmental Research, applicants must be:

• registered as a graduate student at Wilfrid Laurier University,
• associated with the Centre for Cold Regions and Water Science (i.e. either the Cold Regions Research Centre or the Laurier Institute for Water Science),
• conducting fieldwork related to the environment in the Canadian North,
• are in good academic standing,
• demonstrate the need for financial assistance to conduct their fieldwork.

Applicants are eligible to apply for and receive this award more than once during their studies.

Application Procedure

An application package for the Jack Middlemass Memorial Graduate Award in Northern Environmental Research should include:

• the applicant’s CV,
• an up-to-date unofficial academic transcript,
• a short (max 200 words) personal reflection on the challenges and rewards of northern research and
• a short email from the applicant’s supervisor that confirms the following:

1. that the applicant is in good academic standing,
2. the need for financial assistance to conduct their fieldwork.

Complete application packages should be submitted by email to coldregions@wlu.ca; include “Jack Middlemass Memorial Graduate Award_Yourname” in the subject line.

The deadline for submitting an application is April 15, 2024.

Evaluation

Applications will be evaluated by an ad-hoc subcommittee of at least 3 Laurier faculty members involved in research in the Canadian North but not directly supervising any of the applicants.

The evaluation criteria will include candidates’:

• academic performance;
• university or other research or scholarly activity, service and/or engagement;
• reflection on the challenges and rewards of northern research; and
• the supervisor’s letter.