Department Assistant, Plant Sciences
About The Position
The Department Assistant, Plant Sciences will develop, coordinate, and instruct undergraduate plant ecology and plant agriculture laboratory courses within the Department of Plant Sciences. Reporting to the Department Head, this role involves designing, preparing, teaching, and supervising laboratory exercises in collaboration with course instructors to ensure program goals are met. The position also requires organizing and supervising off-campus field trips, collecting plant samples and seeds for teaching purposes, and independently managing risk associated with student participation in field trips. The Department Assistant must exercise professional judgment for the smooth delivery of laboratory classes, make discretionary decisions that may impact students and programs, and foster productive relationships with faculty, students, and colleagues. The role may involve stressful situations requiring tact and diplomacy.
Requirements
- Several years of teaching or related experience in plant sciences.
- Supervisory experience is an asset.
- Possession of a valid driver’s license would also be an asset.
- Ability to work independently
- Proven effective interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to effectively communicate with faculty, staff and students, with sensitivity to cultural differences
- Tact, diplomacy, good judgment and conflict resolution skills
- Strong technical knowledge of all areas of plant ecology and plant agriculture specifically including native plant identification, rangeland management, and management and identification invasive or weedy species
- Excellent public speaking ability
- Demonstrated commitment to continuous improvement of knowledge and skills
- Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities
- Supervisory, decision-making, organizational and time-management abilities
- A good working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Access and PowerPoint) as well as internet and email software applications
- Attention to detail
- Creative problem solving abilities
- Proven ability to ensure deadlines are met.
Nice To Haves
- A M.Sc. degree in a plant science or related area is preferred. Lesser qualifications will be considered with substantial relevant experience.
Responsibilities
- Course laboratories and field trips are effectively planned, coordinated and executed.
- Students receive accurately marked laboratory reports, projects and examinations in a timely manner.
- Faculty are supported in ensuring a high standard of teaching.
- Teaching laboratories and preparation rooms are well-maintained and equipment is fully functional.
- Live and preserved plant and insect materials, and other teaching materials are maintained and available for effective delivery of courses.
- The success of others is supported through effective recruitment, training, and supervision of student teaching assistants.
- Knowledge of University safety protocols and policies is applied appropriately and communicated to others; the safety and well-being of students participating in field trips is ensured.
- Emerging issues are prioritized and problem solving is applied in consultation with the Department Head and teaching faculty.
- Effective participation as an active member of the Plant Sciences instructional staff, and representation on College committees as assigned.
- Remain current with advances in academic area and develop a high level knowledge in all areas of the teaching curriculum.
- Deadlines are routinely met.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
