Conservation Research Specialist - Genomics
Deadline to Apply: May 4, 2026
1-year term from August 2026 to September 2027
Full-Time (37.5 hrs/week) 8:00AM to 4:00PM (Occasional overtime, evenings, weekends, and field work will be required).
Salary: $58,000 per year
About Assiniboine Park Conservancy
Creating the future vision for one of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada’s most prized treasures, Assiniboine Park Conservancy (APC) located at 55 Pavilion Crescent in Winnipeg is the not-for-profit organization that oversees Assiniboine Park’s operations and ensures its ongoing redevelopment and financial viability. Our team is inspired to create and deliver extraordinary experiences for the people who visit and use the Park and Zoo, including building friendly, supportive, effective relationships with stakeholders, community and the general public.
The Opportunity
Conservation Research Specialists (CRS) are responsible for implementing the goals of Assiniboine Park Conservancy as part of the Conservation and Research team. The CRS will work individually and within a team to conduct high quality research that supports conservation and animal welfare decisions. They will ensure the smooth and safe operations of the conservation laboratory at Assiniboine Park Zoo and be responsible for generating genetic and genomic data, with a particular emphasis on environmental DNA (eDNA) techniques. They will work with the team to write grant-funding proposals, conduct research, and communicate progress and results to a wide variety of stakeholders. This will involve researching grant funding opportunities, contributing to the development and implementation of internal research and conservation projects, maintaining high standards of data collection while conducting research, facilitating approved research by external scientists, and communicating results and conservation messages. Specific responsibilities include: Generating and interpreting genetic and genomic data to support conservation and research goals, managing the day to day functions of the conservation laboratory, contributing to grant proposal writing, data collection in the zoo, lab, and in the field, assisting in the coordination and implementation of research in the zoo by external scientists, communication of research and conservation progress and results, implementation of conservation programs where directed, and related duties as required.
Responsibilities include:
- Maintain high standards relating to data collection, archiving, analysis, and communication in accordance with academic community standards, scientific rigor, and zoo policies and procedures
- Assist in obtaining grants to support conservation and research projects, including researching grant funding opportunities, preparing funding proposals, and assisting in reporting communicating outcomes.
- Conduct approved research within the Zoo and at field sites.
- Assist student research projects where necessary.
- Conduct data analysis and present results in a variety of formats when required.
- Generating genetic and genomic data to support conservation and research goals.
- Contribute to the smooth and safe running of the laboratory.
- Manage sample databases and assist in permit applications and reporting relating to the laboratory.
- Conduct data analysis and present results in a variety of formats when required.
Required Qualifications
- Minimum MSc in biological science or related field with the completion of a thesis at this level or higher
- Must possess a valid Manitoba Driver’s License or equivalent
- Must be able to obtain a Firearms Possession and Acquisition License
- Experience in experimental design and scientific research methodologies
- Experience with laboratory methods needed to generate molecular ecology data (e.g., DNA extraction, PCR amplification, quality control, and data management)
- Experience managing large genetic and/or genomic datasets (conservation relevant analysis skills considered an asset)
- An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered
- The ability to speak French and/or other languages are considered assets
What We Have to Offer:
- Comprehensive Benefits Plan
- Three (3) weeks paid vacation annually
- Paid sick leave and long-term disability plan
- Employee Assistance Plan
- An Inclusive work environment
- Zoo & Leaf membership
- Free parking
- Park discounts
- Beautiful Park setting
APC is committed to employment equity and encourages applications from women, Indigenous people, underrepresented community members, and persons with disabilities. Accommodations are available upon request during the assessment and selection process.
