Humanitarian Forensic Anthropology Search Team Lead

Humanitarian Forensic Anthropology Search Team Lead

HR4 Humanitarian Forensic Anthropology Search Team Lead

Term/full-time; Term/part-time

Manitoba Indigenous Reconciliation Secretariat

Humanitarian Search Team

Winnipeg MB

Advertisement Number: 44632

Salary(s): HR4 $42.24 - $52.51 per hour

Closing Date: October 6, 2025

The Manitoba government recognizes the importance of building an exemplary public service reflective of the citizens it serves, where diverse abilities, backgrounds, cultures, identities, languages and perspectives drives a high standard of service and innovation. The Manitoba government supports equitable employment practices and promotes representation of designated groups (women, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities, visible minorities).

This is a preference competition. All applicants are encouraged to apply, however first consideration for this competition will be given to Indigenous people. Applicants are requested to self-declare at the time of application.

The Manitoba government is looking for dedicated individuals to join our Search Team for the Humanitarian Search of the Brady Road Landfill for remains of Ashlee Shingoose. The work requires sensitivity, attention to detail, physical endurance and commitment to seeing the search through. The work will not be easy; it will be physically and mentally taxing and can also take an emotional toll. These are important considerations for those interested in applying to join our Search Team. Resources for emotional supports will be available for search personnel.

Forensic Anthropology Search Team Leads will report directly to the Director of Operations and will supervise and provide leadership to Search Techncians, including family and community members of Ashlee.

Conditions of Employment:

• Must be legally entitled to work in Canada

• Ability to work extended shifts
• Ability to work a physically demanding role:
  • Ability to perform physical labour for extended working hours (up to 10 hours/day with breaks throughout)
  • Ability to perform repetitive and physically strenuous tasks for long periods of time, such as standing, walking, raking, bending, and carrying of materials 25lbs+ while wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
  • Resilience and adaptability to work in different weather conditions
  • Must be able to wear a full or half-face respirator mask, eye protection, hard hat, work gloves, steel toe boots, and Tyvek coveralls while performing physical labour for extended periods of time
  • Visual acuity to scan and differentiate small materials
  • Hand-eye coordination for picking up small items
• Must complete required search training, including WHMIS, Biohazard, Respectful Workplace training, and all other training deemed necessary
• Must produce a satisfactory Criminal Record Check
• Satisfactory security screening

Qualifications:

• Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline (e.g., anthropology, biology, archaeology, forensic science, or related field) required, Graduate degree(s) preferred
• Experience training, managing, and supporting teams
• Ability to contribute effectively within managerial team structure, providing leadership, and collaborating effectively with others
• Comprehensive knowledge of scientific and ethical principles, practices, and methodologies related to the recovery of human remains
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality
• Comprehensive knowledge and experience in forensic anthropology, archaeology, search and recovery, and humanitarian work is considered an asset
• Experience on similar humanitarian projects, collaborating with law enforcement and/or Medical Examiners is considered an asset
• Experience working with Indigenous communities and/or MMIWG2S+ is considered an asset
• Current Standard First Aid Training with CPR-C

• Excellent and demonstrated leadership skills
• Skilled in the recognition bone/not bone material, human/faunal bone, and various forms of soft tissue
• Excellent attention to detail
• Ability to stay focused and carefully examine materials during repetitive tasks
• Strong professional ethics and integrity
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality
• Adaptable to fast-paced environments with multiple demands
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Strong verbal communication skills
• Demonstrates respect for teammates, supervisors, and support staff at all times
• Demonstrates respect for cultural, ethical, and health and safety protocols at all times

Duties:

• Prepares and delivers morning briefings alongside Director of Operations, leading mandatory warm-up sessions (as per injury prevention policy) and task delegation.
• Plans, directs, and evaluations search operations by ensuring objectives are met, adherence to policy and protocols, and recommendation are put forth for continuous improvement search operations.
• Coordinates with other Forensic Anthropology Search Team Leads and Director of Operations to ensure smooth execution of daily tasks.
• Successfully manage, supervise and support Search Technicians in collaboration with other Forensic Anthropology Search Team Leads.
• Conduct thorough visual and manual searches of waste material for potential human remains and hazardous materials.
• Make preliminary assessments of found materials; working collaboratively with other Team Leads to reach consensus of suspected human remains.
• Engage with Forensic Anthropologist for final determination of suspected human remains.
• Support facilitation of cultural practices for scenarios when recovery of human remains are suspected.
• Uphold and maintain chain of custody protocols.
• Monitor and support the safety and wellbeing of the Search Team.
• Ongoing communication and coordination with Director of Operations and other Operations supervisors.
• Prepare end-of-shift and end-of-day reports, documenting search findings, team performance, and operational challenges.
• Enforce compliance with all established protocols at all times.
• Perform additional tasks as assigned by the Director of Operations.

Apply to:

Applicants may request reasonable accommodation related to the materials or activities used throughout the selection process. When applying to this position, please indicate the advertisement number and position title in the subject line and/or body of your email. Your cover letter, resumé and/or application must clearly indicate how you meet the qualifications.

Please be advised that job competitions for represented positions may be grieved by internal represented applicants. Should a selection grievance be filed, information from the competition file will be provided to the grievor's representative. Personal information irrelevant to the grievance and other information protected under legislation will be redacted.

We thank all who apply and advise that only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.

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