Humanitarian Search Team

Humanitarian Search Team

HR2 Forensic Anthropology Search Technician 2

Term/full-time; Term/part-time

Manitoba Indigenous Reconciliation Secretariat

Humanitarian Search Team

Winnipeg MB

Advertisement Number: 44631

Salary(s): HR2 $30.49 - $40.28 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.
Search Technicians will report to Forensic Anthropology Search Team Leads and will work closely with other searchers, including family and community members of Ashlee.

Conditions of Employment:

• Must be legally entitled to work in Canada

• Ability to work extended shifts, evenings and weekends as required
• Ability to work a physically demanding role:
  • Ability to perform physical labour for extended working hours (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:

• Academic background in biological or forensic anthropology or a combination or education and relevant experience may be considered.
• Demonstrated ability to differentiate between bone and non-bone materials, gained through either academic training in a relevant discipline (e.g., biological or forensic anthropology) or through lived experience in settings or activities where such skills are routinely applied.
• Familiarity with the recognition of various forms of soft tissue, supported by either formal education or hands-on experience in relevant environments.
• Experience in manual labour or field-based work is considered an asset, especially where it has contributed to observational skills and physical resilience

• Excellent attention to detail
• Ability to follow detailed instructions
• Ability to work respectfully as a productive member of a team
• Ability to stay on task and maintain focus for an extended periods of time
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with multiple demands
• Understanding and respect for the sacred protocol and practices that will take place throughout the process
• Ability to respect the integrity of the process
• Experience working with Indigenous communities and/or MMIWG2S+ is an asset

• Strong professional ethics and familiarity with anthropological ethics
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality
• Effective interpersonal skills
• Strong verbal communication skills

Duties:

• Conduct thorough systematic visual and manual searches of landfill material for potential human remains and personal effects.
• Ensure material is properly spread well and bags are opened to facilitate examination.
• Follow culturally sensitive and ethical scientific practices throughout the search process.
• Perform required health and safety duties daily within and outside the search facility:
  • Effective and proper use of PPE,
  • Adherence to health and safety protocols at all times,
  • Maintenance of decontamination spaces, communal and high-traffic areas.
• Other duties as assigned by Forensic Anthropology Search Team Leads and 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.

_