Crew Leader, Aquatic Monitoring and Management

Position Details:

Current Rate of Pay: Min = $28.98/hr, Max = $31.42/hr

Employment type: Full-Time Contract

Duration of employment: 20 weeks

Hours of work: 35 hrs/week

Work location: Earth Rangers

Division: Development and Engineering Services

Business unit: Watershed Planning and Ecosystem Science

Remote Work: None

About TRCA:

With more than 60 years of experience, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) is one of 36 Conservation Authorities in Ontario, created to safeguard and enhance the health and well-being of watershed communities through the protection and restoration of the natural environment and the ecological services the environment provides.

TRCA is considered the provincial leader in conserving, restoring, and managing natural resources to advance safe and sustainable development.

How you will contribute as part of the TRCA team:

Under the supervision of Environmental Technologist, the Crew Leader, Environmental Monitoring and Data Management position is responsible for overseeing and carrying out daily waterfront and inland environmental monitoring fieldwork activities in support of TRCA’s environmental monitoring programs and projects, including those conducted in partnership with external organizations. In particular this position is responsible for leading and conducting field surveys of aquatic habitats and species; and overseeing and implementing wildlife management activities in the field. This position also involves environmental data organization and entry, reporting, and equipment operation and maintenance.

Health and Safety is a requirement of this position.

Major Responsibilities:

Perform the following tasks under supervision:

• Carry out monitoring fieldwork activities** including: fish and benthic invertebrates sampling, water quality data collection (e.g., collecting water samples from various streams), sediment samples collection and other aquatic habitat data collection using standardized protocols (e.g., Ontario Stream Assessment Protocol)
• Operate various types of monitoring equipment including: boats (including electrofishing boats); GPS units; water quality instruments (e.g., turbidity meter); water level, flow and temperature loggers/meters; and biological sampling equipment such as electrofisher units (backpack) and various types of nets.
• Assist in wildlife management activities such as goose counts, goose/swan egg oiling and goose round-up for relocation.
• Maintain sampling instruments and equipment (calibration/setup, storage, organization, minor repairs)
• Supervise a crew -  instruct employees in proper work methods and standards; monitor crew work quality; ensure data integrity and quality, and adherence to time schedules and safe work practices.  Lead by example and document daily safety meetings, hazard identification and emergency planning
• Ensure field records collected by crew are complete and organized properly and perform data entry into internal and external databases
• Contribute to preparation of project- and program-specific environmental monitoring reports and/or data/results summaries for internal clients (e.g., Restoration Projects group) and external clients (e.g., local municipalities): compile results summaries, clarify observations made in the field and contribute to results interpretation.
• Procure basic and routine materials and equipment necessary using corporate purchasing cards for carrying out environmental projects and programs (includes tools and environmental monitoring instruments) in accordance with TRCA Purchasing and Procurement Policies
• Interact with members of the public or partner agencies as required
• Work safely in and around water.
• Other duties as assigned.

What will you need to succeed:

• Post-secondary education (Degree or Diploma) in biology, environmental science, resource management or a related field; or equivalent amount of relevant work experience.
• G Class Driver’s Licence.
• Class 2 Electrofishing Certification.
• First Aid/CPR.
• Specialized technical training based on the programs/projects Crew Leader is involved in. Specialized training may include any of the following: Ontario Stream Assessment Protocol Certification, Toronto Harbour Licence (Ports Toronto), Class 1 Electrofishing Certification, Small Vessel Operator’s Permit, Marine Emergency Duties A3 Certificate, Radio Operator’s Certificate and Powered Vessel Operator’s Permit (Ports Toronto), Confined Space Entry, Benthic Invertebrates Identification, Fish Identification Certification (Royal Ontario Museum and/or Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry), and/or Book 7 Traffic Safety training.
• Experience leading a crew, supervising daily environmental monitoring fieldwork activities and ensuring compliance with prescribed standards/methodologies, including safety protocols.
• Experience working outdoors in adverse weather conditions, and including working in, on and around water.
• Experience instructing others, preferably in environmental monitoring protocols and activities.
• Experience using various monitoring equipment, including vessels, environmental monitoring instruments (e.g., water level/temperature loggers) and biological sampling equipment (e.g., electrofishing units and nets).
•  One year experience related to the major responsibilities preferred.
• Ability to work flexible hours including both day and night in adverse weather conditions.
• Proficient with computer software, including word processing and spreadsheets.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to assist with technical reports.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Strong verbal communication skills, interpersonal skills and proven ability to lead a team.
• Understanding of fish identification procedure.
• Ability to identify common flora and fauna species found in the Toronto area.
• Familiarity with biological sampling equipment, including boat and backpack electrofishing units, and environmental monitoring instruments.
• Ability to work in, on and around water.
• Ability to lift up to 30 lbs.
• Familiarity with Ontario Stream Assessment Protocol (OSAP) and Ontario Benthic Biomonitoring Network (OBBN) (certification an asset).

What TRCA has to offer you:

As part of a progressive team you will have the opportunity to make a positive impact to preserving and protecting nature, while maintaining a balance between the natural environment and built environment. Working with experts within our field, you will join a team of colleagues that are committed to TRCA’s core values by demonstrating the following behaviours; integrity, collaboration, accountability, respect, and excellence (icare). 

You will be part of a diverse and inclusive organization that:

• Makes a positive difference in the communities we serve.
• Fosters high performance and collaborative teams.
• Provides continuous learning and development opportunities.
• Offers a comprehensive compensation and benefits program (including Defined Benefit Pension Plan – OMERS/OTPP).
• Pregnancy & Parental Leave Top-Up Program.
• Provides unique TRCA Perks.
• Provides flexible work arrangements.
• Offers potential for career growth and advancement.

To apply to this posting, click on the “Apply” icon. Please submit your resume and cover letter prior to midnight on March 20, 2023.

While the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) thanks all applicants for their interest, only those under consideration will be contacted for interviews. Please be advised that successful incumbent(s) may be required to undergo a vulnerable sector screening and/or driver’s abstract check as a part of the final step in the hiring process.

TRCA is an equal opportunity employer. We embrace diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace. Our goal is to attract, develop and retain highly talented employees from diverse backgrounds, allowing us to benefit from a wide variety of experiences and perspectives. In accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code, Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, and TRCA Policies, accommodation will be provided at any point throughout the hiring process, provided the candidate makes their accommodation needs known to the TRCA. We welcome applications from all qualified persons.

Personal information you provide through the TRCA recruitment, selection and onboarding process is collected under the authority of the Conservation Authorities Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. C.27. Collection of this personal information is necessary for the proper administration of this recruitment process for employment and volunteer positions with TRCA. Personal information is protected from disclosure pursuant to the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.  Any questions regarding this collection activity should be directed to the Supervisor of Records, 101 Exchange Avenue, Vaughan, Ontario, L4K 5R6, (416) 661-6600 extension 5216.