Field Staff, Aquatic Monitoring and Management

Position Details:

Vacancies: 1

Current Rate of Pay: Min = $22.32/hr, Max = $24.20/hr

Employment type: Full-Time Contract

Duration of employment: 21 weeks

Hours of work: 35 hrs/week

Work location: Earth Rangers

Division: Development and Engineering Services

Business unit: Watershed Planning and Ecosystem Science

Travel: 0%

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 the Biologist, Aquatic Monitoring & Management, the Monitoring Field Assistant is responsible for conducting field monitoring and data collection activities in support of TRCA’s West Nile Virus Mosquito Monitoring Program. This position participates in surveying mosquitoes in wetlands and stormwater management ponds utilizing environmental monitoring instruments and equipment and following standardized protocols. This position also involves equipment maintenance and care, and data entry. Health and Safety is a requirement of this position.

Major Responsibilities:

Perform the following tasks under supervision:

• Collection of larval mosquitos in wetlands and stormwater management ponds following specific protocols.
• Assist with the investigation of standing water complaint (mosquito breeding related) on TRCA properties.
• Rear immature mosquitos to maturity to facilitate species level identification (done by biologist) in the laboratory.
• Perform data entry to transfer data from field sheets into the Access database format.
• Use of monitoring equipment, including: standard mosquito dipper, GPS units, and hand-held water quality instruments
• Ensure safety in the field (e.g. use of PPE), and while operating a vehicle.
• Maintain equipment (storage, organization, minor repairs).
• All activities are expected to be performed in a safe manner, in accordance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and its Regulations, along with Corporate Safety policies, procedures and programs. 

What will you need to succeed:

Education (degree/diploma/certifications)

• Post-secondary education in biology, ecology, environmental science, resource management or a related field.
• Valid G Class Driver’s License in good standing.

Experience

• Previous experience related to larval mosquito monitoring and environmental data collection using OBBN, OSAP, etc. is considered an asset.
• Ability to identify mosquitoes and other aquatic invertebrates is considered an asset.
• Previous experience working in a benthic macroinvertebrate lab is considered an asset.
• Previous experience with aquatic sampling equipment and protocols such as: boat and backpack electrofishing units, environmental monitoring instruments (e.g. water quality), surveying equipment, water quality sampling, stream flow discharge measurements, logger installation, Ontario Stream Assessment Protocol (OSAP), Ontario Benthic Biomonitoring Network (OBBN) is considered an asset.

Knowledge/Skill/Ability

• Strong verbal communication skills, interpersonal skills and ability to work alone and as part of a team.
• Computer literacy, including MS Office applications.
• Ability to work outdoors in adverse weather conditions.
• Ability to work in, on and around water.
• Ability to lift and carry 30 lbs.
• Comfortable wading in streams up to waist deep.
• Ability to identify common flora and fauna found in the Toronto area would be considered an asset.
• Familiarity with Ontario Stream Assessment Protocol (OSAP) and Ontario Benthic Biomonitoring Network (OBBN) is considered 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 31, 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.