Junior Biologist

Position Details:

Current Rate of Pay: Min = $34.60/hr, Max = $37.51

Employment type: Short-Term Contract

Duration of employment: 8 Months

Hours of work: 35 hrs/week

Work location: Earth Rangers

Division: Development and Engineering Services

Business unit: Watershed Planning and Engineering Services

Travel: 10-25 %

Remote Work: Hybrid

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:

The Junior Biologist (Flora) position is responsible for overseeing and carrying out daily environmental monitoring fieldwork activities in support of TRCA’s environmental monitoring programs and projects. In particular, the position is responsible for conducting botanical and vegetation community inventories and monitoring.

Major Responsibilities

Perform the following tasks under general supervision:

• Conduct field inventories and monitoring according to TRCA’s Terrestrial Natural Heritage protocol, and taxa specific protocols (flora – Ecological Land Classification for Southern Ontario and Terrestrial Vegetation Monitoring Protocols).
• This position also involves environmental data organization and entry, reporting, and equipment operation and maintenance.
• Health and safety are a requirement of this position.

What will you need to succeed:

• College diploma in biology, ecology, or a related field or equivalent experience.
• Valid G Class Driver’s License in good standing and own vehicle (requirement to travel outside of public transit hours).
• Minimum of 3 years of demonstrated experience conducting taxa specific surveys.
• Ability to quickly identify the vascular plant species (both native and non-native) found in the TRCA Region (~1800 different species).
• Thorough knowledge of the biology, ecology and natural history of the flora of Ontario.
• Thorough knowledge of environmental inventory and monitoring data collection protocols.
• Excellent navigational field skills using digital ortho-photo and GPS.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills.
• Proficient with computer software, including MS Office applications.
• Experience using various monitoring equipment, including camera traps and GPS units.
• Ability to work flexible hours including both day and night in varying weather conditions.

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 23, 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 Manager of Records and Information, 101 Exchange Avenue, Vaughan, Ontario, L4K 5R6, (437) 880 2308.