Field Assistant, Aquatic

Position Details:

Vacancies: 6

Current Rate of Pay: Min = $19.87/hr, Max = $21.54/hr

Employment type: Full-Time Contract

Duration of employment: 18 weeks

Hours of work: 35 hrs/week

Work location: Earth Rangers

Division: Development and Engineering Services

Business unit: Watershed Planning and Ecosystem Science

Travel: None

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:

The Field Assistant, Aquatic responsible for assisting in various field monitoring and data collection activities in support of TRCA’s environmental monitoring programs and projects. This position participates in surveying aquatic habitat and communities utilizing environmental monitoring instruments and equipment and following standardized protocols. This position also involves equipment maintenance and care, and environmental data entry. Health and Safety is a requirement of this position.

Major Responsibilities:

Perform the following tasks under supervision:

• Assist with aquatic field inventories and the collection of environmental data (fisheries surveys, habitat assessments, vegetation surveys, breeding bird surveys, benthic invertebrates etc.) following specific protocols.
• Perform data entry to transfer data from field sheets into spreadsheet or database format.
• Assist in wildlife and fish management activities such as goose counts/round-ups, sea lamprey counts, installation of habitat structures and fencing etc.
• Use various types of monitoring equipment, including boats; GPS units; hand-held water quality instruments (e.g., turbidity meter); water level, flow and temperature loggers/meters; and biological sampling equipment such as electrofishing units (boat, backpack) and various types of nets.
• Assist with field observations, data recording, data management and specimen collection.
• Ensure safety in the field (e.g. use of PPE).
• 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)   

• Actively pursuing or possess a post-secondary education in biology, ecology, environmental science, resource management or a related field.
• Valid G Class Driver’s License in good standing.
• Valid Pleasure Craft License in good standing is considered an asset.

Experience

• Previous experience related to environmental monitoring and data collection using OBBN, Marsh Monitoring, OSAP, etc. is considered an asset.
• Previous experience with aquatic sampling equipment and protocols, including boat and backpack electrofishing units, environmental monitoring instruments, surveying equipment, stream flow discharge measurements, logger installation is considered an asset. 

Knowledge/Skill/Ability

• Strong verbal communication skills, interpersonal skills and ability to work in a team setting.
• Computer literacy, including MS Office applications.
• Good interpersonal skills and ability to work as a team member.
• Ability to work outdoors in adverse weather conditions.
• Ability to work in, on and around water.
• Ability to lift and carry 13 kg to 23kg (30 lbs to 50 lbs).
• Comfortable working in a watercraft from 2.5 m to 10 m (8 to 32 feet) in length.
• Comfortable wading in streams up to waist deep while operating or holding various equipment such as nets or buckets.
• Ability to identify fish species and/or aquatic vegetation found in the Toronto area would be 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.
• 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 30, 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.