Field Assistant, Aquatic Monitoring and Management - Short-Term Contract Position

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 works to protect the integrity and health of the rivers and creeks in the jurisdiction, develop a system of green and natural spaces that sustains local ecosystems, and advance sustainable practices that improve people’s lives within our growing region.

How you will contribute as part of the TRCA team:

Under supervision, collect fish, invertebrate, water quality, stream flow, and geomorphological data in support of the TRCA’s Regional Watershed Monitoring Program, TRCA’s Waterfront Monitoring Program and other projects. Data collection includes use of electrofishing gear (backpack and boat), surveying equipment, multi-parameter water quality probes etc. Health and safety is a major responsibility of this position.

Major Responsibilities:

Perform the following tasks under supervision:

• Conduct field inventories using specific protocols such as Ontario Stream Assessment Protocol (OSAP) and Ontario Benthic Biomonitoring Network Protocol (OBBN).
• Operate sampling equipment such as small commercial vessels, backpack electofishing equipment, various nets, probes and sondes.
• Entry and manipulation of data in spreadsheet and database formats.
• Work safely.
• Provide excellent customer and client service.
• Maintain sampling equipment as required.
• Other duties as assigned

What you will need to succeed:

• Post-secondary education in biology, environmental science, resource management or a related field.
• Valid Ontario driver’s license.
• Ability to handle and identify, fish and invertebrate species found in the Toronto area.
• Ability to work outdoors in adverse weather conditions.
• Good interpersonal skills and ability to work as a team member.
• Familiarity with biological sampling equipment, including backpack and boat electrofishing units, and environmental monitoring instruments.
• Familiarity with Ontario Stream Assessment Protocol(OSAP) and Ontario Benthic Biomonitoring Network (OBBN) (certification an asset).
• Familiarity with surveying equipment, water quality sampling, stream flow discharge measurements, and logger installation an asset.
• Ability and comfort working in, on and around water

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 of 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).
• 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 quoting job posting TRCA-114-21 prior to midnight on  April 26, 2021.

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.