The Hamilton Conservation Authority has a seasonal opportunity for a
Aquatic Biology Coordinator
(summer position)
The Hamilton Conservation Authority is currently seeking an Aquatic Biology Coordinator, for the Hamilton Natural Areas Inventory Project (NAI) for a 24 week position.
The Natural Areas Inventory (NAI) project is an inventory of significant natural areas in the City of Hamilton, and is being undertaken so that current information on plant and wildlife species, vegetation communities, and site boundaries is available for agencies which are responsible for protecting and enhancing natural features and biodiversity. NAIs have been completed every ten years, since 1993. The current NAI will build on earlier work and focus on data gaps in order to provide a baseline for measuring the state of Hamilton’s biodiversity, including the impacts of climate change.
This is a summer position in Hamilton Conservation Authority’s (HCA) Watershed Management Services Department. Responsibilities include assistance with implementation of fish and benthic invertebrate sampling, data collection, and water quality monitoring throughout streams in City of Hamilton watersheds as part of the Hamilton Natural Areas Inventory (NAI). This position will also assist with reporting and data management. This position reports to the NAI Coordinator and Supervisor, Stewardship and Ecology.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Oversee and coordinate the summer aquatic biology work for the NAI
- Planning and conducting fish, benthic macroinvertebrate, and mussel surveys
- Responsible for overseeing the collection of aquatic biology data, including the supervision of contract staff, preparation of maps, overseeing data entry, and database management, report preparation and presentation to the NAI Coordinator and NAI Technical Steering Committee
- Prepare field surveys of aquatic ecosystems within the City of Hamilton
- Produce aquatic habitat mapping for each of the priority sites, using air photos, GIS resources and ground truthing
- Undertake landowner contact in preparation for survey work
- Other tasks as assigned
Qualifications
- Graduated from University or College with focus in Biology, Ecology, and/or Environmental Science-related studies
- Received electrofishing backpack certification
- Received OBBN certification
- Fish and benthic invertebrate identification experience with preference for individuals who have completed reputable training such as courses offered by the Royal Ontario Museum or other
- Knowledge of local/watershed environmental conditions is an asset
- Ability to guide, mentor, and motivate staff to meet goals and deadlines
- Excellent written and oral communication skills, and the ability to work effectively with a broad range of stakeholders
- Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
- Positive team player capable of self-directed, independent work
- Strong time management skills and ability to balance multiple files and priorities
- Ability to work outdoors to conduct field investigations in variable terrain and weather conditions
- Possess a valid Ontario driver’s license
- Standard First Aid and CPR
- Proficient with the use of Microsoft Office software suite including database management (Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access), and experience working with Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
Working Conditions
The Aquatic Biology Coordinator (24 week position) will be based at the Hamilton Conservation Authority’s main office, 838 Mineral Springs Road, Ancaster, Ontario; however, the majority of time will be spent in the field. Working hours will total 37.5 per week, Monday through Friday inclusive.
Work Term and Rate of Pay
This is a 24-week casual position with an anticipated starting date of Tuesday, May 20, 2025 and an anticipated completion date of Friday October 31, 2025. The rate of pay level is $22.65 per hour.
Application Process
Interested applicants are to send their cover letter and resume in PDF or MS Word format via email by 4 PM April 28, 2025 to: jobs@conservationhamilton.ca (Please include job title in email subject line)
Although we appreciate the interest of all applicants, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Accessibility accommodations are available for all parts of the recruitment process; applicants are asked to inform Human Resources for any disability required accommodations in advance.
