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Aquatic Biologist

Hamilton Conservation Authority (HCA) is seeking an Aquatic Biologist for a 14-week fixed-term casual position supporting the Hamilton Natural Areas Inventory (NAI) Project.

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 1983. 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 position in HCA’s Watershed Management Services Department. Responsibilities include assistance with the implementation of fish and benthic invertebrate sampling and data collection throughout streams in the City of Hamilton watersheds as part of the Hamilton Natural Areas Inventory (NAI). The Aquatic Biologist will supervise a field crew of two Aquatic Biology Technicians. This position will also assist with reporting and data management.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Oversee the fall 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, database management, report preparation and presentation to the NAI Coordinator and NAI Technical Steering Committee
  • Prepare field surveys of aquatic ecosystems
  • 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
  • Field work experience
  • Electrofishing backpack certification
  • OBBN certification
  • Fish and benthic invertebrate identification experience
  • 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 in inclement conditions (bugs, heat, rain)
  • 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)
  • Possess a valid Ontario driver’s license
  • Standard First Aid and CPR
  • Transportation to the HCA office

WORKING CONDITIONS:

The Aquatic Biologist (14-week position) will be based at the HCA’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 14-week casual position with an anticipated starting date of Monday, September 8, 2026 and an anticipated completion date of Friday, December 11, 2026. The rate of pay 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 4pm August 17th, 2026 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 of any disability-related accommodations required in advance.

Hamilton Conservation Authority and its third-party partners may use AI tools to screen, assess, or select applicants during the hiring process. Please note that our recruitment cycle currently does not use AI, nor is it part of our recommended recruitment process.

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