Aquatic Biology Technician – (Two positions)

Hamilton Conservation Authority (HCA) is seeking two Aquatic Biology Technicians for 9-week fixed-term casual positions 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 Hamilton Conservation Authority’s (HCA) 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). This position will also assist with reporting and data management.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Conduct fisheries and benthic invertebrate assessments
• Assist in the evaluation of fish habitat in aquatic systems
• Assist with benthic invertebrate field collection and lab identification
• Maintain field equipment
• Assist with accurately entering data, data management and report writing
• Other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Enrolled in or graduated from University or College with focus in Biology, Ecology, and/or Environmental Science-related studies
• Field work experience is an asset
• Electrofishing backpack certification is an asset
• OBBN certification
• Fish and benthic invertebrate identification experience
• Knowledge of local/watershed environmental conditions is an asset
• Ability to work in inclement conditions (bugs, heat, rain)
• Able to work as a team member
• A working knowledge of Microsoft Excel and Word
• Possess a valid Ontario driver’s license
• Standard First Aid and CPR
• Transportation to the HCA office

WORKING CONDITIONS:

The Aquatic Biology Technician (Fall 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 9-week casual position with an anticipated starting date of Monday, September 14, 2026 and an anticipated completion date of Friday, November 13, 2026. The rate of pay is $18.53 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.