The Hamilton Conservation Authority has a seasonal opportunity for a
Ecological Land Classification Coordinator
(Contract Position – 24 weeks)
The Hamilton Conservation Authority is currently seeking an Ecological Land Classification Coordinator for the Hamilton Natural Areas Inventory Project (NAI).
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 24-week contract position in Hamilton Conservation Authorities (HCA) Watershed Management Services Division. Responsibilities include assistance with a variety of ecological surveys and monitoring programs in City of Hamilton watersheds as part of the Hamilton Natural Areas Inventory (NAI). This will include conducting biological inventories of vegetation communities, and flora in natural areas in Hamilton. The ELC Coordinator will supervise an ELC Technician. The work is conducted mostly off-trail and in a wide variety of field conditions. This position will also assist with reporting, entering field data and data management. This position reports to the NAI Coordinator and Supervisor, Ecology and Stewardship.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Supervise and coordinate the summer field staff (ELC crew) conducting Ecological Land Classification surveys for the NAI
- Conduct vegetation surveys, following the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources’ Ecological Land Classification (ELC) protocols
- Responsible for overseeing the collection of ELC data, including the supervision of contract staff, preparation of maps, oversee data entry, and database management, report preparation and presentation to the NAI Coordinator and NAI Technical Steering Committee
- Prepare field surveys of natural areas within the City of Hamilton, focusing on the classification of vegetation communities
- Compile initial vegetation (vascular flora) lists
- Produce ELC 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
- A university degree or college diploma in ecology, biology or related environmental sciences
- Minimum of three to five (3-5) years of related work experience and 1-2 years of experience in a supervisory role preferred
- Possess a strong working knowledge of terrestrial ecosystems (especially those in southern Ontario), including methodologies and protocols for the sampling, classification, evaluation, and monitoring of terrestrial ecosystems
- Strong identification skills for southern Ontario flora; as well as knowledge of invasive species in Ontario
- Training and certification in, and/or working experience using Ecological Land Classification
- 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 Ecological Land Classification Coordinator (24 week position) will be based at the Hamilton Conservation Authority’s main office in 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 Monday May 20, 2025 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.
