Terrestrial Resources Technician
Summer Position
This is a summer position in Hamilton Conservation Authorities (HCA) Watershed Management Services Division. Responsibilities include assistance with a variety of ecological surveys and monitoring programs in the HCA watershed as part of the HCA Terrestrial Resources Monitoring Program and Conservation Area Master Plan work. This will include conducting biological inventories of vegetation communities, flora and fauna in natural areas in Hamilton. 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 Terrestrial Ecologist.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Conduct vegetation surveys within Ecological Monitoring and Assessment Network (EMAN) Plots including flora identification and tree health
- Assist with vegetation surveys, following the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources’ Ecological Land Classification (ELC) protocols, under the guidance of qualified field staff
- Field support for ecological restoration activities
- Manual removal of invasive plant species
- Assist with Breeding Bird Surveys and Amphibian Call Surveys
- Site orientation using aerial photos and GPS unit
- Support in-office identification of flora
- Accurate record keeping of data in the field and office
- Assist with entering data, data management and report writing
- Other duties as assigned
Qualifications
- Enrolled or graduated from University or College program with focus in environmental science or Biology/Ecology-related studies
- Good flora and fauna identification skills
- Ability to work in inclement conditions (e.g., bugs, heat, rain) in the field on varying terrain
- Experience completing field work and using field equipment (e.g., GPS, DBH tape) is an asset
- Working experience with field inventory protocols, particularly Ecological Land Classification and/or Ecological Monitoring and Assessment Network Protocols, is an asset
- Able to work as a team member
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Word, and GIS software
- Valid Ontario driver’s license and current first aid/CPR certification
- Transportation to HCA office
Please note that this summer position is in part to be funded by the Canada Summer Jobs program (CSJ). To be eligible, students must: be between 15 and 30 years of age at the start of the employment; be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person to whom refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act for the duration of the employment; have a valid Social Insurance Number at the start of employment and be legally entitled to work in Canada in accordance with relevant provincial or territorial legislation and regulations
https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/funding/canada-summer-jobs/eligibility.html
Work Term and Rate of Pay
This is a 16-week casual position with an anticipated starting date of Monday, May 4, 2026, and anticipated completion date of Friday, August 21, 2026. The rate of pay is $18.53 per hour.
Please note: the hiring of this position will be subject to funding the approval through The Canada Summer Jobs Program (CSJ).
Application Process
Interested applicants are to send their cover letter and resume in PDF or MS Word format via email by 4 PM February 23, 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 for any disability required accommodations 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 currently our recruitment cycle does not use AI nor is it part of our current recommended recruitment process.
