Terrestrial Resources Technician
(Summer Position)
This is a summer position in Hamilton Conservation Authorities (HCA) Watershed Management Services Department. 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 HCA 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. This will be completed under the guidance of qualified field staff
- Manual removal of invasive plant species
- Assist with Breeding Bird Surveys and Amphibian Call Surveys
- Site orientation using aerial photos and GPS unit
- Assist with in-office identification of flora
- Accurate record keeping of data
- 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 (bugs, heat, rain), and field work experience 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 and Word
- 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
Working Conditions
The Terrestrial Resources Technician (Summer 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 on HCA-owned lands and other properties. Working hours will total 37.5 per week, Monday through Friday inclusive, with the additional occasional requirement of evening meetings and work on weekends.
The successful candidate must meet the Province of Ontario’s definition of COVID-19 “fully vaccinated” or provide proof of a Human Rights Code exemption prior to commencement of their employment in accordance with HCA’s COVID-19 Vaccination Policy.
Work Term and Rate of Pay
This is a 16-week casual position with an anticipated starting date of Monday May 8th, 2023 an anticipated completion date of Friday August 25, 2023. The rate of pay level is $17.00 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 4pm March 31, 2023 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.
