Who are we?
Credit Valley Conservation is one of Ontario’s 36 conservation authorities dedicated to protecting, restoring and enhancing our local natural environment. We care for the Credit River, its streams and tributaries from the headwaters in Orangeville to the shores of Lake Ontario in Mississauga. We are scientists, engineers, researchers, educators, environmentalists, stewards, planners, foresters, recreation experts and much more. We create connections between people and nature, knowledge and action. We inspire appreciation for the role of nature in keeping people connected, healthy and happy. We’re leaders and explorers. We are professional and we’re inspired. We know our stuff, and we work every day to make a difference.
Who are you?
You want to be part of an organization with an environmental goal. You get up every day and go to work with purpose. You accept that you may not change the world, but you’ll try to make an impact in your corner. You like to partner with skilled people across many professions. It’s as natural for you think about the outdoors as it is to think out of the box. You’re passionate, responsible and approachable. You do what’s right, not just what’s easy. You care, and it shows.
Why work for us?
We offer competitive public sector pay. We have a good employee benefits program. We’re members of the Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System (OMERS) pension fund. We have flexible work hours for many positions. We find time to have fun and celebrate successes. You’ll have free access to our parks and discounts on recreational equipment rentals. You’ll know your co-workers by name and will make fast friends. You’ll like being at work.
Summary of Functions
The primary function of these positions is to complete vegetation surveys in forest, wetland and grassland habitats as part of the Integrated Watershed Monitoring Program (IWMP). The successful candidates will also assist with forest breeding bird surveys and other aquatic components of IWMP, as required (e.g. electrofishing, benthic macroinvertebrates, water quality sampling).
Eligibility Requirements
- Must be currently enrolled in or have completed a college/university diploma or degree program specializing in biology, ecology, environmental science, or a related field.
- Good plant identification skills of southern Ontario flora.
- Ability to work under adverse environmental conditions (heat, rain, biting insects).
- Knowledge of Ecological Monitoring and Assessment Network (EMAN) and Vegetation Sampling Protocol (VSP) considered an asset.
- Ability to collect, enter, and manage data carefully and accurately.
- Must have a valid Class ‘G’ Driver’s License. The successful applicants will be required to provide an MTO Driver’s Abstract.
- Experience with Microsoft Office Suite Software (e.g. Word, Excel, Access).
- Good communication, teamwork, and organization skills.
- Ability to use GPS equipment and basic navigation with a compass.
- Ability to work irregular hours (i.e. starting at 5 am) when assisting with forest breeding bird surveys.
- Standard first aid and CPR training preferred.
- Field work experience in biology/ecology considered an asset.
- Knowledge of southern Ontario fauna (birds, frogs) or tree health assessment protocols considered an asset.
- Experience in data collection in any of the following areas is considered an asset: stream flow, water quality, electrofishing, fluvial geomorphology.
Summary of Major Tasks
Perform the following tasks:
- Field work at monitoring stations in forests, wetlands and grasslands throughout the Credit River Watershed.
- Field identification of local flora (trees, shrubs, herbaceous plants, grasses and sedges).
- Implementation of ecological monitoring protocols (i.e. EMAN) in the field.
- Carefully enter and perform quality control of vegetation data using Microsoft Excel and Access.
- Conduct information management tasks related to organization of digital and paper files.
- Provide field and data management assistance to the other components of the IWMP (forest breeding birds and aquatic), or other CVC projects as required.