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’re members of the Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System - OMERS pension fund. We find time to have fun and celebrate successes. You’ll know your co-workers by name and will make fast friends. You’ll like being at work.
Summary of Functions
Reporting to the Terrestrial Restoration and Management Technician 1, this position supports the implementation of CVC’s Invasive Species Strategy through assisting in the development, implementation, and reporting of the Invasive Species Management Program. This includes supervision and leading field crews in project implementation and effectiveness monitoring. As well as supporting the development and updating of strategic documents and technical reports, compiling and reviewing data in databases, drafting of promotional materials and marketing efforts. Duties also include providing technical advice to watershed residents and the general public and collaborating with other CVC teams.
Additional activities include supporting other restoration programs with tree/shrub planting, aquatic herbaceous planting, building and installation of habitat structures, and nursery operations.
This position is based out of the Warwick Conservation Centre in Caledon and will spend considerable time working in Mississauga.
Eligibility Requirements
Education/Certification
- Post-secondary education specializing in botany, biology, ecology, environmental science, or natural resource management.
- Pesticide Applicators License with Forestry and/or Landscape certifications; Aquatic certification an asset
- Chainsaw certification and operating experience an asset
- Valid Class “G” Ontario driver’s license
- Valid First Aid and CPR
Experience
- 1 to 2 years of relevant work experience in ecological field work and restoration
- Experience supervising seasonal staff.
- Field work experience with the ability to work under inclement conditions (i.e. bugs and weather)
- Experience and knowledge of the issues and impacts of invasive species on natural systems.
- Experience and knowledge of the ecology and control of invasive species, including mechanical, chemical, and biological methods.
- Experience conducting restoration work including tree and herbaceous plantings, seeding, and ongoing monitoring.
- Experience with data entry and preparation of draft reports.
- Experience with navigation using orthophotos and/or GPS enabled tablet devices.
- Experience with the safe hauling, loading, and unloading of trucks and trailers.
- Experience with the safe operation of farm implements, mechanical reforestation planters, tank sprayers, pesticide application, ATV’s, and landscape maintenance equipment.
Knowledge, Skills and Ability
- A background and understanding of the principles of ecology and natural resource management in Ontario.
- Knowledge and experience with various restoration activities and methods including those involved with invasive species management.
- Knowledge of restoration effectiveness monitoring sampling methodologies
- Knowledge of legislation around pesticide application including the Ontario Cosmetic Pesticides Ban
- Knowledge of provincial and federal acts including the Invasive Species Act (2015), Species at Risk Act (2002), Endangered Species Act (2007), Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act (1997), and Migratory Birds Act (1994)
- Strong native and non-native plant species identification and knowledge
- Strong non-native invasive forest insect pest and diseases identification and knowledge.
- Ability to work independently, to take a leadership role, and to think creatively in tackling obstacles (including equipment malfunction) and developing solutions.
- Strong presentation and communication skills.
- Interpersonal skills in conflict resolution with conservation area visitors and other staff.
- Proven research, analytic and report writing skills.
- Demonstrated leadership and interpersonal skills in training and mentoring staff.
- Strong computer skills using Microsoft tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Teams) and GIS tools (such as ArcGIS, GeoBin, FieldMaps, Survey123).
Summary of Major Tasks
Restoration and Management Projects
- Under supervision of the Coordinator, Terrestrial Restoration and Management, assist and occasionally lead the invasive species management team to implement projects on CA and public properties.
- Assist with implementing early detection monitoring and data management, including for hemlock woolly adelgid.
- Implement TreeAzin injections to ash trees.
- Assist with hiring, onboarding, training, and supervising of seasonal staff. When in the field this includes ensuring staff are following health and safety procedures and ensuring invasive species management tasks are carried out in a professional and timely manner.
- Operation of mechanical equipment including tractors, trimmers, ATVs, water pumps, loading/unloading and towing trailers.
- Use basic field techniques to plant trees and herbaceous plants and build and install habitat structures in support of other Ecological Restoration and Stewardship (ERS) division related projects.
- Conduct work in a safe manner, ensuring that all CVC health and safety policies and procedures are adhered to at all times.
Administration
- Conduct research and literature review as necessary, attend relevant webinars.
- Assist with data entry and analysis.
- Prepare draft reports as directed.
Monitoring and Inventory
- Assist with biological site assessments, monitoring, and inventories to support invasive species management projects and priorities development. Including restoration performance monitoring (RPM) on invasive species control projects.
Education and Outreach
- In partnership with other CVC departments, provide technical knowledge to support volunteers, NGO’s and other CVC departments to implement restoration projects.
- Communicate with other CVC staff, landowners, members of the public and other agencies about restoration programs.
- Support workshops in aid of program goals for both internal staff and external partners and volunteers.
- Attend key conferences, deliver presentations, and man booths/displays at relevant events as required.
- Provide excellent customer service.
- Some after hours or weekend work may be required.
- Other duties and projects as appropriate to the position.
Additional Information
- 35 hours per week