Specialist, Watershed Monitoring

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

Reporting to the Senior Coordinator, Watershed Monitoring, this position will lead the collection, summary, and management of forest bird and wetland frog data for CVC’s Integrated Watershed Monitoring Program (IWMP). In addition, this position will lead terrestrial fauna related analysis and reporting, support program level data analysis and reporting as required, and provide input to plan development, monitoring protocols and study design.

Eligibility Requirements

• Bachelor of Science, specializing in ecology, zoology, forestry, environmental science, or a related subject; a Master of Science would be an asset.
• Minimum of 3 years of demonstrated experience related to major tasks.
• Excellent Eastern North American bird identification skills by both sight and especially sound.
• Demonstrated experience conducting point count surveys, distance sampling and other bird survey techniques.
• Extensive field work experience and required ability to work under adverse environmental conditions (e.g. biting insects, heat, etc.).
• Experience with automated recording units and processing of associated data.
• Demonstrated ability to work within a team environment, with strong organizational and communication skills.
• Demonstrated knowledge of information management practices and protocols.
• Demonstrated experience in technical report writing and communication of complex scientific information in a variety of formats to a diversity of audiences.
• In-depth theoretical and applied knowledge of bird and frog ecology.
• Excellent critical thinking, problem solving and decision-making skills.
• Experience with Wildlife Acoustics Song Meters and Kaleidoscope analysis software an asset.
• Experience with statistical analysis principles, techniques and software packages (e.g. ‘R’, PC-ORD, STATISTICA).
• Experience and/or knowledge of some, or all of the following would be an asset: marsh monitoring protocols for amphibians, forest and wetland vegetation identification and southern Ontario Ecological Land Classification (ELC).
• Valid Ontario Class “G” driver’s license. Successful candidate will provide a current MTO driver’s abstract.
• Certification in First Aid is considered an asset.

Summary of Major Tasks

Field Data Collection

• Conduct field work for approximately two months using standardized methodologies, leading the collection of forest bird data (i.e., point counts) and wetland amphibian data (i.e., using automated recording units).
• Conduct pre-monitoring activities such as equipment preparation and maintenance, scheduling and other logistics.
• Support other components of the monitoring program where necessary (e.g., vegetation, fish, water quality, benthics).
• Supervise, train and evaluate staff, volunteers and interns as necessary

Information Management

• Lead and conduct data processing, entry and quality control of bird and amphibian monitoring data.
• Maintain and organize physical and electronic data sheets and files.

Data Reporting and Analysis

• Lead summarization of terrestrial fauna monitoring data.
• Lead and support analysis of terrestrial fauna data. Contribute to complex program level statistical analysis as required.
• Lead the development and modification of sampling protocols related to terrestrial fauna.
• Lead technical report writing for terrestrial fauna for the monitoring section.
• Support review of terrestrial fauna components of consultant plans and monitoring development plans.

Other duties as assigned by the Senior Coordinator, Watershed Monitoring

Additional Information

• 35 hours/week

Job Details

Application Deadline:  Mar-03-2024

Position Type:  Permanent Full-time

Number of Available Positions:  1

Anticipated Start Date:  May-23-2024

Starting Salary:  $70,951/year

Location:  Head Office, Mississauga

Department:  Watershed Knowledge