Research Scientist - External

Position Details:

Current Rate of Pay: Min = $45.99/hr, Max = $53.33/hr

Employment type: Permanent, full-time

Hours of work: 35 hrs/week

Work location: Head office

Division: Development & Engineering Services

Business unit: Watershed Planning & Ecosystem Science

Travel: 10%

Remote Work: Hybrid

About TRCA:

With more than 60 years of experience, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) is one of 36 Conservation Authorities in Ontario, created to safeguard and enhance the health and well-being of watershed communities through the protection and restoration of the natural environment and the ecological services the environment provides.

TRCA is considered the provincial leader in conserving, restoring, and managing natural resources to advance safe and sustainable development.

To apply to this posting, click on the “Apply” icon. Please submit your resume and cover letter in one PDF or Word file prior to 11:59 pm on January 3, 2024.

How you will contribute as part of the TRCA team:

The Research Scientist provides routine research work, undertaking quantitative and spatial analysis, providing course instruction and knowledge sharing, participating in and coordinating field investigations; providing technical advice on green infrastructure topics to inform and promote environmental management best practices.

Major Responsibilities:

• Works with teams to create, format and prepare reports (case studies, discussion papers, technical strategies, planning documents, technical reports, and proposals) for review and circulation to internal/external stakeholders and external experts for various purposes
• Reviews and provides written input or feedback on draft reports or interim analysis completed by other project team members; ensures the final report is complete, accurate and incorporates or addresses comments
• Designs and carries out detailed technical analyses or assessments in association with other staff, including but not limited to statistical or trend analysis, modelling, risk or scenario analysis, spatial analysis, literature review or other qualitative assessment approaches
• Collects data according to standardized protocols and ensures that data are scientifically defensible to guarantee the provision of high-quality information to TRCA and its partners
• Organizes, manages databases, and conducts quality control checks on monitoring or assessment data, ensuring quality control and assurance measures are always followed during data collection and analysis processes. Updates and maintains corporate databases using SQL and GIS ArcMap
• Attends and presents at conferences, scientific roundtable gatherings, or public events to broadly enable knowledge transfer or exchange, and build/strengthen networks
• Participates on internal or external technical committees to share lessons learned, and generally increase the collaborative or partnership capacity within TRCA and its partners
• Contributes to the development and implementation of industry best practices, more efficient processes and procedures and the innovative use of new technology
• Obtains approvals for the project scope and then ensures that project staff and resources are able to/can deliver the project addressing any training or resource gap; and develops a project plan timeline
• Monitors budget and timeline and develops strategies to mitigate any variances to the project plan
• Within authority level and project scope, approves expenditures, purchases and contracts. Where required, negotiates contracts/services with support of others to ensure satisfactory terms for TRCA

What will you need to succeed:

Education (degree/diploma/certifications/licenses)

• University degree in Biology, Geography, Environmental Sciences, Climate Change, Forestry, Geomatics or a related field.
• Valid Ontario Class G2 driver's license.

Experience

• 4+ years of experience related to the major responsibilities of the role
• Experience with the full research lifecycle, including identifying research knowledge gaps, seeking funding, designing and conducting experiments, undertaking spatial and temporal analysis using statistical software to analyze data, and publishing research findings
• Experience managing data and implementing quality assurance quality control processes
• Experience evaluating scientific results and communicating science-based advice, findings and recommendations to scientists, managers, or non-technical stakeholders
• Experience working with municipal, provincial, and federal environmental policies

Knowledge/Skill/Ability - Competencies

• Sound working knowledge of science, policy and best practices surrounding land use, climate change adaptation and/or mitigation, green infrastructure, as they pertain to ecosystem management and/or watershed planning and management
• Able to comprehend documentation that is technical or scientific in nature, skilled in writing technical reports or manuals
• Ability to map natural cover features using satellite images and/or orthophotography, including developing and/or implementing quality assurance and quality control processes.

What TRCA has to offer you:

As part of a progressive team you will have the opportunity to make a positive impact to preserving and protecting nature, while maintaining a balance between the natural environment and built environment. Working with experts within our field, you will join a team of colleagues that are committed to TRCA’s core values by demonstrating the following behaviours; integrity, collaboration, accountability, respect, and excellence (icare). 

You will be part of a diverse and inclusive organization that:

• Makes a positive difference in the communities we serve.
• Fosters high performance and collaborative teams.
• Provides continuous learning and development opportunities.
• Offers a comprehensive compensation and benefits program (including Defined Benefit Pension Plan – OMERS/OTPP).
• Pregnancy & Parental Leave Top-Up Program.
• Provides unique TRCA Perks.
• Provides flexible work arrangements.
• Offers potential for career growth and advancement.

While the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) thanks all applicants for their interest, only those under consideration will be contacted for interviews. Please be advised that successful incumbent(s) may be required to undergo a vulnerable sector screening and/or driver’s abstract check as a part of the final step in the hiring process.

TRCA is an equal opportunity employer. We embrace diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace. Our goal is to attract, develop and retain highly talented employees from diverse backgrounds, allowing us to benefit from a wide variety of experiences and perspectives. In accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code, Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, and TRCA Policies, accommodation will be provided at any point throughout the hiring process, provided the candidate makes their accommodation needs known to the TRCA. We welcome applications from all qualified persons.

Personal information you provide through the TRCA recruitment, selection, and onboarding process is collected under the authority of the Conservation Authorities Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. C.27. Collection of this personal information is necessary for the proper administration of this recruitment process for employment and volunteer positions with TRCA. Personal information is protected from disclosure pursuant to the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.  Any questions regarding this collection activity should be directed to the Manager of Records and Information, 101 Exchange Avenue, Vaughan, Ontario, L4K 5R6, (437) 880 2308.