Field Staff, Restoration & Infrastructure (Toronto Waterfront Cormorant Management)

How you will contribute as part of the TRCA team:

The Field Staff will work as a team to implement the Cormorant Management Strategy at Tommy Thompson Park and/or Toronto Island Park. Deterrent techniques will be used at dawn and dusk to deter cormorants from nesting in healthy trees. Primary deterrent techniques use forestry poles to knock partially built nests from the high tree canopy. This is labour intensive and requires strong shoulder and upper body strength.

Occupational health and safety is a major responsibility of this position. Staff are required to wear respirators while working in the colonies and have a clean-shaven face to ensure proper respirator fit.

Major Responsibilities:

• Perform the following tasks under general supervision:
• Monitor nesting activities of Double-crested Cormorants.
• Deter cormorants from nesting in designated areas using a suite of repetitive and strenuous physical techniques including (but not limited to) human presence in the colony, noise makers and nest removal using forestry poles.
• Conduct colonial waterbird nesting population surveys.
• Participate in daily safety meetings including tailgate meetings, hazard identification and emergency planning.
• Operate equipment required to execute work duties related to the project.
• Assist with maintenance of equipment and vehicles, perform daily vehicle circle and other health and safety checks.
• Assist with other ecological and maintenance projects such as invasive vegetation removal, tree and shrub planting, aquatic planting, and trail maintenance.
• Incumbents may also be assigned other duties

What will you need to succeed:

• Minimum pursuing a post-secondary diploma or degree in a related field (biology, environmental sciences, ecology, wildlife management, etc.).
• Valid Class G2 Driver’s License
• Valid Standard First Aid & CPR/AED Level C Certification an asset
• Pleasure Craft Operator Card an asset.  
• Experience working with, or around colonial waterbirds an asset.
• Good physical fitness and strong upper body strength required to perform deterrent activities.
• Ability to work outdoors in adverse conditions and in adverse environments.
• Good interpersonal skills and the ability to work as part of a team.
• Demonstrated ability to proactively identify problems in a timely manner, seeking the appropriate level of support to solve issues. 
• Knowledge of Occupational Health and Safety Act, related regulations and legislation.
• Required to lift or carry objects that could weigh up to 50lbs.