Crew Leader (Toronto Waterfront Cormorant Management - Seasonal)

How you will contribute as part of the TRCA team:

The Crew Leader will lead a team of Field Staff 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 technique 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. The Crew Leader will also identify ecological and maintenance needs to the supervisor, will lead tasks as directed, and will actively participate in the safe operation and maintenance of a range of required tools and equipment.

The Crew Leader must be available to work flexible hours including morning or evening shifts (pre-dawn/post-dusk) on a rotating 5 of 7 day/week schedule (including weekend shifts) at Toronto Island Park, and morning or evening shifts 6 days/week at Tommy Thompson Park. Start/end time will change throughout the season based on daylight hours.  

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.

This contract starts Monday March 17 and ends Friday June 13, 2025.

Major Responsibilities:

• Perform the following tasks under general supervision:
• Conducts field work and supports the coordination of field work by providing on-site work coordination and leadership to the team.
• Monitor nesting activities of Double-crested Cormorants.
• Deter cormorants from nesting in designated areas using a repetitive and strenuous suite of physical techniques including (but not limited to) human presence in the colony, noise makers and nest removal using forestry poles.
• Coordinates the operation and maintenance of equipment as required (small tools and equipment); may also operate machinery/tools as required.
• Ensures the required site activities are completed as per work scope.
• Lead and/or participate in daily safety meetings including tailgate meetings, hazard identification and emergency planning, and leads daily vehicle and equipment inspections to ensure safe operation. 
• Complete daily work reports and project information records as assigned. 
• Provides interpretation to park visitors on cormorants and the management strategy. Refers detailed questions and complaints to supervisor. 
• Assist with the oversight, training, and motivation of junior staff in compliance with the TRCA Health and Safety Policies as well as all relevant Federal, Provincial, and Municipal legislation and regulations.
• Other duties as assigned.

What will you need to succeed:

Education (degree/diploma/certifications)    

• Completion of a post-secondary diploma or degree in Resource or Ecosystem or Wildlife Management, Ecological Restoration, Environmental Science, Biology, or a related field.
• Valid Ontario Class G driver’s license.
• Valid Standard First Aid & CPR/AED Level C Certification an asset.
• Pleasure Craft Operator Card an asset.

Experience

• 1+ years of experience in implementation tasks in area of colonial waterbird or wildlife management.

Knowledge/Skill/Ability

• Demonstrated knowledge of the Tommy Thompson Park Double-crested Cormorant Management Strategy.
• Knowledge of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, fish and wildlife habitat, common plant identification and ecology.
• The ability to demonstrate strong problem-solving skills in a field environment; is able to break down site required activities and delegate and estimate time / resources / budget required to complete tasks.
• Ability to deal tactfully and courteously with the public.
• Familiarity with mapping natural landscape features and reading maps. GIS experience an asset.
• Ability to work outdoors in adverse conditions.
• Good interpersonal skills and ability to work as a team leader.
• Good physical fitness and strong upper body strength required to perform deterrent activities.
• Proficiency in MS Office suite including online software such as MS teams, WebEx, and SharePoint.
• Knowledge of Occupational Health and Safety Act, related regulations and legislation.
• Required to lift or carry objects that could weigh up to 50lbs. 
• Candidates will be required to be clean shaven to properly fit a respirator.