Research Analyst

How you will contribute as part of the TRCA team:

The Research Analyst is responsible for providing technical knowledge regarding ecosystem, green infrastructure, and climate science data collection and analysis to help inform land use, sustainability, infrastructure, restoration, natural heritage system planning, climate change adaptation, watershed planning and reporting, and other ecosystem management decisions of TRCA and its partners.

This position will support the Applied Ecosystem Research team with road ecology, aquatic/terrestrial ecosystem, wildlife connectivity, statistical analysis, and spatial analysis research initiatives to aid our partners with science-based knowledge that can be leveraged to benefit biodiversity and ecosystem health initiatives. Notably, in this role you would be expected to support various projects with ecological field work, processing of spatial data (Geographic Information Systems), and advanced quantitative analysis.

Major Responsibilities:

• Organizes, manages databases, and conducts quality control checks on monitoring or assessment data
• Conducts geo-spatial assessments, compiling, analyzing, and reporting on a variety of data sets as required using ArcGIS or equivalent software
• Conducts regular monitoring exercises preparing technical reports in support of project priorities, logs photographs, and relevant measurements
• Supports field initiatives to collect, compile, analyze and report on a range of ecological research topics
• Prepares data summaries, including GIS, statistical or trend analysis and interprets data
• Assists with evaluation of survey and geoscience needs for projects
• Supports with the coordination of requests for comments on draft reports or interim results, including the compilation of received comments, and reviewing and documenting responses.
• Supports the implementation of the latest statistical scientific methods using relevant software (e.g., R Software, Python, Julia, etc.)
• Supports the preparation of presentations for stakeholder-related and other public speaking events, creates data visualizations and other supports enabling audience understanding of the information
• Works with the project teams to create, format and prepare draft reports for review and circulation to internal/external stakeholders and external experts for various purposes. Reports are also inclusive of case studies, discussion papers, technical strategies, planning documents, reports and proposals

What will you need to succeed:

Education (degree/diploma/certifications/licenses)

• University degree in Biology, Geography, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Physical Sciences, Water Resources, or a related field.
• Valid Ontario Class G2 driver’s license

Experience

• 2+ years of experience in environmental or engineering research and/or statistical analysis

• Experience conducting scientific field work, surveys and laboratory work and managing related data
• Experience managing data and implementing quality assurance quality control processes
• Experience evaluating scientific results and communicating and providing science-based recommendations based on findings

Knowledge/Skill/Ability - Competencies

• A strong understanding of the research process (e.g., conception, literature review, analysis, results, discussion and applied research implications)

• Understanding of ArcGIS and implementing spatial analysis (e.g., landscape metrics, spatial and temporal analysis)
• Ability to review a data set, identify anomalies in the information and develop methods of analyzing the data
• Proven ability to provide sound technical advice and solutions to solve environmental and/or engineering technical issues
• Proficiency in MS Office suite including online software such as MS teams, WebEx, and SharePoint; coupled with strong MS Excel capabilities for analysis and data visualization
• Proficiency in statistical and spatial analytical software to implement analysis (e.g., ArcGIS, QGIS, R software, Python, etc.)