Biologist Intern

Do you like solving practical problems for fish and wildlife management? Do you enjoy working collaboratively to link policy, science, research, and implementation? Join our team to experience the diverse and meaningful world of fish and wildlife management in southern Ontario.

OPS Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Anti-Racism:We are committed to build a workforce that reflects the communities we serve and to promote a diverse, anti-racist, inclusive, accessible, merit-based, respectful and equitable workplace.

We invite all interested individuals to apply and encourage applications from people with disabilities, Indigenous, Black, and racialized individuals, as well as people from a diversity of ethnic and cultural origins, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions.

Visit the OPS Anti-Racism Policy and the OPS Diversity and Inclusion Blueprint pages to learn more about the OPS commitment to advance racial equity, accessibility, diversity, and inclusion in the public service.

We offer employment accommodation across the recruitment process and all aspects of employment consistent with the requirements of Ontario's Human Rights Code. Refer to the "How to apply" section if you require a disability-related accommodation.

What can I expect to do in this role?Help implement fish and wildlife management in southern Ontario. This involves cooperation with district offices, policy, science researchers, and clients.

This position is based in Peterborough, and is mostly office-based (i.e., limited fieldwork). You will be part of the Southern Region team helping plan and implement fish and wildlife resource management actions across spatial scales. The following are examples of the type of work you might do.

• Provide analysis and advice to decision-makers on Fisheries Management Zone (FMZ) actions including regulations and fish stocking planning and implementation.
• Compiling and evaluating report data from fish and wildlife licensees (e.g., aquaculture facilities, fish stocking, zoos, wildlife rehabilitators, falconers, trappers, etc.).
• Developing guidance to assist district staff in evaluating licence applications for the fish and wildlife sector.

How do I qualify?Eligibility:• Have graduated or will graduate from an approved or legally authorized college or university with a degree, postgraduate certificate or diploma in the biological sciences field between May 2020 and June 2024.
• Are not currently an MNRF intern or have not been an MNRF intern in the past.
• Must not be a permanent OPS employee.
• Are legally entitled to work in Canada.

Analytical and problem-solving skills:You have:
• knowledge of data management principles to manage, process, analyze, and communicate resource management advice to decision-makers.
• knowledge of statistical analysis methods and relevant software (ie., R and R Studio, ArcGIS, Microsoft Excel).
• knowledge of best practices for data representation (e.g., how to make graphs easily understood).
• attention to detail and ability to maintain data accuracy and integrity when collecting, compiling and manipulating data and reports.

Technical expertise:You have:
• foundational knowledge of fish and wildlife species and habitat ecological processes.
• knowledge of the theory, principles and practices of fish and wildlife management.
• general understanding of provincial and federal jurisdiction for fish and wildlife management, and the general scope and principles of Ontario's Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act.
• foundational knowledge of provincial fish and wildlife policy and regulations including the Provincial Fish Strategy and recreational fishing regulations.
• foundational knowledge of provincial standard fish and wildlife monitoring methodologies including Broadscale Monitoring.
• awareness of socio-ecological resource management theories and their application in fish and wildlife management.

Communication skills:You have:
• well-developed oral and written communication skills to develop and deliver training, use plain language to communicate technical information, and provide explanations, articulate advice, and guidance.
• demonstrated ability to write and prepare options, recommendations, briefing materials, corporate correspondence, and responses to inquiries from the public and staff.

Planning, coordination and project management skills:You can:
• plan, organize and coordinate multiple projects concurrently.
• take initiative to proactively identify appropriate actions to achieve results with the consideration of input from program specialists.
• track project progress and re-evaluate targets with peers and supervisors as needed.

Interpersonal and collaboration skills:You have:
• leadership skills to work collaboratively to form inclusive and effective working relationships to support and provide guidance to colleagues and clients.
• cultural sensitivity for fish and wildlife issues. For example, working with Indigenous communities on manoomin harvest issues, working with falconers from diverse cultures, etc.

Additional information:Successful candidates may be required to undergo an employment screening check in accordance with the Ontario Employment Screening Checks Policy.

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