Aquatic Monitoring Technician

If you have strong technical skills and a fondness for aquatics biology, a unique opportunity exists within the area, working under the general supervision of the Science Operations Supervisor, and in a team environment with the Biodiversity and Monitoring Section (BAMS), with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry.

South Porcupine is a fantastic community about 15 km east of the City of Timmins located approximately 700 km north of Toronto, and is situated on Porcupine Lake in Northeastern Ontario.

The Timmins area offers a variety of natural, cultural and recreational diversions. Building on its solid industrial foundation, this growing community welcomes new business and offers ample opportunity. Fresh northern air, outdoor adventure and incredible hospitality await you in South Porcupine

The Ontario Public Service (OPS) is committed to being an employer of first choice, creating a positive and inclusive work environment.

We offer:

• a defined benefit pension plan
• comprehensive health plan
• life and disability insurance
• flexible work arrangements
• collegial and professional work culture
• career growth and development opportunities across multiple business areas
• on-the-job training to support your success in the role

Effective January 1st, 2024 the salary range for this position is $27.49 to $30.60 per hour in compliance with OPSEU Unified Bargaining Unit collective agreement provisions.

The new rates, effective retroactive to January 1, 2024, were recently confirmed and dates for implementation of the new salary rates are still to be determined

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?In this role, you will:

• collect data and information on fish communities and aquatic environments (Broad Scale Fisheries Monitoring)
• provide regional aquatics support to district and regional offices
• direct and supervise assessment crews conducting field data collection programs
• provide training and workshops to staff in all aspects of aquatics such as sampling gear training - gill nets, plankton hauls, identification of fish species, develop sampling techniques, and field routines; general aquatics field training, fish netting, fish sampling, and fish aging techniques
• perform technical duties such as gathering, assembling and compiling technical information
• prepare reports, posters, brochures and field manuals
• prepare budgets, monitor, audit and report on crew/contractor performance

How do I qualify?Mandatory requirements:

• You must have a valid class 'G' driver's licence or equivalent, as recognized by the Province of Ontario. The offer of employment is conditional upon the successful candidate providing proof that they have a valid driver's licence upon being hired.
• You must possess or have the ability to obtain a valid Pleasure Craft Operator's Card.

Technical knowledge and skills:

• You have proven knowledge and experience to safely conduct aquatic science field and laboratory work including safe boat operations, maintaining fishing gear (i.e. gill, trap, seine, hydro-acoustics, electrofishing), performing laboratory and field samples preparation and analysis (i.e. stable isotope preparation, fish aging, fish and invertebrate identification).
• You have proven experience with computers and software to perform data management activities related to field collections, including carrying out data collection, data entry, word processing and basic data management.
• You have the ability to follow ministry and related policies and procedures (i.e. Occupational Health and Safety Act) to safely conduct field and laboratory work.

Leadership skills:

• You have team leadership skills to train, direct and supervise crews comprised of contract staff, students and volunteers, and ensuring that work is conducted to quality standards and staff operate in accordance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and applicable ministry policies and procedures.
• You have proven leadership skills to assign daily work, monitor the quality and quantity of work, and report on progress.

Analytical and problem solving skills:

• You have proven analytical and problem solving skills to make project-level decisions and determine nature and extent of deviations from existing data collection standards and protocols, and recommend corrective action.
• You can interpret standards, policies and procedural guidelines, acts and regulations to determine approaches and solve issues, and apply to program operations in field conditions (e.g. net location changes).
• You have sound decision making skills and experience resolving technical problems in operational field situations.

Planning and coordinating skills

• You have proven planning and coordinating skills to organize, schedule and coordinate crew and equipment resources (e.g. boats/motors, accommodations, vehicle transportation) for various field projects (e.g. conducting an index gill netting program on a high profile lake).

Interpersonal and communication skills:

• You have well developed interpersonal skills to deal with requests and concerns of internal and external clients (e.g. tourist outfitters, consultants and other MNRF staff).
• You can respond to inquiries by providing oral and written information on matters (such as reports, resource data and maps).
• You have demonstrated communication skills to make presentations, and share information with professional staff and clients in resource management programs to promote partnerships and further understanding of projects.
• You can present information and ideas with tact when working with contractors and consultants.

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