Wildlife Research Biologist

Do not miss this opportunity to provide assistance in the delivery of wildlife research and monitoring projects focussing on the effects of various stressors with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry.

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 $1,103.74 to $1,329.75 per (hour/week) 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:

• plan, organise and coordinate field data collection
• train field crews on data collection procedures and protocols
• participate in data collection which may include the capture, immobilization and marking of wild animals, collection of samples, aerial and ground surveys
• conduct laboratory procedures involving the autopsy of specimens
• analyse data and prepare results for presentation and publication

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 are/or are willing to be vaccinated against the rabies virus.
• You are capable of working in a variety to terrain and adverse weather conditions.

Scientific knowledge and skills:

• You have a solid working knowledge of wildlife research management techniques and approaches to support the planning, implementation and reporting of projects.
• You have thorough knowledge of scientific methods, procedures and equipment to support wildlife disease surveillance and control, and wildlife research and monitoring projects.
• You are familiar with data collection techniques and tools, and have an understanding of statistical design.

Laboratory skills:

• You have proven experience working in both lab and field operations to collect data and process specimens for biological data and store samples appropriately to maintain sample integrity.
• You have basic knowledge of mammalian anatomy to process and obtain biological material for further analysis such as extracting reproductive tracts, ovaries, blood tissue, stomach contents, brain tissue, salivary glands, tooth and bone tissue.
• You have knowledge of the worker's responsibilities as outlined by the Ontario Health and Safety Act.

Analytical and problem solving skills:

• You have analytical and project management skills to organize and address tasks needed to complete projects.
• You have experience in solving problems.

Communication and interpersonal skills

• You can work with a multi-disciplinary team to meet tight and competing project deadlines.
• You have oral and written communications skills to present findings to the project team, colleagues and partner agencies.

Data management and computer skills:

• You can effectively use computer software such as word processing, spreadsheets, presentation software, email and internet to perform the position duties.
• You are proficient with analytical and databases software, including database design to manage data and conduct basic statistical analysis.

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