Aquatic Student

Located at the head of Lake Ontario and within the municipalities of Burlington and Hamilton, Royal Botanical Gardens (RBG) is the largest botanical garden in Canada and one of the nation’s earliest nature sanctuaries. Comprising some 2700 acres of protected wetlands, botanical collections, parkland and display gardens, and within easy access of millions of nature-starved urban citizens, RBG dedicates its expertise in horticulture, conservation, science and education to connect people, plants and place for the purpose of nurturing and preserving healthy growing life on our planet. RBG directs its efforts, and seeks the support of individuals and organizations, to realize its vision of a world in which everyone is awake to the beauty, diversity and necessity of plants, and from that consciousness more actively works together to protect and preserve plant species and habitats and, by extension, our planet.

RBG has committed to becoming a fully sustainable and ecologically restorative organization. This is an integral part of our culture, and we require all our employees to assist us with this goal by committing to make the best ecological decisions possible in the execution of their responsibilities, keeping in mind the possible effects these decisions may have on both the human and natural environments both now, and into the future.

**Tasks and Responsibilities**
- Assist in various non-native species control programs and seasonal operation of the Cootes Paradise Fishway. i.e. identification and collection of fish population statistics, tagging, as well as public information and education
- Assist with wetland restoration projects such as planting of emergent plant species
- Assist in ongoing population monitoring of aquatic plant species, fish and water quality
- Assist with collection and recording of scientific data
- Operate sampling gear including boats, electrofishers, seine nets, GPS units, secchi discs, and YSI meter
- Communicate with the public about conservation work

**Qualifications**:

- Familiar with various ecosystem monitoring techniques for aquatic systems
- Knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Word and Access
- Basic statistical analysis abilities
- Knowledge of local geography, basic hydrology, aquatic flora and fauna
- Electrofishing, CPR, and First Aid Certificates is an asset
- Familiar with the Hamilton Harbour Remedial Action Plan
- Attending a post-secondary institution with emphasis in environmental studies in the semester prior to hiring or returning to school in the fall semester

**Working Conditions**:
Indoors and outdoors. Participant must be prepared for all weather conditions. Heavy physical labour will be necessary at times.

Upon request, suitable accommodations are available under the Accessibility for Ontarians Act. We thank all applicants however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.