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Job Specification
Position Title: AQUATIC SCIENCE PROJECT BIOLOGIST
Job Code: OPSEU - Biologist 2A, 14022
Job ID: 22157

Purpose of Position:
To provide technical and project management support to the aquatic science program of Northeast Science & Information Section. Participate in tasks associated with literature review and synthesis, data collection, analysis and reporting on multiple ongoing science projects (e.g. fish population assessments, riverine habitat characterizations, instream flow mitigation trials, invertebrate ecology knowledge syntheses). Project direction and guidance will be provided by the lead aquatic Science Specialist for each project.

Duties/Responsibilities:

1) Project Management: (20%)
• Coordinates logistics and field/office work for individual projects including field trial establishment and measurement, estimates financial, human resources and equipment requirements, and makes logistical arrangements with OMNR and industrial partners.
• Monitors expenditures to ensure approved budget allocations are not exceeded; monitors achievements and timelines to ensure that targets are met.
• Assists in development of funding proposals and project workplans
• Develops and maintains collaborative working relationships with science and resource management practitioners internal and external to the project team and MNR
• Attends and participates in organizational meetings with partners and collaborators

2) Data Collection (20%)
• gathering of background information in advance of field data collection e.g. netting records, maps, etc.
• screening of candidate sites / plots based on ecological and logistic criteria
• training and on-site supervision of technical/student staff in collection of field data using standardized scientific methods and protocols appropriate to the study
• contacts and consults with scientific and technical experts as necessary to solve problems

3) Data Management & Analysis (20%)
• ensures safe storage / backup of all files, accurate data entry, and prepares data and metadata for analysis
• provides technical advice re. design of databases and data collection forms / processes
• conducts data analysis to determine sample size requirements
• conducts complex statistical analysis to determine treatment response, evaluate trends, detect relationships between variables and perform classification exercises

4) Knowledge synthesis (20%)
• plans and executes searches of scientific and technical literature on specific aspects of fisheries/aquatic ecology and management
• organizes, summarizes and files literature using appropriate software.
• consults with scientific and technical experts when necessary to supplement literature searches
• analyzes and interprets results; prepares summaries

5) Technology transfer (20%)
• prepares technical reports, newsletter articles and manuscripts for review/publication.
• assists in the organization and execution of information sessions, tours, workshops, and displays including arranging presenters, developing itineraries and logistic arrangements, and preparation of presentations, handouts, posters, demonstration of models, field techniques and specific protocols and presentation of interim results
• maintains ongoing relationships with field practitioners and offers advise and guidance on an ad-hoc basis as requested

6) Ability to travel

7) Managers have the right to assign additional duties

The incumbent shall, while in the workplace, conduct themselves in compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act, and any workplace practices as directed by their immediate supervisor, and in accordance with IRS as outlined in the OH&S Act.

Knowledge:
Job requires knowledge of applied biological, ecological and fisheries management methods, techniques and procedures to organize and implement field research projects to test and refine operational practices, standards and guidelines, and to develop indices and ecological classification tools for use by natural resource managers to analyze and interpret data from field trials.

Experience and knowledge of database management, spreadsheet, word processing and graphics software to: develop, acquire and maintain databases for specific projects/programs; produce analyses of data; and prepare reports on findings using a personal computer.

Knowledge of standard methods, procedures and techniques and tools for statistical design, field sampling, analysis and modeling, to assess aquatic populations and ecosystems and/or treatment effects, including experience in working with boats and motors of various configurations and in various sizes of waterbodies.

Knowledge of ministry/ resource management policy, objectives and priorities, e.g. land use management, resource allocation, Environmental Assessment Terms and Conditions, provincial legislation (Environmental Assessment Act, Endangered Species Act, Fish and Wildlife Act), federal legislation, and standards and guidelines to participate in the analysis and interpretation of data for the development of new standards and guidelines and/or new management models and tools such as instream flow habitat models and fisheries population models , to identify best management practices and to explain Ministry resource management practices to clients and partners.

Knowledge of worker responsibilities as outlined in the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

Staffing and Licensing Requirements:
Valid Class G driver`s license to conduct fieldwork in remote locations.

Skills:

1. Motivation for science-based technology development and transfer with a high degree of creativity, initiative and judgement.
2. Understanding of the methods and protocol for conducting literature searches and working with local and remote libraries.
3. Knowledge of library software and PC computers.
4. Proficient in literature reviews, data management, data analysis, and statistics (including experimental design).
5. Technical, field data collection, and aquatics-related survey skills.
6. Ability to plan, develop and implement programs of a complex nature and produce deliverables to a fixed timeline with minimum supervision.
7. Ability to communicate effectively with staff from other Ministries, other governments, and non-government organizations to co-ordinate activities to achieve a common goal.
8. Experience in production of concise written documents and reports suitable for publication as a technical manual/guide targeted to professional and technical audiences.
9. Oral and written communication skills.
10. Ability to work within a team environment with people of different backgrounds.
11. Ability to effectively train and supervise others.
12. Ability to travel for lengthy periods and work in adverse conditions during the field season.

Freedom of Action:
Job requires working in accordance with Ministry and Government legislation, policies and associated directives (e.g. Fish and Wildlife Act) and within established practices and procedures.

Work is performed in accordance with established methods and practical procedures. Work is reviewed for general accuracy and adequacy. Situations not covered by established methods and practical procedures are referred to supervisor.