Job Specification

Purpose of Position :

To contribute to wildlife research and monitoring initiatives by managing data, performing statistical analyses and modelling, writing scientific reports and providing written and oral briefings to scientists, partners, and senior managers, conducting field work in managed forests, reviewing published literature.

Duties / Responsibilities :

Under the direct supervision of Research Scientist, you will:

Manage, process and analyze scientific data, develop ecological models; work with large complex datasets using database software (e.g. MS Access and Excel); perform routine and complex quantitative analysis (e.g. spatial population modelling, simulation modelling) using statistical (e.g. R) and geographic information system software (e.g. ArcGIS), and interpreting outcomes;

Contribute to sound management of scientific information.

Write up the results of scientific studies.

Provide written and oral briefings on your work to scientists, partners and senior managers.

Conduct work in remote field settings as required to support wildlife and habitat survey activities according to procedural standards; using technical equipment such as GPS, digital audio recorders, digital trail cameras, small mammal live traps, data recording and tabulation; handling and driving 4x4 trucks, all-terrain vehicles, and boats.

Managers have the right to assign additional duties.

NOTE: 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.

Staffing and Licensing :

Valid Class G Driver's Licence or equivalent as recognized by the Province of Ontario.

Ability to travel to remote field locations frequently and for multiple days.

Physical ability to handle heavy equipment and work under adverse weather conditions.

Knowledge :

Knowledge of, the theory, principles, and practices of the management of wildlife populations and habitat; population and habitat ecology of terrestrial vertebrate wildlife species; forest ecology and management; knowledge of survey design, field sampling methods and techniques associated with monitoring the status and trends of wildlife populations and habitat.

Knowledge of sound data management principles to manage, process and analyse scientific data.


Knowledge statistical methods and tools, and the interpretation of analytical outputs to support monitoring and research objectives using wildlife population and habitat data to perform statistical analysis.

Knowledge of, navigation procedures in remote field settings using a compass, Global Position System (GPS) locator and maps; field equipment operations to perform maintenance, calibration, adjustments and repair of equipment such as Global Position System locators, hand held data computers, and vehicles in accordance with user's manuals to conduct field work.

Knowledge of safe working practices in field and laboratory settings and worker responsibilities under the OH&S Act.

Skills :

Analytical skills and experience conducting quantitative analysis of ecological data, including statistical and spatial analyses and modelling.

Experience using databases to enter, manage, query, and manipulate data.

Demonstrated ability to use of personal computers and software, including word processing, spreadsheet and database applications (e.g. MS Word, Excel, Access), geographic information systems (e.g. ArcGis), statistical analysis software (e.g. SPSS, R, Systat) to assess and analyze information for reports and presentations.

Experience writing scientific papers and/or reports.

Strong organizational and interpersonal, skills to manage multiple projects, solve problems, and work with other staff and partners.

Ability to communicate scientific information clearly and concisely orally and in writing.

Project management skills to develop project terms of reference and establish and meet required deliverables.

Ability to work independently with periodic direction.

Job requires physical ability to work in remote field settings, in all types of weather, during data collection periods including heavy lifting; ability to work on the water in boats, in small aircraft, and land using all-terrain vehicles.

Freedom of Action :

Position works under the direction of the Senior Research Scientist. Work is performed in accordance with established methods and practical procedures. Position makes routine decisions about priorities and major tasks in consultation with supervisor. Work is reviewed for accuracy and adequacy. Situations not covered by established methods and practical procedures are referred to supervisor.