Job Specification

Purpose of Position :

To assist with the coordination, implementation and delivery of the Fish and Wildlife and Natural Heritage programs, promoting the sustainability of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems and integration of resource management activities, in the District under the general supervision of the Chatham Area Supervisor and group leadership of the Partnership Specialist.

Duties / Responsibilities :

Under the general supervision of the Area Supervisor, Chatham Area Office, and professional direction of the Partnership Specialist:

• Assist with the coordination and implementation of project plans for aquatic and terrestrial habitat restoration and protection in priority areas including fish and wildlife populations.

• Assist with field inventory or monitoring of fish and wildlife / natural heritage features and values.
• Attend courses focusing on evaluation or habitat restoration techniques and other relevant resource management topics, as directed by the Partner Specialist and Area Supervisor.
• Assist with the preparation of permit applications and EA screenings for proposed projects.
• Participate on relevant project teams to help establish objectives, transfer information, and report on progress.
• Identify and engage with strategic partners that can support the District with habitat restoration and species management projects in the priority areas.
• Assist in acquiring the necessary GIS resources to provide timely and relevant input into aquatic and terrestrial protection and restoration projects.
• Assist in developing and coaching funding proposals and leveraging with partners
• Assist with conducting public education and awareness presentations and handout materials

The incumbent shall, while in the workplace, conduct themselves in compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations, and any workplace procedures or practices as directed by their immediate supervisor, report any hazards of which they are aware to their immediate supervisor, report all work related injuries and illnesses to their immediate supervisor.

Staffing and Licencing :

• Valid Ontario Drivers Licence
• Proof of eligibility to work in Canada.
• Proof of full-time enrolment in a recognized post-secondary college or university or graduation within the last five years.

Knowledge :

• Job requires knowledge of biology and ecology including conservation biology, biodiversity and the natural sciences.
• Job requires knowledge of current natural resource inventory, monitoring, and assessment techniques with regard to natural landscapes, wildlife habitat, wetlands, water quality and quantity, and other values.
• Job requires knowledge of field identification and assessment of biodiversity (ecosystems, flora, and fauna) of Ontario.
• Job requires understanding of conservation issues, and legislative and planning tools that support the protection of natural heritage values and areas in Ontario.
• Job requires working knowledge of geographic information systems and mapping.
• Job requires knowledge of analytical techniques and computer applications in order to analyze data and prepare reports.
• Job requires knowledge of worker responsibilities as outlined in the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations.

Skills :

• Job requires interpersonal skills and ability to work independently, or within a multi-disciplinary team and with clients and partners.
• Job requires communication skills, both oral and written to communicate a variety of types of information clearly and concisely orally and in writing to a variety of audiences.
• Job requires organizational and analytical skills in order to organize own time and be able to problem solve with the information provided.
• Job requires ability to travel to other work locations to assist with field inventory and meetings for knowledge transfer and planning purposes.
• Job requires ability to use GIS technology (ArcMap) and to input GIS data, digitize and produce reports and maps relating to natural features.
• Job requires ability to use personal computers including word processing, record keeping, electronic mail and internet software applications.

Freedom of Action :

• Position works under the general supervision of Area Supervisor, Chatham Area Office, and the professional leadership of the Partnership Specialist.
• Work is guided by Ministry and government legislation, policies, standards and priorities and performed in accordance with established methods and practical procedures.
• Job contributes to decision-making about priorities and major tasks in consultation with the Area Supervisor, Partnership Specialist assigned to this position, Chatham and Aylmer and Long Point Area teams. Work is reviewed for general accuracy and adequacy.
• Situations not covered by established methods and practical procedures are referred to supervisor.