Job Specification

Purpose of Position :

As part of the Lake Erie Management team, organizes and coordinates the acquisition, analysis and interpretation of data to describe fish populations, fish habitat, to support the rehabilitation component of the LEMU program for sustainable development of the Lakes Erie and St. Clair aquatic resources and ecosystems, under the administrative direction of the assessment supervisor; provides science advice for fisheries management by interpreting the current status of: aquatic populations in the lakes and tributaries, wetland, and nearshore habitats and recommending strategies for habitat and aquatic animal rehabilitation.

Duties / Responsibilities :

As part of the Lake Erie Management team, organizes and coordinates the acquisition, analysis and interpretation of data to describe fish populations, fish habitat, to support the rehabilitation component of the LEMU program for sustainable development of the Lakes Erie and St. Clair aquatic resources and ecosystems, under the administrative direction of the assessment supervisor; provides science advice for fisheries management by interpreting the current status of: aquatic populations in the lakes and tributaries, wetland, and nearshore habitats and recommending strategies for habitat and aquatic animal rehabilitation.

Staffing and Licencing :

• Valid drivers license
• Ability to obtain Electrofishing certification

Knowledge :

• Advanced knowledge of theories, principles and practices concerning aquatic ecosystems and ecosystem management, particularly in the areas of fish communities, nearshore habitat, fisheries, limnology, and the structure and function of food webs;
• Knowledge of how land use practices and developments impact aquatic ecosystems, and of strategies to remediate impacts or compensate;
• Knowledge of scientific method with ability to have project findings or products reviewed and accepted by peers, as demonstrated by publication
• Knowledge of information technology, database management, word processing and graphics software to develop and maintain databases for resource management projects, analyse results and present reports on findings
• Knowledge of statistics, experimental design and computer modelling techniques to design sampling and experimental management studies, analyse and interpret results, run computer simulation models, and transfer results to field e.g. knowledge of fish populations and habitat models, aquatic ecosystem classification methods etc.
• Shall work in compliance with the provisions of the Health and Safety Act and regulations and any workplace practices as directed by the Manager and in accordance with Internal Responsibility System as outlined in the O.H.&S. Act.

Skills :

• Analytical and problem solving skills to clarify problems, evaluate options and identify approaches to assessment of fish communities, fish habitat and aquatic food webs
• Interpretation and synthesis skills to bring information from scientific studies into the analysis of survey data in order to determine the status of fish communities, fish habitat or food web components, and diagnose impairments
• Analytical skills to identify solutions to reduce or eliminate impairments by researching available scientific information
• Ability to design, and implement projects and work plans through to completion
• Oral and written communication skills to communicate with audiences from the general public to research scientists
• Ability to work in a multi-disciplinary team environment and with partners/collaborators from First Nations, other Ministries, Conservation Authorities, OFAH, OCFA, farm organizations or other interest groups, municipalities, through demonstrated good negotiation and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work on Great Lakes vessels, and other boats including electrofishing boats, in inclement weather

Freedom of Action :

• Job requires working within legislation, regulations, policies and program standards governing natural resource management and research in Ontario [e.g. Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, Lakes and Rivers Improvement Act, Environmental Assessment Act] and within recognised technical and scientific procedures and practices for surveying and research [e.g. sampling methods and standards]
• Job requires consulting/liasing with supervisors, collaborators, and clients to develop and refine project directions and plans. Job requires communicating project implementation strategies and projects progress to supervisors, collaborators and clients to ensure broader resource program goals and directions are met and links to other science and technology programs are made